Director of the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women

Closing Date: November 30, 2026
Join Our Team at the Department of the Secretary of State:
At the Department of the Secretary of State, we are a team dedicated to providing efficient and exceptional service to our community. We prioritize work-life balance and offer excellent benefits to support our team in achieving professional success while maintaining personal well-being. Join a team that fosters a culture of teamwork, integrity, and continuous improvement, offering opportunities for growth and making a meaningful impact on the lives of our citizens.
About the Position:
Maine’s Permanent Commission on the Status of Women (MePCSW) is a non-partisan, government-appointed group dedicated to improving opportunities for women and girls. The Commission’s charge is to advise the Governor and the Legislature about policy and social issues affecting women and girls in the State. The Commission acts as an advisor, planner, and information source for policymakers on issues affecting women and girls by carrying out research programs necessary to determine the status of women in the State; conducting outreach events to learn about community perspectives on issues facing women and girls, promotes and coordinates activities, conferences, and workshops at the State and local levels designed to meet the problems of women in the State; advocates for women in regard to proposed budgetary, legislative, and policy actions, and work in coalition with other organizations to exchange information and improve opportunities for women in the State. The Executive Director directs, plans, and coordinates the implementation of programs and activities developed by the MePCSW Commission’s and reports to the Secretary of State.
What We're Looking For:
The Executive Director will lead the research and preparation of the required biannual report to the Governor and Legislature, while promoting MePCSW’s mission, vision, principles, and programs. This position works collaboratively with legislators, state agencies, community organizations, and individuals who share the Commission’s goals. In partnership with the Commission Chair, the Executive Director serves as a spokesperson for MePCSW and represents its mission and programs to legislators, community members, state agencies, and other decision-makers. The Executive Director also establishes and maintains relationships with state media to increase awareness and coverage of the Commission’s activities. Additionally, this position strengthens MePCSW’s role as a trusted advisor and information resource on issues affecting women, provides information and referrals to the public, and develops educational resources through research, publications, conferences, and workshops. In collaboration with the Commission and its members, the Executive Director prepares reports outlining activities, accomplishments, findings, and recommendations for the administration, Legislature, and public, and oversees the development of the Commission’s website, fact sheets, email communications, social media, and other informational materials to advance its mandate and goals.
Key Competencies We Value:

• Equity and Equality – Promoting equal opportunities, rights, and access to resources for women and girls throughout Maine.
• Advocacy – Supporting policies, legislation, and initiatives that improve the lives of women and girls and their families.
• Nonpartisanship and Integrity – Maintaining impartiality, ethical leadership, transparency, and accountability in public service.
• Collaboration and Partnerships – Building strong relationships with commissioners, legislators, state agencies, community organizations, and national partners.
• Community Engagement – Listening to diverse community perspectives and ensuring that the voices and experiences of women and girls are represented.
• Research and Education – Using research, data, publications, and educational programs to inform policymakers and the public about issues affecting women and girls.
• Leadership and Accountability – Providing strategic direction, implementing the Commission’s goals, and ensuring programs align with its mission and statutory responsibilities.
• Inclusivity and Diversity – Valuing diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives to ensure the Commission’s work reflects the needs of Maine’s communities.
• Transparency and Public Service – Providing reliable information, communicating openly, and serving as a trusted resource for the Governor, Legislature, and public.
• Responsible Stewardship – Managing public funds, personnel, volunteers, and other resources responsibly while ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations.

In This Role, You Will:

• Submit Maine Boards & Commissions Annual Report Filing, prepare meeting minutes, schedule commission meetings, write agendas, and maintain email communications.
• Inform the Commission about relevant legislative, social, and community trends and events.
• Review all publicity, advocacy initiatives, and other communications with the Commission chair and/or Commission.
• Coordinate all communications with appropriate state departments and volunteers.
• Ensure that programs and initiatives are consistent with MePCSW’s mission, policies, and state statutes.
• Work with the Commission and the Secretary of State’s office to design and maintain a website.
• Implement policies and programs as determined by the Commission and serve as a resource for all standing committees.
• Work with and orient new commissioners to ensure smooth transitions. Perform any additional duties as assigned by the Commission.
• Oversee daily operations of the Commission and serve as support and resource to the commissioners.
• Recruit, hire, and supervise consultants and/or interns. Ensure that job expectations are clear, regular performance evaluations are held, mentoring/coaching is appropriate, records are maintained, and good human resource practices are followed.
• Work with staff and commissioners to make MePCSW a cohesive team, finding opportunities to engage commissioners in the group’s governance, programming, outreach, and research.
• Recruit and retain talent (volunteer and paid) with a diversity of lived experiences. Work with volunteers to carry out policies and initiatives authorized by the Commission.
• Review and make recommendations to the Commission and the Secretary of State office about any legal, legislative, contractual, or fiscal matters in consultation with appropriate professionals
• Develop the MePCSW’s budget in consultation with the Commission, the Secretary of State, and relevant partners.
• Ensure the MePCSW operates within its budget and adheres to all applicable rules and regulations as required by the State of Maine.

Preferences Will Be Given to Candidates Who Demonstrate:

• Exhibits a strong understanding of issues facing women and girls
• Experience with a commitment to principles of equity, inclusion, and representation.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills (written and oral), active listener, and demonstrated ability to manage relationships across a variety of groups (legislators, volunteers, community members, partner organizations, etc.).
• Self-starter, who can work well independently and collaboratively with a team.
• Ability to think strategically and develop and implement operating plans.
• Demonstrated experience researching and writing reports.
• Technology proficient in Microsoft Office; successful experience working with social networking and experience managing websites - or ability to learn.

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree and three to five years of relevant professional experience are preferred. An equivalent combination of education, professional experience, volunteer service, and relevant lived experience may be considered in place of formal educational requirements.
All Applicants should submit a writing sample (up to 500 words) articulating a research-based advocacy position.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Please note that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions, and successful candidates will be required to complete an I-9 form upon hir.
The successful candidate must pass a National Criminal Background check, which may include fingerprinting.
Why Join Our Team?
We believe in supporting our workforce's health and well-being with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit: Take time for yourself with 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 ($12,213.69 - $14,790.59 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find Premium Ratesfor 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 ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan: The State contributes the equivalent of 18.86% of the employees’ pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
• Gym Membership Reimbursement: Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts: Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness: The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program: Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation: Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

Contact information:
Questions about this position should be directed to Terri Kanaris Talent Acquisitions Specialist, via email [email hidden]
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. Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.
If you require a paper application, please download and print one HERE or contact our office at 207-441-9993. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Secretary of State, Office of Human Resources, 101 Hospital Street, Augusta, ME 04330 or faxed to 207-624-9313. Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included. Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building an inclusive workplace that respects and values diversity across all backgrounds.
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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.