Position Summary
The Downeast Director leads the Maine Seacoast Mission Downeast programs in a place-based, multi-generational, and strength-based partnership strengthening children, their families, and community.
Since 1905, the Mission has worked with some of Maine’s most isolated island and coastal communities to realize a hopeful future together while fostering belonging, encouraging belief in something bigger, and honoring the dignity and self-determination of families and communities.
Eastern Hancock and Washington counties are home to independent, hard-working, and creative communities whose economic wellbeing is, unfortunately, tied to challenges in the natural resource and fishing industries. For generations, the Mission has been a leader in the areas of youth development, family support, food security, and community building. Financial independence from recent funding fluctuations many nonprofits are experiencing means the Mission must be prepared to lead as other community support efforts may struggle. A long history of strong area partnerships with local school districts, other organizations, and families creates a unique opportunity to make a significant difference in these beautiful, rugged, and resilient coastal Maine communities.
Reporting to the President, the Downeast Director is Maine Seacoast Mission’s compassionate, strategic, and effective senior leader overseeing all Mission Downeast programs and activities based at the Downeast Campus in Cherryfield, Maine. Responsibilities include education and service programs; Mission Downeast staff; facilities and maintenance; partnerships with organizations and schools; budgeting and budget management; and coordination of administrative activities with central Mission administration functions, including finance, development, marketing, technology, planning, assessment, and human resources. The candidate for the Downeast Director position will currently work and live in the Downeast community, and they will be a member of the community support network.
Responsibilities
Administration
The Mission’s central administration is responsible for key administrative functions, including finance, marketing, IT, human resources, fundraising, planning and evaluation. As regards Mission Downeast, the Downeast Director will coordinate with President and senior management team to:
- Plan for budgets, marketing, programs, facilities, and capital projects
- Coordinate administrative functions including IT, human resources, and facilities
- Implement Mission marketing and communications strategies
- Help fundraise for programs, including grant development, individual donor cultivation, and foundation giving
- Develop an integrated strategic, campus, and program plan
- Manage risk; ensure adherence to all statutory and regulatory regulations; and align efforts with industry best practice
- Account for portfolio area goals, benchmarks, and performance indicators
Program Implementation
The Downeast Director ensures all Downeast Campus programs are integrated in support of Downeast children, their families, and communities. Programs that fall within the Downeast Directors purview include Food Security; Community Engagement; all EdGE programs, Service Tours, and Challenge Course. For all programs in the leadership portfolio, the Downeast Director will:
- Work with President to identify initiatives for development or retirement and allocate resources in alignment with community need and Mission strategic thinking.
- Ensure that all programs work toward common ends and both in design and implementation and embody the values outlined in the Mission’s Conceptual Framework.
- Maintain and oversee execution of program development, delivery, and assessment
- while adhering to relevant regulations and industry best practices.
- Oversee program staff identification, development, support, and accountability.
- Oversee program budget development and resource allocation.
Supervision
- Provide leadership, direction, and support for Mission Downeast program leaders to achieve program outcomes, support community, and honor budgets. Administer meaningful formative and summative evaluations for all direct reports and ensure the same is done for all Mission Downeast staff.
- Maintain a diverse, committed, and engaged Mission Downeast staff that represents a blend of professional expertise and experience; local community affiliation; and direct experience with Mission programs.
- Establish an exemplary Mission Downeast campus culture of challenge and support characterized by high expectations; personal growth; reflective practice; community engagement; celebration of diversity; individual and programmatic evaluation; and adherence to regulation and industry standards.
- Ensure staff engage as needed in Mission-wide professional development and communications, marketing, and fundraising efforts.
- Ensure staff comply with all Mission policies and protocols and comport themselves to advance the Mission in communities both virtual and actual.
- Oversee Mission Downeast volunteer management.
Relationship Management
- Build and maintain relationships critical to the success of Mission Downeast programs, including those with local schools and parents.
- Cultivate partnerships with other agencies to increase or strengthen the Mission’s
- ability to serve the community.
- Participate in regional nonprofit networks and alliances.
- Represent Mission Downeast as a liaison to board committees and attend board meetings as needed.
- Represent Mission Downeast and its programs with community, partners, funders, and media, as needed.
- Meet with donors and potential donors as requested by the President or Chief Development Officer.
- Maintain positive and productive working relationships with all Mission staff members, serving as a resource and sometimes collaborator for other Mission programs.
As Part of Maine Seacoast Mission
- Promote and embody the Mission as a welcoming and inclusive organization, where all people are valued and respected.
- Support the values and purpose of the Maine Seacoast Mission as expressed in the mission statement and other guiding documents.
- Uphold the reputation of the Mission and honor the trust built over generations between the Mission and the communities with which we work.
Qualifications
Core Qualifications
- Compelling, compassionate, effective, and embedded Downeast community leader with ten years of leadership experience in youth development or social services programs.
- Ability to work productively with clients, students, families, community members, partners, board members, administration, and funders.
- Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity in staffing, culture, community, policies, and programs.
- Commitment to community partnership and strength-based, multi-generational, and place-based approaches.
- Adaptive and flexible; creative problem solver; social entrepreneur.
- Superior written and oral communication skills.
- Experience, facility, and comfort with technology, including Microsoft 365 Word, Excel, Teams, and SharePoint.
- Skills and experience in program evaluation, planning, budgeting, and supervision.
- The candidate for the Downeast Director position will currently work and live in the Downeast community, and they will be a member of the community support network.
Required Education and Experience
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree, advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in program work.
Preferred Education and Experience
- Master’s degree in a related field.
- Spanish and English-speaking preferred.
Special Qualifications and Certifications
Position Conditions and Requirements
Work Environment
- Capacity and comfort with remote communication technologies and Microsoft Office 365, SharePoint, Word, and Excel.
- Regular work meetings; occasional attendance at board meetings; and weekend and evening events.
Physical Demands
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Ability to lift 30 pounds.
- Able to drive a 15-passenger van if necessary.
Travel Requirements
- Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel.
- Clean driver’s license.
Compensation
This is a full-time, exempt position based on a 40-hour work week. The salary is $82,000 to $92,000 per year based on experience with excellent benefits.
To Apply
Please visit https://seacoastmission.org/employment/ or apply directly through our HR information system at https://secure5.yourpayrollhr.com/ta/3050BP.careers?CareersSearch=&ein_id=85101129&lang=en-US. Application review will begin November 5 and continue until the position is filled.
