Vice President for Human Resources

Bowdoin College (Bowdoin or the College) seeks a strategic, innovative, collaborative, and results-oriented leader to serve as its next vice president for human resources (VPHR). Reporting to the senior vice president for finance and administration & treasurer, the VPHR will join Bowdoin at a time of tremendous opportunity. Centering Bowdoin’s community and the common good, the next VPHR will join a leadership team that is deeply committed to the College’s mission and people. The ideal candidate will be a transformative people and culture leader dedicated to creating optimal working environments and nurturing interconnected systems and policies for all Bowdoin employees. They will lead from a place of integrity, be a strong relationship-builder and collaborator, and have a proven track record of positive change management and a forward-looking, proactive approach to human resources.

As one of the nation’s most competitive liberal arts institutions, Bowdoin exclusively offers a bachelor of arts degree, with over 40 majors and minors, including popular fields like economics, government and legal studies, and environmental studies. Through its rigorous curriculum and a culture of intellectual curiosity, it prepares students for purposeful lives and professional success. This is a pivotal moment to join Bowdoin, as the next VPHR will be stepping into a leadership role at an institution that has a strong sense of its identity and a clear vision for its future. The College's history is one of continuous evolution. The VPHR will have the unique opportunity to build on that legacy by shaping a holistic talent strategy that supports the current workforce and proactively readies future generations. A supportive and intellectually curious community combined with the institution's commitment to its people and place provides an impactful opportunity for a strategic and inspirational HR leader.

With the ability to create a lasting impact, the VPHR will be responsible for leading a human resources function and strategy that aligns with and advances Bowdoin’s mission and strategic direction. They will develop and administer HR policies, procedures, programs, and services that effectively meet the College’s needs, goals, and long-term objectives. Delivering best-in-class HR functions, the next VPHR will be a seasoned, strategic, creative, and transformational leader with extensive experience across a broad range of HR disciplines. They will bring a visible, collaborative, and future-focused approach to human resources, working closely with faculty, staff, and campus leadership to strengthen the employee experience and support the College’s continued success.

This is an on-campus position. The salary range for this role is $225,000 -$250,000.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent below. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

Rebecca Kennedy is leading this search with Angelo Alexander, Karson Freeman, and Cortnee Bollard.

Bowdoin College complies with applicable provisions of federal and state laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination in employment, admission or access to its educational or extracurricular programs, activities, or facilities based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry and national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, place of birth, genetic predisposition, veteran status or against qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities on the basis of disability, or any other legally protected statuses.