Business Enterprise Program Administrator

State of Maine•Augusta, GA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Maine Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) is seeking a Business Enterprise Program (BEP) Administrator to lead a statewide program that provides training, resources, and business opportunities for individuals who are legally blind to operate vending facilities, including snack bars, cafés, micro markets, vending operations, and other food and retail services. The program supports entrepreneurship, financial independence, and meaningful employment. The Administrator provides leadership and oversight of program operations, budgets, policies, strategic initiatives, performance, and compliance. The role works with BEP Managers, the Rehabilitation Services Manager, the BEP Committee of Blind Managers, contractors, government partners, property managers, businesses, and other stakeholders to identify opportunities, develop partnerships, strengthen operations, and support program participants. The position requires regular in-person presence at the Augusta central office and statewide travel.

Requirements

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.
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, and purchasing, inventory, stock, and equipment control.
Knowledge of interviewing and public relations practices 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 establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals and organizations.
Strong leadership, program management, business and financial management, communication, relationship-building, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to negotiate, collaborate, resolve complex issues, make independent decisions using sound judgment, and balance strategic priorities with day-to-day operational demands.
Interest in entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Regular in-person presence at the Augusta central office and statewide travel.

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 to create new business opportunities.
Explore approaches to expand and strengthen BEP services and entrepreneurial 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 as they address business, financial, operational, and regulatory challenges.
Oversee 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 and the effective use of resources.
Assess equipment, inventory, supplies, and 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 address 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.
Build 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 3 or more weeks of vacation leave annually; vacation accrual increases with service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
State-paid employee-only health insurance premiums of 85%–100%, depending on salary, with a 5% premium credit for qualifying participation.
State-paid 100% of employee-only dental insurance premiums.
State contribution of 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System.
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 through the Living Resources Program.
Forty-two consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave for employees welcoming a child; additional unpaid leave may be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary deferred compensation through a MaineSaves 457(b) account.