Director of the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women

State of Maine•Augusta, ME

10d•$67,267 - $95,098•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Director directs, plans, and coordinates programs and activities developed by Maine’s Permanent Commission on the Status of Women (MePCSW), reporting to the Secretary of State. MePCSW is a nonpartisan, government-appointed group that advises the Governor and Legislature on policy and social issues affecting women and girls in Maine. It conducts research, outreach, and educational activities; advocates regarding proposed budgetary, legislative, and policy actions; and works with other organizations to improve opportunities for women and girls. The Executive Director leads research and preparation of the Commission’s required biannual report and promotes its mission, vision, principles, and programs. Working with the Commission Chair, the Director represents MePCSW to legislators, state agencies, community organizations, individuals, media, and other decision-makers. The position strengthens the Commission’s role as a trusted advisor and public information resource, provides information and referrals, and develops educational resources through research, publications, conferences, and workshops. In collaboration with the Commission and its members, the Director prepares reports on activities, accomplishments, findings, and recommendations, and oversees the Commission’s website and other communications materials. The Director oversees daily operations, supports commissioners and standing committees, coordinates communications and meetings, and helps implement Commission policies and programs. The role also includes recruiting and supervising consultants and interns, working with volunteers and commissioners, managing the budget and resources, and ensuring compliance with applicable state laws, rules, and regulations. This is a full-time confidential position with the Maine Department of the Secretary of State in Augusta, Maine.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree and three to five years of relevant professional experience are preferred; an equivalent combination of education, professional experience, volunteer service, and relevant lived experience may be considered in place of formal educational requirements.
Submit a writing sample of up to 500 words articulating a research-based advocacy position.
Must be authorized to work in the United States; the position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.
Successful candidates must complete an I-9 form.
Must pass a National Criminal Background check, which may include fingerprinting.

Nice To Haves

Strong understanding of issues facing women and girls.
Experience demonstrating commitment to equity, inclusion, and representation.
Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills, active listening, and ability to manage relationships with legislators, volunteers, community members, and partner organizations.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively; self-starter.
Ability to think strategically and develop and implement operating plans.
Demonstrated experience researching and writing reports.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with social networking and website management, or ability to learn.

Responsibilities

Lead research and prepare the required biannual report to the Governor and Legislature.
Promote MePCSW’s mission, vision, principles, and programs, and represent the Commission with the Chair to legislators, community members, state agencies, media, and other decision-makers.
Establish and maintain relationships with state media to increase awareness and coverage of the Commission’s activities.
Provide information and referrals to the public and develop educational resources through research, publications, conferences, and workshops.
Prepare reports of Commission activities, accomplishments, findings, and recommendations for the administration, Legislature, and public.
Oversee development of the Commission’s website, fact sheets, email communications, social media, and other informational materials.
Submit the Maine Boards & Commissions Annual Report Filing; prepare meeting minutes and agendas; schedule Commission meetings; and maintain email communications.
Inform the Commission about relevant legislative, social, and community trends and events.
Review publicity, advocacy initiatives, and other communications with the Commission Chair and/or Commission.
Coordinate communications with appropriate state departments and volunteers.
Ensure programs and initiatives are consistent with MePCSW’s mission, policies, and state statutes.
Work with the Commission and Secretary of State’s office to design and maintain a website.
Implement Commission policies and programs and serve as a resource for standing committees.
Orient new commissioners and perform additional duties assigned by the Commission.
Oversee daily Commission operations and support commissioners.
Recruit, hire, and supervise consultants and/or interns; clarify expectations, conduct performance evaluations, provide appropriate mentoring and coaching, maintain records, and follow sound human resource practices.
Work with staff and commissioners to build a cohesive team and engage commissioners in governance, programming, outreach, and research.
Recruit and retain paid and volunteer talent with diverse lived experiences, and work with volunteers to carry out Commission-authorized policies and initiatives.
Review and make recommendations to the Commission and Secretary of State’s office on legal, legislative, contractual, or fiscal matters in consultation with appropriate professionals.
Develop the MePCSW budget in consultation with the Commission, Secretary of State, and relevant partners.
Ensure the Commission operates within its budget and complies with applicable State of Maine rules and regulations.

Benefits

13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and three or more weeks of vacation leave annually; vacation accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
State contribution of 85%–95% of employee-only health insurance premiums, depending on salary; dependent coverage is also available at rates described in the State’s premium information.
State-paid employee-only dental insurance premiums.
State contribution equivalent to 18.86% of employee pay toward 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 through the State of Maine’s status as a qualified employer.
Living Resources employee assistance program.
Six weeks of fully paid parental leave for employees welcoming a child, including non-birthing and adoptive parents; additional unpaid leave may be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary deferred compensation through a MaineSaves 457(b) account via payroll deductions.