Program Coordinator for Economic Development - Public Service Coordinator II

MAINE GOVERNOR'S ENERGY OFFICE

CLEAN ENERGY PARTNERSHIP

2 year Limited Period position

Opening Date: September 13, 2024

Closing Date:  September 27, 2024

Job Class Code: CU30
Grade: 30
Salary: $71,843.20 - $101,587.20/Annually
Position Number: 095001174

Position Description 

The Clean Energy Partnership – Program Coordinator for Economic Development is a new, grant funded position in the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) that will serve as an analyst and coordinator on key issues related to clean energy innovation and economic development in the state of Maine. The GEO is the designated state energy office and serves as the primary advisor to the Governor on energy issues. The position is funded for two years with the potential for longer term depending on funding. 

The Program Coordinator will report to the Clean Energy Partnership Program Manager and support GEO on clean energy economic development and innovation efforts in support of the state’s Clean Energy Partnership (CEP) initiative. This position is responsible for coordinating and supporting the GEO and CEP’s efforts related to clean energy economic development, programs, planning and community stakeholder engagement, working closely with Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) office to advance economic development in Maine. The work will include building on Maine’s existing clean energy strengths while seeking new opportunities for investment and building community collaboration to access funding and investment.  

JOB TASKS 

• Coordinate with DECD and other state offices to advance the development of a clean energy economic strategy and develop a tangible action plan to advance clean energy investment in Maine by working with GEO and external parties. 
• Support efforts related to maximizing federal funding in Maine, including existing tax credits and future grant opportunities to support clean energy economic development. 
• Manage under the supervision of the Program Manager, the development and implementation of the Clean Energy Partnership – Innovation programs funded by federal funds provided to the state and allocated to the GEO through the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan and additional federal programs.
• Develop strategies, collateral, and other materials to support a better understanding of clean energy economic development opportunities for the government sector and the general public.   
• Monitor and report on the clean energy economy– state, regional and global, provide analysis and advise the office on policy related to clean energy economic development strategy.  
• Support the GEO’s work related to siting, permitting, and de-risking clean energy project development in the state. 
• Support the GEO’s strategic engagement with various entities including community stakeholders and Maine’s DECD. 
• Manage and support efforts around special projects and energy policy studies that seek to meet legislative requirements or priorities of the GEO. 
• Provide coordination and management of processes involved with contracting, vendor engagement, and on-going operations. 
• Represent GEO before myriad organizations and interests including the energy industry, associations, advocates, utilities, businesses, and others. 
• Support GEO staff on clean energy economic development priorities.  
• Lead or support efforts related to seeking additional funding as needed for related efforts. 

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Excellent analytical and research skills 
• Experience with economic and community development and planning. 
• Familiarity with clean energy technologies and business financing preferred, including relevant grant, loan, and incentive programs, and startup fundraising. 
• Familiarity with capital project finance, including tax credit and bond finance, and policy.  
• Experience in administration and managing budgets and grants preferred. 
• Familiarity and ability to utilize various data sets (EIA, etc.) 
• Strong communications and writing skills, and ability to communicate effectively with both internal and external audiences. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as a member of a diverse and inclusive team. 
• Strong organizational skills, including project and task management, and the ability to multitask and prioritize. 
• Ability to build coalitions and develop partnerships with key stakeholders. 
• Candidates with professional proficiency in additional languages are encouraged to note this in their application.  
• Proficiency in Microsoft products – Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. 
• Team-orientated work style, with the ability to be flexible and work under deadlines. 
• Ability to work in Augusta, Maine and travel throughout the state as necessary and appropriate.  Position will be primarily remote to start with a hybrid working environment possible. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelors’ Degree in Economics, Business or a related field and at least three (3) years of directly related training, education and/or professional level experience in which may include experience in energy/economic development policy and program development, analysis and implementation. Related professional experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis. 

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%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 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 ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 18.09% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). 

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 anything less than full-time.

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.

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