AVP of Development

About the New England Aquarium

Located on Boston’s historic waterfront, the New England Aquarium is a globally recognized leader in marine science, conservation, education, and public engagement. Since 1969, the Aquarium has inspired millions of visitors while advancing solutions to critical ocean and environmental challenges. Through the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, the Aquarium conducts impactful research that informs conservation policy, protects endangered marine species, and advances sustainable ocean practices worldwide.

Today, the Aquarium is entering an exciting period of organizational growth and philanthropic momentum, with expanding conservation initiatives, increasing donor investment, and further strengthening its fundraising infrastructure in support of future campaign readiness.

About the Opportunity

The Associate Vice President of Philanthropy is a newly structured senior fundraising leadership role responsible for helping shape the Aquarium’s next era of philanthropic growth. Reporting to the Vice President of Development, the AVP will lead and mentor a frontline fundraising team while managing a personal portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects.

This leader will partner closely with executive leadership, scientists, program leaders, and board members to translate the Aquarium’s mission and conservation priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities. The role offers the opportunity to help strengthen fundraising strategy, expand donor engagement, and build long-term philanthropic capacity at one of the nation’s most respected marine science institutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic fundraising initiatives across individual, institutional, corporate, and planned giving programs
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of frontline fundraising professionals
• Maintain and grow a personal portfolio of major and principal gift donors
• Partner with executive leadership and board members on key philanthropic opportunities
• Support annual and multi-year fundraising planning, revenue forecasting, and pipeline development
• Foster cross-functional collaboration across development, marketing, finance, and program teams

Qualifications
Qualified candidates should bring:

• 10+ years of progressive fundraising leadership experience in a complex nonprofit environment
• Demonstrated success securing six- and seven-figure philanthropic gifts
• Experience leading and developing high-performing fundraising teams
• Strong strategic planning, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Experience with major gifts, institutional fundraising, and revenue forecasting preferred

Compensation & Location

The anticipated salary range for this position is $162,000–$182,000, commensurate with experience. The position is based in Boston, Massachusetts, within a collaborative hybrid work environment. Relocation assistance available for this senior role.

To Apply

The New England Aquarium has retained ThinkingAhead Executive Search’s Nonprofit Division to lead this search. 

For questions or additional information, please contact:

Kay Linder
Partner, Nonprofit Division
ThinkingAhead Executive Search
[email protected]

Heather Campbell
Partner, Nonprofit Division
ThinkingAhead Executive Search
[email protected]