Business Enterprise Program Administrator

State of Maine•Augusta, ME

3d•$51,501 - $72,259•Onsite

About The Position

The Maine Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) seeks a Business Enterprise Program (BEP) Administrator to lead and oversee a statewide program that provides training, resources, and business opportunities for legally blind individuals to operate vending facilities, snack bars, cafés, micro markets, and other food and retail businesses. The Administrator will work with BEP Managers, contractors, government partners, and other stakeholders to expand entrepreneurial opportunities, strengthen existing operations, and support participants’ financial independence and employment. Working closely with the Rehabilitation Services Manager and the BEP Committee of Blind Managers, the Administrator oversees program operations, budgets, policies, strategic initiatives, performance, and compliance. The role combines strategic planning with hands-on problem solving across business, financial, regulatory, and operational matters. It requires regular in-person presence at the Augusta central office and statewide travel to support managers, facilities, participants, and program partners.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Food Service, or a related field, and two years of professional experience in business or food service management; equivalent related experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
Leadership and program management skills.
Business and financial management experience.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to negotiate, collaborate, and resolve complex issues.
Sound judgment and ability to make decisions independently.
Ability to balance strategic priorities with day-to-day operational demands.
Knowledge of business and financial management principles and practices, accounting, financial reporting, and profit and loss statements.
Knowledge of food service operations and equipment, rehabilitation methods and procedures, Business Enterprise Programs, merchandising, food sanitation rules and regulations, Randolph-Sheppard regulations, vending facility operations, purchasing, inventory and equipment control, interviewing and public relations, and orientation and mobility for individuals who are blind.
Ability to evaluate potential business locations and opportunities and review architectural plans and facility requirements.
Ability to negotiate and mediate with vendors, property managers, contractors, and other partners.
Ability to operate and evaluate food service equipment and observe and evaluate food service and vending operations.
Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret financial and inventory information.
Ability to assess training needs and develop effective training programs.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively verbally and in writing and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals and organizations.

Responsibilities

Identify and evaluate potential locations for new vending facilities by assessing space, customer traffic, market conditions, competition, and business potential.
Build relationships with property managers and other partners, promote BEP, and negotiate agreements that create new business opportunities.
Explore approaches to expand and strengthen BEP services and entrepreneurship opportunities throughout Maine.
Interview individuals referred by Rehabilitation Counselors and assess their interests, capabilities, and readiness for BEP participation.
Participate in selecting and placing individuals into Business Enterprise Program opportunities.
Assess BEP Managers’ training and technical assistance needs and develop programs to strengthen their business and operational skills.
Guide and support BEP Managers in addressing business, financial, operational, and regulatory challenges.
Oversee the day-to-day administration of the Business Enterprise Program.
Develop, implement, and monitor program policies, initiatives, and strategic priorities.
Manage and monitor the BEP budget to ensure effective use of available resources.
Assess equipment, inventory, supplies, and other operational needs and oversee purchasing activities.
Monitor facilities and operations for quality, efficiency, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
Review financial records and operating reports to identify trends, potential financial challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
Provide technical assistance to help BEP Managers resolve financial and operational issues and maintain successful businesses.
Conduct site evaluations and assess facility performance through observation, financial analysis, customer feedback, and consultation with building managers and other stakeholders.
Develop partnerships that increase awareness of BEP and create opportunities for individuals who are blind.
Collaborate with the BEP Committee of Blind Managers, Rehabilitation Services staff, contractors, property managers, businesses, and state and federal partners.
Represent BEP at meetings, conferences, workshops, and other professional events.

Benefits

13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and more than three weeks of vacation leave annually; vacation accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
The State pays 85%–100% of employee-only health insurance premiums, depending on salary; dependent coverage is also available.
A 5% employee-only health insurance premium credit for participation in the applicable program.
The State pays 100% of employee-only dental insurance premiums.
The State contributes 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
Gym membership reimbursement of up to $40 per month.
Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness.
Employee assistance program through the Living Resources Program.
Forty-two consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave for employees welcoming a child; additional unpaid leave may also be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary deferred compensation through a MaineSaves 457(b) account.