Public Service Coordinator II - Cannabis Business Advocate

State of Maine•Augusta, ME

3d•$71,843 - $101,587•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Administrative and Financial Services (DAFS) is seeking to fill a limited period position in Augusta for a Cannabis Business Advocate (Advocate). The Advocate will work closely with licensees and registrants in the State’s adult use and medical cannabis programs (collectively referred to as “program participants”) navigating the regulations governing those programs and administered by the Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP). The Advocate’s primary responsibilities are: 1) establishing a system to receive feedback from program participants about OCP operations; 2) assisting program participants in resolving questions and concerns by facilitating contact with OCP staff best positioned to address those questions or concerns; and 3) when appropriate, mediating conflicts between program participants and the Office. The Advocate also is required to track the number and nature of complaints received from program participants and information regarding resolution of those complaints and report that information to the Director of the Office. Additionally, the Advocate is responsible for proposing administrative changes to the Director of the Office to mitigate problems encountered by program participants.

Requirements

An advanced degree in public administration, business administration or law or comparable years and level of experience in a relevant field.
Knowledge of Maine’s adult use and medical cannabis laws, rules, guidance documents, standard operating procedures, processes and forms;
Knowledge of administrative appeals process under Maine Administrative Procedures Act, Title 5, ch. 375;
Ability to listen attentively and investigate complaints from program participants while evaluating conflicting information and establishing the facts related to complaints about the Office;
Ability to understand and explain laws and rules in simple language accessible to the general public as demonstrated by strong written and oral communication skills;
Ability to evaluate the law and facts related to complex, disputed cases involving program participants and the ability to render fair and impartial determinations regarding the facts surrounding particular circumstances;
Ability to conduct legal research, summarize legal precedents, evaluate and summarize facts related to complex regulatory circumstances, and reach sound and legally defensible conclusions;
Ability to interview program participants, department staff and others to assess and provide guidance to program participants about the laws and rules governing their authorized conduct;
Ability to develop solutions to resolve disputes between program participants and the Office when appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Preference will be given to candidates who have completed post-secondary coursework in dispute resolution or at least 1 year of experience as a mediator or other neutral third party in alternative dispute resolution activities.

Responsibilities

Directly respond to program participants who have contacted the Advocate directly or through the Office of the Governor or DAFS Commissioner’s Office, evaluating any concerns raised, providing a “best contact” with OCP to promptly address the program participant’s concerns, explaining any relevant regulatory or administrative processes necessary to address the concerns, and facilitating resolution when possible.
Tracking the number and kind of complaints received by the Advocate, as well as the resolution of issues raised, and reporting that information to the OCP Director.
Working directly with program participants and the Office to resolve individual complaints and where necessary, to mediate conflicts between program participants and the Office in a manner consistent with the principles of alternative dispute resolution.
Identify trends in concerns raised by program participants and recommend changes to administrative practices or laws to simplify program requirements and ensure that program participants are aware of the requirements applicable to their operations.
In consultation with the Office of the Commissioner, draft a report to the Legislature by December 15, 2026 that details the work of the Advocate including information on the volume, nature and resolution of complaints received by the Advocate.

Benefits

Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary.
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%.
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 18.91% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program.
Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness.