Public Service Coordinator II - Climate Council Coordinator

State of Maine•Augusta, ME

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Climate Council Coordinator in the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (GOPIF) supports ongoing coordination of the Maine Climate Council and its subcommittees and working groups, including the implementation and progress monitoring of the state’s climate action plan strategies. This role offers a unique opportunity to work across public agencies and with stakeholders on public policy to reduce Maine’s greenhouse gas emissions and ensure Maine people, industries, and communities are resilient to the impacts of climate change. The Maine Climate Council is an assembly of scientists, industry leaders, bipartisan local and state officials, and engaged citizens working to address the effects of climate change on our state. The Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future coordinates the work of the Maine Climate Council and collaborates with other State agencies and key stakeholders on policy issues related to climate and energy. The Climate Council delivered the 2024 update to the state’s 4-year climate action plan, Maine Won’t Wait on November 21, 2024, and is responsible for monitoring and communicating about its implementation and progress. The goals of the climate action plan are to Reduce Maine’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Strengthen Resilience to Climate Impacts, Create Jobs and Economic Prosperity, and Bring Climate Action to All Maine People. The Climate Council, staffed by GOPIF’s Climate Council Coordinator, is required by statute to deliver an update to the climate action plan every four years. The Climate Council Coordinator will help the state to successfully implement climate strategies in the state’s climate action plan. This includes tracking progress towards the goals and targets in Maine Won’t Wait; conducting broad outreach, communications, and engagement, including with underserved Maine people and communities; and planning quarterly Climate Council meetings to support implementation of Maine Won’t Wait. By coordinating and managing the Maine Climate Council's work, this role will support the state in achieving its climate goals. This is a full-time position reporting to the Deputy Director, Climate Planning and Community Partnerships in the GOPIF. This position will be a hybrid position headquartered in Augusta, Maine, with travel through the state as necessary and appropriate.

Requirements

Strong organizational skills, including project, task, and event management, and the ability to multitask and prioritize
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to listen and make complex ideas accessible to diverse audiences in a range of formats (memos, slide decks, public presentations, public reports)
Designing and executing communication strategies and/or materials, or managing social media activity
Ability to navigate complex organizations, develop trust with senior leaders, and build trusted relationships among diverse groups of colleagues and stakeholder
Bachelor's degree in environmental studies, public policy, or related fields
At least two years of professional work experience
You must submit a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample to be considered for an interview.

Nice To Haves

Graduate-level training in public policy, planning, communications
Policy expertise or professional experience, particularly in climate policy and emissions reductions
Authoring public-facing publications or analytic reports
Planning and group facilitation
Track performance metrics and use them to monitor results

Responsibilities

Support the Maine Climate Council members, manage their meetings and process, and coordinate climate council events
Develop and coordinate communications and engagement with Maine Climate Council stakeholders and the public about the state’s climate action plan, including with organizations that work with underserved Maine people and communities
Facilitate cross-agency coordination projects of specific climate policy initiatives
Monitor the progress of climate strategy implementation and lead data collection and the annual reporting process
Conduct additional climate policy analysis, particularly for emissions reductions, as needed
Other tasks as assigned.

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. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
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. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
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. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.