Advocacy Services Program Manager

Position: Advocacy Services Program Manager

Reports to: Associate Director

Job Type: Full-time,(40-hours per week), with additional on call hours as assigned

Classification: Salary, Exempt

Pay: $60,000-70,000/yr

Location: Portland, ME, with travel to Cumberland and York Counties

Work Structure: Hybrid (in-person and remote)

Benefits: Generous paid-time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 403(b) with employer match

ABOUT SARSSM: Since 1973, Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM), a nonprofit 501(c)(3)
organization, has provided free, confidential supportive services to people impacted by sexual violence, child sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and trafficking.  Our Advocacy work in Intervention, Prevention, and Engagement programs and services is impactful. Join us in this rewarding work!

POSITION OVERVIEW:  SARSSM is looking for an experienced Advocacy Services Manager who is compassionate, confident, and willing to advocate for survivors of sexual violence, sexual harassment, and trafficking in an increasingly diverse mixture of urban and rural communities in Cumberland and York Counties. Our ideal candidate is an experienced professional in the field of interpersonal and sexual violence with a background in advocacy services, program management, team leadership, training, and a commitment to ending violence in all forms. Bilingual or multilingual skills are preferred but not required. The Advocacy Services Program Manager, as part of a team of Advocates, also provides on-call coverage for SARSSM’s 24-hour helpline, providing phone support as well as in-person accompaniments for sexual assault survivors. Several duties associated with this role require frequent local travel.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Program Coordination & Administration

• Ensure advocacy services align with agency goals, grant requirements, and established timelines.
• Coordinate client referrals and case assignments to maintain balanced caseloads and consistent follow-through.
• Maintain accurate client, volunteer, and program data within agency databases.
• Update program materials, protocols, and support resources in collaboration with leadership and designated staff.
• Evaluate advocacy services through surveys, safety tools, and other data collection methods.

Advocacy & Helpline Services

• Provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive advocacy services to survivors of sexual violence, sexual harassment, and trafficking through phone-based, virtual, and in-person support.
• Participate in rotating on-call coverage for the 24-hour confidential Helpline, including evening and weekend shifts as assigned (additional on-call stipend provided).
• Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, information, referrals, and systems advocacy.

Team Leadership & Training

• Support implementation and oversight of advocacy services provided by staff and volunteer advocates, ensuring ethical, legal, and trauma-informed practices.
• Assist with onboarding, training, and ongoing professional development for advocacy staff and volunteers.
• Co-facilitate advocate and volunteer trainings, in-service trainings, and support groups as needed.
• Provide guidance on SARSSM protocols, safety planning, and emerging best practices in victim advocacy.

Community Collaboration

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners including law enforcement, healthcare providers, courts, colleges, correctional facilities, and social service agencies.
• Represent SARSSM at coalition meetings, multidisciplinary teams, and community events.
• Facilitate Cumberland County Sexual Assault Response Team (CCSART) meetings.
• Network with state and national organizations addressing sexual violence and trafficking.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in fundraising, outreach, awareness, and donor engagement events.
• Attend required staff meetings, funder meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Associate Director.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in human services, social work, education, or related field preferred; equivalent experience and professional development may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Experience in crisis intervention, advocacy, or victim services preferred.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and issues related to sexual violence.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, facilitation, and collaboration skills.
• Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills with clients, volunteers, staff, and community partners.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals in crisis and people from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Zoom, Microsoft Office, Canva, and client management systems.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred.

REQUIREMENTS

• Commitment to SARSSM’s mission and survivor-centered values.
• Complete required trainings within designated timeframes, including:
  • 40-hour Sexual Assault Advocate Training
  • Mandated Reporter Training
  • 10-hour Support Group Facilitator Training
• Participate in ongoing professional development, supervision, and management training.
• Maintain reliable transportation, valid driver’s license or State ID, and applicable insurance.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, on-call shifts, and local travel as required.
• Employment contingent upon successful completion of background screenings, including Child Abuse Registry, Maine criminal background check, federal fingerprinting, and SARSSM probationary period.

SARSSM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, language, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, or national origin. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

SARSSM is committed to ethical, equitable, and survivor-centered practices. We value ongoing reflection, accountability, and continuous growth as individuals and as an organization.

To apply, send a resume and cover letter to meg@sarssm.org