Vice President of Education

Foundation List; Bar Harbor (ME); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

MDI Biological Laboratory (MDIBL) seeks an innovative Vice President of Education to modernize and expand its education and training portfolio. This executive role will define the institution's education identity and lead a cohesive, forward-looking education enterprise.

As a member of the Executive Team, the VPE will oversee graduate, undergraduate, courses, conferences, K–12, teacher training, and science communications, building partnerships and securing resources to advance MDIBL's mission.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant scientific or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to build or modernize education programs and secure external resources.
• Strong strategic, organizational, and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Define MDIBL's distinctive education identity and develop a university-wide strategy for education and training.
• Lead a consolidated portfolio including graduate and undergraduate programs, Courses and Conferences, and K–12 initiatives.
• Develop new programs, partnerships, and opportunities aligned with emerging science and careers.
• Serve as external ambassador for MDIBL’s education portfolio and elevate its visibility.

Job description

Position Summary

The MDI Biological Laboratory (MDIBL) seeks an innovative, entrepreneurial, and strategic Vice President of Education (VPE) to modernize and expand its education and training portfolio.

Position Description

A member of the Executive Team, the VPE will define MDIBL’s science education and training identity and develop a compelling vision for how education advances the institution’s scientific mission, reputation, and future. This is a builder’s role, not simply a program management position.The successful candidate will oversee a consolidated array of existing education and training programs, including but not limited to MDIBL’s respected graduate and undergraduate programs, an extensive Courses and Conferences department, as well as initiatives for K–12, teacher training and science communications. The VPE will also create new initiatives, partnerships, and opportunities that respond to emerging science and next generation scientific careers.The VPE will work closely with faculty, senior leadership, students, and external partners to create a cohesive, forward-looking education enterprise that enhances MDIBL’s impact and strengthens its position as a leader in scientific education and training.

Base Salary: $140,000-$170,000/year depending on experience and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities

Set the Vision and Strategy

• Define MDIBL’s distinctive education identity and develop an institution-wide strategy for education and training.
• Establish priorities across the portfolio, balancing mission, impact, resources, reputation, and sustainability.
• Assess existing programs and identify opportunities to strengthen, redesign, expand, or create new initiatives.

Connect Education to Emerging Science

• Partner with faculty as a strategic thought partner and sounding board on educational opportunities.
• Develop cutting-edge courses, conferences, and training programs aligned with MDIBL’s research strengths and emerging scientific fields.

Build the Future Scientific Talent Pipeline

• Explore the expansion of MDIBL’s reach to new constituencies, including K–12 educators, post-baccalaureate students, post-doctorates, early-career scientists, professionals, and others.
• Develop programs that respond to emerging career pathways, technologies, and workforce needs.

Build Partnerships and Visibility

• Develop strategic partnerships with universities, research institutions, industry, foundations, and other organizations.
• Serve as an external ambassador for MDIBL’s education portfolio and strengthen its visibility and reputation.

Generate Resources and Ensure Sustainability

• Develop diversified funding strategies through grants, philanthropy, sponsorships, and strategic partnerships to support and expand innovative educational initiatives.

Provide Institutional Leadership

• Serve as the senior leader for MDIBL’s education and training portfolio.
• Coordinate priorities across programs and foster collaboration among faculty, program leaders, and staff.
• Work with the President and senior leadership to integrate education into MDIBL’s broader institutional strategy.

Basic Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished builder, strategist, collaborator, and external ambassador with a demonstrated record of developing or transforming education, training, or talent-development programs. The successful candidate will hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant scientific or related field and will bring:

• A commitment to MDIBL’s mission and to expanding its impact through education, and training.
• A demonstrated ability to build and modernize programs, not simply manage established ones.
• The scientific credibility to engage effectively with research faculty.
• Experience developing partnerships and securing external resources.

Special Position Requirements and/or Preferences

• Significant leadership experience in education, scientific training, higher education, research, industry, or a related field.
• Strong strategic, organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• An entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to turn ideas into successful, sustainable initiatives.

Work Conditions

In-person position that is often sedentary work, using one or more computers and typical office equipment.