Bowdoin College, a highly selective, undergraduate residential liberal arts college located on the coast of Maine, seeks a dynamic, inspiring, and collaborative leader to serve as Director of its newly expanded Schiller Coastal Studies Center. Reporting to the Senior Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs, this position offers a unique opportunity to guide the future of the Schiller Coastal Studies Center and contribute to a thriving learning community.

Applications will be reviewed as received, with interviews beginning June 2022.

The Schiller Coastal Studies Center, situated among 118-acres of coastal forest, is located approximately thirteen miles from Bowdoin’s main campus. It is a singular site for teaching, learning, and research particularly with respect to studying the ocean, the environment, and the impact of climate change in the Gulf of Maine. SCSC facilities include a marine laboratory with flowing seawater and a sophisticated experimental seawater system capable of simulating climate change; a fleet of small vessels used for teaching and research; and a 155-foot pier and dock used for science and recreation. The pier supports an array of ocean sensors monitoring water quality in real-time, and provides access to the Bowdoin Buoy, a project that allows for continuous monitoring of Harpswell Sound. This year-round coastal campus also includes a single-story, open-studio terrestrial lab particularly suitable for artistic work, a two-story farmhouse with a small classroom and dedicated computer lab, and hiking trails open to members of the Bowdoin community and the general public; the site is also home to the Bowdoin Sailing team. The recent expansion of SCSC, completed in 2021, marks a transformative moment in the history of this site, with the addition of a 4,200-square-foot, state-of-the-art dry laboratory adjacent to the marine laboratory; a 5,000-square-foot Living and Learning Building with a large meeting space, smart classroom, and dining facilities; and three new residential cabins designed to support immersive learning and research, visiting residencies, and community building. The SCSC operates with a talented staff that includes an assistant director, laboratory instructor, research and laboratory support technician, marine operations manager, and caretaker.

Graduate degree required. Applications from all fields are welcome, but candidates must be fluent with issues of coastal and environmental concerns to represent the SCSC among diverse audiences. Record of teaching or scholarly work desired but not required.

The successful candidate must be passionate about Bowdoin’s educational mission and about engaging students, faculty, scientists, scholars, and members of the community with the resources available at the SCSC. The successful candidate will possess (1) a demonstrated ability to translate vision to action, with a proven record of developing and implementing new initiatives; (2) exceptional active listening and communication skills and the ability to relate well to scientists and non-scientists; and (3) the ability to interact with diverse constituents including faculty, staff, students, administrators, funders, and community members. This position calls for strong leadership skills and a commitment to place-based learning and research, community and program building, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Leadership experience at a research or academic institution, or other relevant organization strongly preferred. Working with undergraduate students (or equivalent) and academic communities a plus. Experience securing external support from private and institutional funders desired. We welcome interest from candidates outside of academia with backgrounds in non-profit administration or other relevant fields.

M-F 8:30-5. Occasional Evening or Weekend duties required

Bowdoin embraces diversity in all forms, and the College is home to talented students, faculty and staff—with a variety of racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds; religious beliefs; and gender identities, among other factors.

We encourage applications from candidates committed to the support of an inclusive campus community and those who will enrich and contribute to the College’s multifaceted diversity. We value a community in which individuals of all backgrounds are warmly welcomed and encouraged to succeed.

Founded in 1794, Bowdoin has maintained its commitment to the liberal arts for well over 200 years. Bowdoin’s reputation as a preeminent liberal arts college rests on the excellence of its faculty, students, and staff; intimate size; strong sense of community; and connections to the people, history, and natural beauty of Maine.

Bowdoin’s campus is situated in a beautiful natural setting. Located in Brunswick, Maine, a town of approximately 20,000, the College is a short drive from the Maine coast, twenty-five miles from Portland and 120 miles from Boston.