President

The Island Institute, a dynamic community development nonprofit based in Rockland, Maine, seeks an experienced, visionary, and engaging leader to serve as its president. The next president will join the Island Institute (the Institute) at an important inflection point in the organization’s history, as it accelerates its work to create resilience for Maine’s island and coastal communities. 

Since 1983, the Island Institute has partnered with thousands of dedicated community leaders who care about the coast of Maine and believe that a sustainable future for communities and the environment is crucial. The Institute works proactively and collaboratively to help Maine’s island and coastal communities tackle the most pressing issues they face. A community-based approach is the foundation of how the Institute advances its three central priorities: creating climate solutions, building a resilient economy, and mobilizing strong leaders. Programs and projects span issue areas from the marine economy, small business support, broadband access, clean energy, and sea level rise to research and networking, education, and leadership development. 

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the president is the chief executive officer of the Island Institute and works closely with the board and senior leaders to set the organization’s direction. The president will be charged with leading the Institute’s talented staff in implementing its strategy to reach its fullest potential as a world-class community development organization serving Maine’s island and coastal communities. They will serve as chief fundraiser and, as the face of the organization, will engage in significant work across a wide array of stakeholder groups and forge external partnerships. They must, therefore, be both comfortable and compelling in telling the story and sharing the vision of the Island Institute to donors, civic leaders and policymakers, waterfront workers, partner organizations, and community leaders.

All inquiries, nominations, and applications, with resumes and cover letters, may be submitted electronically and in confidence below. 

Phillip Petree is leading this search with Berlinda Mojica.