Community Engagement Coordinator

The Maine Aquaculture Association (MAA), is a nonprofit trade association that advocates for the state’s aquatic farmers. Our members grow fish, shellfish, and seaweed using a variety of methods. Our infrastructure members provide goods and services to the sector. Established in 1978, MAA is the oldest state aquaculture association in the country. MAA focuses on farmer training, business support, working waterfront advocacy, public outreach and education, and the development of innovative and proactive best management practices. MAA is seeking to fill a new position that works to build capacity for the organization and strengthen the Maine aquaculture community through community outreach and farmer engagement.

Reporting to the Executive Director and in cooperation with the MAA Team, the Community Engagement Coordinator (CEC) will perform the following duties:

• Actively work to build strategic relationships within Maine’s coastal communities, including but not limited to, aquaculture stakeholders, coastal residents, elected officials, and the commercial fishing community.
• Design, construct and implement a network of community ambassador farmers. The ambassador program will seek to build and foster relationships between growers, their communities, municipal officials and facilitate grower engagement within their communities The CEC will provide leadership and staff support to the Ambassadors program including recruitment, training and strategy development.
• Track and attend municipal meetings as necessary and stay up to date on aquaculture policy at the state and municipal levels.
• Assist in the development of new educational materials used in outreach activities in collaboration with the Outreach and Development Specialist (ODS).
• Assist the ODS with social media and website management, marketing, and general communications.
• Lead the planning and execution of public outreach events in collaboration with MAA staff and Board of Directors. Those outreach activities may include listening sessions, festivals, in-person site visits and tours, phone/video calls, webinars, and emails.
• Field membership inquiries and actively recruit new members; lead and optimize the membership onboarding process in collaboration with the Office Manager and Executive Director
• Administer services to members that align with their needs and membership level
• Design and implement resources and trainings that support members needs and provide solutions for their challenges within the industry
• Undertake special projects and duties as necessary in cooperation with staff, including working our annual fundraiser event, The Big E! in West Springfield, Massachusetts in addition to other various festivals and fairs throughout the year.
• Draft grant proposals and budgets to fund communications & outreach projects.
• Keep track of work activities and outcomes; prepare end of year report to funding agencies in collaboration with staff

A successful candidate will have the following qualifications and attributes:

• 1-3 years experience working in sales, communications, marketing, or membership organizations
• Bachelor’s degree in sales, marketing, communications, aquaculture or related field
• Experience planning and executing in person events, digital marketing campaigns, and community outreach activities
• At least one year of project management experience
• Customer service experience and/or strong interpersonal skills
• Organized, detail oriented, professional, energetic, and diligent
• Highly motivated self-starter with a strong ability to generate creative solutions
• Willingness to learn from and contribute to a dynamic, mission-driven team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Skills and experience working in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Wordpress and all major social media platforms in a professional capacity
• Excited about supporting and working alongside Maine’s aquaculture producers and broader seafood community
• Ability to travel frequently, primarily within Maine
• Comfortable spending time on the ocean in boats, on docks, etc.
• Ability to lift at least 50 lbs

Preferred but not required:

• Experience campaigning, grassroots organizing and/or community building
• Experience in seafood, aquaculture/fisheries, marine biology or related field

Salary: Starting at $50K annually, commensurate with experience

Location: Gardiner, Maine

Start date: as soon as possible

Benefits: 2 weeks paid vacation plus 10 paid holidays and flexible PTO, monthly HRA contribution, employer IRA matching contribution.