Director of the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women

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Position: Executive Director of the Maine Permanent Commission on the Status of Women

Department: Secretary of State

Location: Augusta, Maine

Schedule: Full-Time Confidential Position

Job Class: Public Service Coordinator I

Grade: CA27

Salary: $67,267.20 - $95,097.60 annually

Closing Date: November 30, 2026

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.

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. 

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.