Description
The United States Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association and Foundation (AAF), headquartered in Kings Point, New York, seeks an experienced, missiondriven executive to serve as its next President & CEO. The AAF is the independent philanthropic and advocacy partner to the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), one of the nation's five federal service academies, and plays a vital role in advancing the Academy's academic, professional, and service mission in maritime transportation, national security, and global commerce. The Board of Directors of the AAF requires that this position be held by an alumna or alumnus of the Academy.
The AAF is a nonprofit, taxexempt 501(c)(3) organization with a longtenured staff and a deeply committed core of Alumni, Donors, and volunteers. The AAF supports the Academy through philanthropy and donor stewardship, alumni engagement, advocacy and government relations, and strategic initiatives aligned with institutional priorities. While operating independently, the AAF maintains a close, mission-aligned relationship with the Academy and the U.S. Department of Transportation in a complex federal environment that requires clear roles, sound judgment, and disciplined governance.
Over the past several years, the AAF has strengthened its financial position, refined its operating model, and rebuilt trust with key constituencies. Today, the AAF is financially stable, well governed, and increasingly respected as a credible partner to Alumni, Donors, and policymakers. The AAF has expanded its national advocacy efforts and is now recognized as a trusted, nonpartisan resource to members of Congress and their staff on matters affecting the Academy.
This role presents a distinctive leadership opportunity for an alum who understands the Academy's unique culture, history, and federal context and can lead effectively within a small, complex, and highly relationship-centered organization. The President & CEO is responsible for sustaining long-term donor confidence, strengthening Alumni engagement across a diverse constituency, and advancing the AAF's philanthropic and advocacy impact at the national level. They will also provide hands-on operational leadership of the organization, ensuring effective execution of priorities, disciplined financial management, and overall organizational performance and accountability. Success in this role depends less on scale-driven growth and more on relationship strength, institutional credibility, and steady, values-driven leadership. The President & CEO serves as the primary partner to the Board of Directors, supporting effective governance, strengthening trustee engagement, and advancing the AAF's mission.
The ideal candidate will bring senior leadership experience in philanthropy, advancement, advocacy, nonprofit management, or a related field, along with strong financial acumen and exceptional relationshipbuilding skills. The Board strongly prefers candidates who possess a deep understanding of the Academy's culture and Alumni community. Transferable leadership experience, particularly in fundraising, donor stewardship, nonprofit leadership, and external engagement, will be valued, provided candidates demonstrate strong alignment with the AAF & the Academy's mission and values.
The successful candidate will be a visible and trusted ambassador, comfortable engaging with alumni, donors, Academy leadership, external stakeholders, the Regimental Midshipmen, and the KP Community. This role requires a regular, visible presence at Kings Point and active engagement with alumni, Academy leadership, and external stakeholders.
This is a full-time, on-site leadership position based in Kings Point, New York, with regular travel to engage Alumni, Donors, and other key constituents.
We invite you to review a complete leadership profile here.
Expressions of interest, nominations, and applications are welcome and can be made via the WittKieffer Candidate Portal by clicking here. The Candidate Portal is a secure,easy wayto nominate a colleague, express interest, or apply for a position. If you have questions about this opportunity, please contact the AAF's search partners at WittKieffer: Greg Duyck, Senior Partner, and Ashley Buderus, Consultant, at abuderus@wittkieffer.com.
Compensation and Benefits: The anticipated starting compensation range for this position, including base salary and potential incentive compensation, is between $250,000 and $350,000. This range represents a good-faith estimate of the organization's expected compensation for this role. Individual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, expertise, and market considerations. The Alumni Association and Foundation recognize that its team is its greatest asset and is committed to offering a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees and their families.
The United States Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association and Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.
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