Director

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry seeks an experienced program and grant administrator to lead the Maine Conservation Corps (MCC), which places 100 corps members annually in service across Maine. The successful candidate will: Oversee the daily operations of the Maine Conservation Corps, including the hiring, training, and supervision of an Office Associate II, Program Managers, and Training Coordinator. Identify available monetary resources and develop and maintain partnerships, including federal, state, local, private, and volunteer, to implement natural resource projects for the public benefit. Track program expenses and revenue to ensure financial stability. Evaluate operations to assure goals and objectives are met, including reporting and compliance requirements of funders and partners. Serve as the primary liaison with major partners, such as The Corps Network and Volunteer Maine. Implement and comply with human resource laws, policies, procedures and practices. Analyze MCC service delivery and operations to assure quality, efficiency, and ongoing improvement. Work with and engage key stakeholders to provide guidance and strategic direction to the corps. The position has a high level of responsibility and enjoys limited oversight. The successful candidate must be self-motivated and able to work independently. Monitoring the success of the program’s personnel and service projects may require occasional travel to Maine’s most treasured places.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; in particular, Code of Federal Regulations, labor, and employment laws
• Knowledge of statewide public and private programs, activities, agencies, and fiscal resources available in conservation, volunteer, and workforce development sectors
• Knowledge of volunteer management techniques and practices
• Ability to supervise staff and/or contractors and establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to prepare funding applications, budget estimates, and track and control expenditures
• Ability to oversee procurement, contracts, and agreements, and ensure compliance with applicable federal and state rules and regulations
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage sensitive subjects with tact, kindness, and professionalism
• Ability to use applicable computer programs, including but not limited to Microsoft 365 Products and grant reporting systems

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in a supervisory or management position with responsibility for grant writing, preferably to include work experience with federal programs.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates with at least five (5) years of experience in youth conservation corps management, AmeriCorps program administration, resource development and management (e.g., grant writing, budgeting, and/or fundraising), and community engagement. A Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, natural resource management, non-profit management, or other related field is also preferred.