Washington County Community Outreach Manager

• Are you interested in a career with an organization whose focus is on protecting and caring for vital lands on the coast and contributing to community well-being in Maine?
• Do you have a love of the land that you are inspired to share with people from diverse backgrounds?
• Are you looking for an opportunity to build relationships with the community you work in?
• Do you dive into your work with a sense of enthusiasm, curiosity, and determination?

If you answered yes to these questions, maybe you’d love to be the Washington County Community Outreach Manager at Maine Coast Heritage Trust!

Our Mission:

Maine Coast Heritage Trust conserves and stewards Maine’s coastal lands and islands for their renowned scenic beauty, ecological value, outdoor recreational opportunities, and contribution to community well-being. MCHT provides statewide conservation leadership through its work with land trusts, coastal communities, and other partners.

Position Overview:

Maine Coast Heritage Trust is seeking a collaborative individual who has a passion for community engagement and connecting people to the natural world. The ideal candidate will have the skills needed to design and deliver community programming and volunteer and outreach activities for MCHT’s land preserves in Washington County.

Essential Job Functions:

• Initiate and develop MCHT’s vision, goals, and strategy for community conservation programming and outreach activities at MCHT Washington County preserves. Design and manage or oversee programming and activities on MCHT preserves that will:
  • Reach diverse audiences.
  • Connect people with MCHT and the land, enhancing understanding of the natural world and the value of land and land conservation.
  • Deepen community engagement with specific preserves.
• Participate as a member of MCHT’s Outreach Team to develop and implement a framework for organizational outreach throughout our preserve network.
• Build and improve MCHT’s volunteer recruitment and retention. Improve existing volunteer management systems. Coach and train MCHT staff on the management and use of volunteers. Develop engagement strategies to attract, retain, and cultivate volunteers.
• Initiate or strengthen partnerships with communities and local organizations to increase use of MCHT preserves and enhance community connection with and benefit from the land.
• Build and maintain connections and collaborations with the diverse communities in the region, including fishing communities, Spanish speaking families, and Passamaquoddy and other Wabanaki people.
• Develop and manage the annual budget for programming, volunteerism, and outreach. Create informational materials for publications, public outreach, and media, in collaboration with Engagement staff.
• Serve as a member of MCHT’s Stewardship Dept and take on specific assignments as requested, including attending meetings, serving on committees, helping with events, assisting with stakeholder outreach and engagement, assisting other organizations, or developing areas of expertise that will help the organization. Perform special projects and other related duties as required, directed, or as the situation dictates.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise volunteers, interns, and/or seasonal staff.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in natural resources, environmental education, or related field with 5-7 years’ experience creating and leading programs and activities, or equivalent experience.

Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the region and its communities, both on land and water.
• Strong organization, problem-solving, and multi-tasking skills with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated love of the outdoors and the ability to introduce people of all ages to it.
• Knowledge of the natural world and its systems.
• Experience designing and leading outdoor activities.
• Flexible and able to work outdoors at all times of the year and on weekends.
• Boat handling skills or the willingness to learn.
• Good physical fitness required to perform duties.
• Good sense of humor and ability to enjoy unexpected changes of plan.
• Ability to effectively operate computers and assigned software, including Microsoft Office and Excel.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

Field work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions and requires walking, bending, crouching, lifting, reaching and other physical capabilities.  Operates GPS, compass, camera, boats/marine vessels, trucks, hand tools, and other equipment.  Regular travel is required.  Office work is performed in a normal office environment not subject to extremes of noise, temperature, odor, etc.  Operates a computer, printer, and other office equipment.

This is a permanent, full-time position with a benefits package including insurance (no cost for employee coverage), generous vacation and sick time, and a retirement plan.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job.  The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Maine Coast Heritage Trust does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.  We are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive and support our mission.