Executive Director Permanent Commission on the Status of Women (Public Service Coordinator I)

Job Class Code: CA27
Grade: 27
Salary: $58,968 - $80,142
Opening: December 14, 2023

Closing: January 12, 2024

The Department of the Secretary of State is seeking an enthusiastic, talented and resourceful person for an Executive Director Permanent Commission on the Status of Women (Public Service Coordinator I) located in Augusta, ME.

ABOUT THE COMMISSION:

Maine’s Permanent Commission on the Status of Women (MePCSW) is a non-partisan, government-appointed group dedicated to improving opportunities for women and girls. The Commission’s charge is to advise the Governor and the Legislature about policy and social issues affecting women and girls in the State. The Commission acts as an advisor, planner, and information source for policymakers on issues affecting women by carrying out research programs necessary to determine the status of women in the State; promotes and coordinates activities, conferences, and workshops at the State and local levels designed to meet the problems of women in the State; advocates for women in regard to proposed budgetary, legislative, and policy actions, and work in coalition with other organizations to exchange information and improve opportunities for women in the State. The Executive Director directs, plans, and coordinates the implementation of programs and activities developed by the MePCSW Commission’s and reports to the Secretary of State.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Planning and Management

• Assure that the Commission has a long-range strategic plan to achieve its mission and makes consistent and timely progress toward accomplishing it.

• Lead the development of educational and advocacy programs to improve the lives of Maine women and their families.

• Maintain working knowledge of the significant developments in women’s history (U.S. and Maine) and an awareness of current trends in women’s issues and legislation that affects women and girls.

• Cultivate strong and engaged relationships with MePCSW Commissioners, state and national organizations that are leaders in policy research and advocacy for women’s issues.

Community and Public Relations

• Help the Commission research and complete the required bi-annual report to the Governor and Legislature.

• Promote MePCSW’s mission, values, programs.

• Work collaboratively with legislators, state agencies, key community organizations, and individuals who have parallel missions to those of MePCSW

• Serve as a spokesperson for MePCSW along with the Commission Chair.

• Represent MePCSW mission and programs to legislators, community members, state agencies, and other decision makers.

• Establish and maintain good relationships with state media to ensure coverage of MePCSW activities.

• Grow and sustain MePCSW’s role as an advisor and information source for the state legislature on issues affecting women.

• Provide information and referrals to the general public.

• Offer educational resources for the legislature and the Maine community by conducting research, producing publications, and coordinating conferences and workshops.

• In partnership with the Commission, prepare an annual report detailing activities, accomplishments, findings, and recommendations for the administration, legislature, and public.

• In partnership with MePCSW Commissioners, plan and prepare Commission publications including website, reports, fact sheets, email communications, social media, informational and related materials to further the Commissions’ mandate and goals.

Commission Support and Administration

• Submit Maine Boards & Commissions Annual Report Filing, prepare meeting minutes, schedule commission meetings, maintain email communications.

• Inform the Commission about relevant legislative, social, and community trends.

• Review all publicity, advocacy initiatives, and other communications with the Commission chair and/or Commission.

• Coordinate all communications with appropriate state departments and volunteers.

• Ensure that programs and initiatives are consistent with MePCSW’s mission, policies, and state statutes.

• Work with the Commission and the Secretary of State’s office to design, launch, and maintain a website.

• Implement policies and programs as determined by the Commission and serve as a resource for all standing committees.

• Work with and orient new commissioners and advisory council members to ensure smooth transitions.

• Perform any additional duties as assigned by the Commission.

Personnel and Fiscal Resource Management

• Oversee daily operations of the Commission and serve as a support and resource to the commissioners.

• Recruit, hire, and supervise consultants. Ensure that job expectations are clear, regular performance evaluations are held, mentoring/coaching is appropriate, records are maintained, and good human resource practices are followed.

• Work with staff and commissioners to make MePCSW a cohesive team

• Recruit and retain talent (volunteer and paid) with a diversity of lived experiences. Work with volunteers to carry out policies and initiatives authorized by the Commission.

• Review and make recommendations to the Commission and the Secretary of State office about any legal, legislative, contractual, or fiscal matters in consultation with appropriate professionals

• Develop the MePCSW’s budget in consultation with the Commission, the Secretary of State,and relevant partners.

• Ensure the MePCSW operates within its budget and adheres to all applicable rules and regulations as required by the State of Maine

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Committed to MePCSW mission and values.

• Exhibits a strong understanding of issues facing women and girls

• Experience with a commitment to principles of equity, inclusion, and representation.

• Strong interpersonal and communications skills (written and oral), active listener, and demonstrated ability to manage relationships across a variety of groups (legislators, volunteers, community members, partner organizations, etc.).

• Self-starter, who can work well independently and with a team.

• Ability to think strategically and develop and implement operating plans.

• Demonstrated experience researching and writing reports.

• Technology proficient in Microsoft Office; successful experience working with social networking and experience managing websites - or ability to learn.

• Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of professional experience preferred, but equivalent experience and lived experiences will be considered.
  

All Applicants should submit a writing sample (up to 500 words) articulating a research-based advocacy position.

For more information or questions, please contact: Melissa.Corrigan@maine.gov or call (207) 624-9027.

Benefits:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• 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 ($10,150.80-$11,345.04 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 ($350.40 annual value).

• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 17.96% 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 four weeks 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.

• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply for jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.