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We are Hiring a Community Engagement Specialist!

The Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations (Permanent Commission; the agency) is looking for its next Community Engagement Specialist! As you read the job description below, please remember that applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many professional skills and lived experiences can make people successful in this role. We hope to hear from you! 

Community Engagement Specialist - Public Service Coordinator I
Gardiner, Maine, United States | Communication & Public Relations | Full-time | Partially remote
Apply by: June 12, 2024
Job Class Code: CA28
Grade: 28 (Confidential)
Salary: $64,272 - $87,796
Location: Gardiner, ME - Hybrid (in-person at least 1 day per week)

Apply Online

Opening Date: May 15, 2024
Closing Date:  June 12, 2024

Who we are

The Permanent Commission is an independent state agency in Maine tasked with understanding the disparities experienced by historically disadvantaged racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations in Maine and seeks to dismantle the systemic racism that underpins and perpetuates those disparities. To learn more about the Permanent Commission, check out our website.

Work environment

The Permanent Commission embraces a culture of accessibility, support, inclusion, and empowerment, where you can experience a sense of belonging, be inspired, learn, and grow your skills. In concrete terms, this means:

  • We offer flexible scheduling and encourage work-life balance so staff can meet all their needs.
  • We actively provide opportunities for professional development.
  • We work together to set clear expectations, provide and receive honest feedback.
  • We collaborate on projects, supporting and celebrating each other’s success.
  • We know that communities that have survived and thrived in spite of systemic oppression are essential to our work. Lived experience is key. As our former Commissioner dee Clark said, “Nothing about us without us.”
  • We know that we have more room to grow, and we look forward to your creativity and enthusiasm.

Position description

The Community Engagement Specialist supports the work of the Permanent Commissions by managing activities that listen to, center, and uplift community voices. The Community Engagement Specialist will proactively develop relationships with community-based organizations, state agency partners, and other organizations/ individuals aligned with our goals to reduce disparities and increase opportunities for racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations. The Community Engagement Specialist will organize community events for the Permanent Commission and also stand in support of partner organization events.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the position collaborates with the Community Engagement Committee to steer the management of networking activities, events, and other community-facing engagements. Additionally, this position works closely with the Research Coordinator and Policy Coordinator, mutually informing each other’s work. Altogether, this role seeks to develop the Permanent Commission as a listening agency, directing community input to inform our strategic planning, research, and advisory work to all three branches of the Maine State government.

Strategic Planning

  • In consultation with the Community Engagement Committee and the Permanent Commission’s strategic plan, create and manage annual community engagement plans that advance networking goals, engage the community through events, support partner organization events/ activities, and proactively uncover new engagement opportunities for the Commission.
  • Iteratively manage annual community engagement plans to meet desired outcomes and fulfill long-term impact goals.
  • Develop community engagement policies and procedures as needed to ensure engagement strategies are targeted, equitable, and efficient, partnering with the Executive Director and Operations Director.

Management

  • Initiate, build, and maintain targeted networking relationships with community-based organizations, state agency partners, and other organizations/ individuals aligned with our goals to reduce disparities and increase opportunities for racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations.
  • Oversee development and execution of “Community Consulting” events designed to engage racial, Indigenous, and tribal communities regarding their priorities, experience, and advice.
  • Represent the Permanent Commission at public events.
  • Identify, develop, and forward empowering community engagement opportunities for the Permanent Commission.
  • Manage and report to the Community Engagement Committee, ensuring the committee can provide strong consultation supporting the development and iterative management of the Permanent Commission’s annual community engagement plans and activities.

Consultation

  • Collaborate closely with the Executive Director, Policy Coordinator, and Research Coordinator, bringing community voices and information to support the Permanent Commission’s research projects and public policy advice.
  • Consult and support the Executive Director and Operations Director regarding operational matters as they affect community engagement events and activities.
  • Support Permanent Commission’s dee Clarke Justice Fellowship by mentoring fellows regarding community engagement, as needed.

Minimum qualifications

Five (5) years of community engagement and leadership experience.

Preference will be given to applicants with:

  • Ease connecting and relating to racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations.
  • Strong listening and communication skills.
  • Ability to positively represent the Permanent Commission in the community.
  • Highly organized, initiative-taking, and able to develop and implement strategic plans.
  • Experience developing and managing people and budgets.
  • Ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a fluid environment.
  • Flexibility in both work schedule and project implementation.
  • Collaborative work style.

This position requires the ability to attend events and activities statewide, including evenings and weekends. A valid driver’s license and comfort with driving are required, as is the ability to attend events during evenings and weekends.

Contact information

Questions about this position should be directed to Ariel Ricci, Executive Director at ariel.ricci@maine.gov.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application.  In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period.  Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.

If you require a paper application, please download and print one here or contact our office at 207-623-6700.  Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018. Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included. Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine

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 Fit – 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 ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 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. 
  • Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
  • Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.21% for Confidential employees. 

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.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for part-time employment.

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 to 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.

Apply by: June 12, 2024