We are Hiring an Operations Director!

The Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations (Permanent Commission; the agency) is looking for its next Operations Director! 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!

Apply online!

Job Class Code:CA26
Grade: 26 (Confidential)
Salary: $60,320 - $81,993
Location: Gardiner, ME

Opening Date: April 10, 2024

Closing Date: May 8, 2024

Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. We encourage you to respond to the following questions:

• Why are you interested in working for the Permanent Commission?
• Why do you think you are a good fit for this role at the Permanent Commission?
• What relevant professional or lived experience can you bring to this role?

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 which seeks to dismantle the systemic racism that underpins and perpetuates those disparities. To learn more about the Permanent Commission, check out our website

Position Description:

The Operations Director will steward the Permanent Commission’s +$1million annual budget by managing contracts, grants, and other procurements. The Operations Director will work closely with the Executive Director regarding budget steering and organizational management. The Operations Director also reports to and collaborates with the Finance and Operations committee to create effective and sustainable organizational systems that allow the Commission to achieve its statutory duties and long term vision.

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 personal and professional development.
• We work together to set clear expectations, provide and receive honest feedback.
• We regularly collaborate on projects, supporting and celebrating each other’s success.
• We know that communities who 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 look forward to your creativity and enthusiasm.

Primary responsibilities include:

Financial Management - Direct and oversee financial management of the Permanent Commission’s +$1 million annual budget. Activities include:

• Develop, recommend, and monitor an annual fiscal plan in accordance with an established strategic plan, specific program goals, and state funding guidelines.
• Develop and oversee the Permanent Commission's capacity to raise funds from the federal government, individuals, foundations, or corporations.
• Develop and implement financial policies and procedures that forward agency goals and comply with State policies.
• Coordinate, execute, and approve all agency purchasing and payments and review of all incoming invoices and outgoing expenses.

Contract Management - Direct and oversee the design, selection, and execution of all Permanent Commission contracts and grants.

Organizational Development - Collaborate with the Executive Director to continue development of the Permanent Commission’s organizational systems. Activities include:

• Support human resources activities.
• Oversee Permanent Commission technology systems.
• Create policies and procedures that streamline the Permanent Commission’s work.

Office Management - Ensure smooth office management for in-person and remote work. Coordinate all contracts and agreements related to management of office space.

Other Responsibilities - Other responsibilities include:

• Serve as the Clerk for the Permanent Commission, managing public proceedings and reporting to the Secretary of State as needed.
• Serve as the Records Officer for the Permanent Commission, coordinating with and reporting to the State Archives as needed.

Minimum qualifications:

5 years of experience in operations, finance, business management, contract management, or state government administration.

Preference will be given to applicants with:

• Knowledge of budgets. Candidates with familiarity in state budgeting systems and processes, particularly experience of Advantage, are preferred (however, we will train).
• Experience with contract and grant management.
• Detail oriented and organizationally minded.
• Able to learn and navigate new IT systems.
• Creative and independent, making sound decisions with minimal supervision.
• Able to communicate clearly.
• Broad understanding of issues impacting marginalized communities.
• Exhibit the Permanent Commission’s cultural values of teamwork, responsibility, accountability, excellence, openness, and balance.

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 on the Bureau of Human Resources' posting. 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: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process 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 hesitating to apply, please remember that applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways. We appreciate that many professional skills and lived experiences can make people successful in this role. Moreover, we provide individualized professional development and are committed to helping all our staff grow. Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Apply by: May 8, 2024