President & CEO

President & CEO

Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park

 

Winter Harbor, ME

 

OVERVIEW

 

• Position: President & CEO

• Reports to: Board of Directors

• Location: Winter Harbor, ME

 

ASPIRATION

 

To guide present and future generations to greater understanding and respect for nature by providing research and learning opportunities through its outstanding Acadia National Park setting, unique coastal Maine facilities, and innovative and influential partnerships.

 

Schoodic Institute leads thriving communities of science, learning, and communication to advance and inspire conservation solutions for a rapidly changing world. We are a primary nonprofit partner of the National Park Service in science and learning; as well as a leader in the science and stories of environmental change in Acadia and beyond.

 

ABOUT SCHOODIC INSTITUTE AT ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

 

Schoodic Institute’s (the Institute) mission is inspiring science, learning, and community for a changing world.

At the forefront of environmental stewardship, Schoodic Institute cultivates curiosity, connection, and respect for the natural world. Through innovative partnerships, the Institute delivers hands-on research and learning programs across Maine’s Downeast coast, as well as the forests, marshlands, and mountain summits of Acadia National Park.

 

As a nonprofit organization and Acadia National Park’s primary partner in science and education, the Institute works to understand environmental change, support conservation decision-making, engage learners of all ages, and create pathways for future leaders in science, communication, and stewardship.

 

Schoodic Institute co-manages a unique 100-acre campus within Acadia National Park that includes laboratories, classrooms, meeting facilities, overnight accommodations, dining services, and a 124-seat auditorium. Open year-round, the campus hosts educational programs, scientific research, conferences, retreats, and community gatherings, bringing together researchers, students, educators, conservation practitioners, and visitors from across the country.

 

Located on Schoodic Point within the homelands of the Wabanaki, People of the Dawn, Schoodic Institute recognizes and supports Indigenous connections to the region through partnerships, research opportunities, cultural events, and community engagement. The Institute embraces the belief that knowledge comes from integrating Indigenous and western science.

 

Since its founding in 2004, Schoodic Institute has evolved into a recognized leader in conservation science and environmental learning. The Institute is doing compelling science related to environmental change that is highly influential within the Park Service and beyond. Through research focused on climate adaptation, biodiversity monitoring, ecosystem resilience, and environmental change, the Institute helps land managers, researchers, policymakers, and communities better understand and respond to rapidly changing conditions.

 

Its educational programs engage everyone from middle school students participating in immersive overnight experiences to early-career scientists launching conservation careers. The joint education programs that occur on campus are life-changing for the hundreds of young people and adults who participate each year. The Institute recently received a $1.5 million grant to lead innovative, real-time visitor use and natural resource monitoring in Acadia National Park.

 

Central to Schoodic Institute’s success is its commitment to and learning through partnership. The organization works closely with the National Park Service, Friends of Acadia, Wabanaki communities, research institutions, government agencies, educational organizations, and community stakeholders. These relationships create opportunities that these organizations could not achieve independently and position Schoodic Institute as an essential contributor to the future of conservation, education, and public lands stewardship.

 

THE OPPORTUNITY

 

The next President & CEO will join Schoodic Institute at a pivotal moment in its evolution.

As Schoodic Institute looks toward its next chapter, the President & CEO will serve as the chief executive officer, providing vision, strategic direction, and overall organizational leadership for a premier research and learning center embedded within Acadia National Park.

 

The organization has successfully navigated periods of uncertainty, demonstrated resilience through changing federal funding environments, strengthened its relationship with key partners, and built a respected reputation for science, education, and public engagement. The next leader will have the opportunity to enhance scientific and organizational capacity, diversify revenue streams, strengthen infrastructure, and expand impact.

 

The President & CEO leads a dedicated and growing team of approximately 30 year-round staff and 70 seasonal employees. The new President & CEO will manage and build upon an annual operating budget of $4.5 million, and an endowment of over $4.5 million. Each year, the Institute offers several highly competitive programs to advance the careers of college students, new graduates, and scientists. Through these initiatives, the Institute has built a successful ladder of opportunities for researchers, educators, and science communication professionals. This provides on-the-ground experience working with scientists and resource managers.

 

Among the most exciting initiatives ahead is a substantial campus accommodations redevelopment project that will modernize lodging facilities, improve guest experience, and better position Schoodic Institute for future growth. Primarily supported through a major federal investment and through additional philanthropic support, this project represents both a strategic opportunity and a leadership challenge requiring coordination among multiple partners and stakeholders. Once completed, the new accommodations will significantly increase net revenue to the Institute.

 

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the next President & CEO will have the opportunity to lead an organization with a compelling mission, dedicated staff, an engaged board, supportive partners, and meaningful national relevance at a time when science-based solutions, environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and public engagement have never been more important.

 

The next President & CEO will advance the Institute’s reputation regionally and nationally as a leader in conservation science, climate adaptation, environmental research, and place-based learning.

The President & CEO will provide executive oversight of financial management, science and education initiatives, and campus operations while leading, mentoring, and empowering a high-performing senior management team and promoting an inclusive, collaborative organizational culture.

 

There are significant opportunities to deepen Schoodic Institute’s strategic partnerships with the National Park Service and Friends of Acadia. Additional opportunities exist to grow revenue from the Institute’s hospitality facilities and expand support from foundations, public agencies, and individual philanthropists. The next leader will also have the chance to strengthen relationships with the Wabanaki Nations, academic institutions, and regional conservation networks, further advancing Schoodic Institute’s mission and impact.

 

CANDIDATE PROFILE

 

The Board seeks a dynamic and mission-driven executive who combines strategic leadership, a solid background in science and/or education, relationship-building skills, fundraising expertise, and organizational management experience.

 

While candidates may come from a variety of professional backgrounds, a passionate commitment to science, education, lifelong learning, and public engagement is essential, as is respect for Indigenous partnerships and diverse perspectives.

 

The ideal candidate will also bring:

 

• Passion for national parks, protected lands, and the outdoors.

• A background or deep literacy in environmental science, conservation, and/or education.

• A relevant advanced degree is preferred but not required.

• Close knowledge of and past work with National Parks (a plus).

 

The ideal candidate will be a leader who can continue to bring people together, articulate a compelling vision, build partnerships, and secure resources for future growth.

 

Ideal candidates will have senior executive management experience, such as serving as CEO, Executive Director, Vice President, or at a comparable level within a nonprofit, educational, research, public lands, governmental, or similar organization.

 

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated:

 

• Success leading teams and managing change.

• The ability to translate vision into results.

• Experience overseeing budgets, operations, and organizational strategy.

• A collaborative leadership style characterized by transparency, empathy, accountability, and inclusiveness.

• Success cultivating complex strategic partnerships across public agencies, nonprofits, and community stakeholders.

 

The next President & CEO will be comfortable serving as a leading ambassador for the Institute and will demonstrate success and strategic thinking around diversifying revenue streams and supporting long-term financial sustainability. Ideally, they will have:

 

• A proven record of cultivating and stewarding major donors.

• Experience securing institutional funding, foundation support, or government-funded partnerships.

 

Personally, the next President & CEO will be:

 

• An inspiring communicator and authentic storyteller.

• A person of real curiosity, adaptability, and resilience.

• Comfortable working within the Downeast Maine setting.

• Motivated by mission and impact rather than personal recognition.

 

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, & APPLICATION FOR POSITION

 

Schoodic Institute offers a competitive executive compensation package designed to attract an accomplished and mission-driven leader.

 

The anticipated salary range for this position is $150,000 to $200,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Schoodic Institute also provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, a retirement savings plan with a 3% employer match, paid vacation, eleven paid holidays, personal and sick leave, life insurance coverage, a monthly cell phone stipend, and opportunities for ongoing professional development. Relocation assistance, including temporary housing accommodations, is available to support a smooth transition to the area.

 

How to Apply

 

Applications and nominations are being received by Kittleman & Associates, LLC. To apply, please send a current resume and letter of interest by October 23, 2026 to https://kittlemansearch.com/schoodic-institute-president-ceo (click on the Apply button at the bottom of the page).

 

To learn more about Schoodic Institute, please visit https://schoodicinstitute.org/

Schoodic Institute is committed to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and respectful workplace where employees are encouraged to contribute their ideas, share their expertise, and advance the organization’s mission. The Institute is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks to build a team that reflects a broad range of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds.