Executive Director of the Maine Permanent Commission on the Status of Women

State of Maine•Augusta, ME

9d•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), a nonpartisan, government-appointed commission that advises the Governor and Legislature on policy and social issues affecting women and girls in Maine. The Executive Director reports to the Secretary of State and works with the Commission to advance its mission through research, community outreach, advocacy, partnerships, and public education. The Executive Director leads research and preparation of the required biannual report to the Governor and Legislature; serves with the Commission Chair as a spokesperson; and represents the Commission to legislators, state agencies, community members, and other decision-makers. The role develops and maintains relationships with state media, provides information and referrals to the public, and creates educational resources through research, publications, conferences, and workshops. In collaboration with the Commission and its members, the Executive Director prepares reports of activities, accomplishments, findings, and recommendations, and oversees the Commission’s website, fact sheets, email communications, social media, and other informational materials. The position also oversees the Commission’s daily operations, supports its commissioners and standing committees, coordinates communications and meetings, and manages staff, consultants, interns, volunteers, and budget-related work. The role is based in Augusta, Maine, and is listed as full-time and confidential.

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 candidate must complete an I-9 form.
Successful candidate 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 interpersonal and communication skills; active listening; and demonstrated ability to manage relationships with legislators, volunteers, community members, partner organizations, and other groups.
Ability to work independently as a self-starter and collaboratively with a team.
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

Direct, plan, and coordinate the implementation of programs and activities developed by the Commission.
Lead research and preparation of the required biannual report to the Governor and Legislature.
Promote the Commission’s mission, vision, principles, and programs, and represent the Commission to legislators, state agencies, community members, media, and other decision-makers.
Serve as a spokesperson for the Commission in partnership with the Commission Chair.
Establish and maintain relationships with state media to increase awareness and coverage of Commission activities.
Provide information and referrals to the public and develop educational resources through research, publications, conferences, and workshops.
Prepare reports outlining the Commission’s activities, accomplishments, findings, and recommendations for the administration, Legislature, and public.
Oversee the 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; schedule Commission meetings; write agendas; 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 align with the Commission’s mission, policies, and state statutes.
Work with the Commission and the Secretary of State’s office to design and maintain a website.
Implement policies and programs determined by the Commission and serve as a resource for standing committees.
Orient new commissioners and support smooth transitions.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Commission.
Oversee daily Commission operations and provide support and resources to commissioners.
Recruit, hire, and supervise consultants and/or interns; clarify expectations; conduct regular performance evaluations; provide appropriate mentoring and coaching; maintain records; and follow good 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.
Work with volunteers to carry out Commission-authorized policies and initiatives.
Review and make recommendations to the Commission and Secretary of State’s office regarding legal, legislative, contractual, or fiscal matters, in consultation with appropriate professionals.
Develop the Commission’s budget in consultation with the Commission, Secretary of State, and relevant partners; ensure operations remain within budget and comply with applicable State of Maine rules and regulations.

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.
State payment of 85%–95% of employee-only health insurance premiums, depending on salary; dependent coverage details are available in the State’s premium rates chart.
State payment of 100% of employee-only dental insurance premiums.
State retirement contribution equivalent to 18.86% of employee pay to 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 qualified-employer status.
Living Resources Program 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 also be available under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary deferred compensation through a MaineSaves 457(b) account with payroll deductions.
Work-life balance and a total compensation package supporting employee health and well-being.