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Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future
Opening Date: April 17, 2026
Closing Date: May 01, 2026
Grade / Admin Unit: 32 / Confidential
Job Class Code: EA32
Salary: $77,896.00 - $110,073.60/Annually
Position Number: 095001178
Location: Augusta
Telework: Available
Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Maine Office of New Americans is dedicated to making Maine a home of opportunity for all, by welcoming and supporting immigrants to strengthen Maine's workforce, enhancing the vibrancy of Maine's communities, and building a strong and inclusive economy. As the Director of Maine's Office of New Americans (ONA), you will lead the work of the ONA. You will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to improve the long-term economic and civic participation of immigrants into the State's workforce and communities. This position will be responsible for carrying out the operations of the office, including supervising professional staff, interacting with the ONA Advisory Council, and reporting on the activities of the ONA to the Governor and the Legislature.
The position offers the unique opportunity to shape the strategy of the office; to work across public agencies, institutions, community-based organizations and other partners to improve economic opportunity for immigrants in Maine. This is a full-time, salaried position responsible for significant cross-agency work and stakeholder engagement.
GOPIF is looking for an individual with experience and expertise in workforce and economic development, policy development, and stakeholder engagement, preferably in areas related to immigrant inclusion.
This is a hybrid position headquartered in Augusta, with occasional travel in Maine and to national convenings/conferences as necessary and appropriate. Mileage is reimbursed for work-related travel. The position will report to the Director of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (GOPIF) and will supervise one staff member.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead the operations of the ONA, including implementation of a strategy and vision that align with State and Administration priorities for immigrant civic and economic integration.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with immigrant communities, state agency leadership, municipalities, School Administrative Units, employers, advocacy groups and others, to understand challenges and opportunities related to the immigrant experience in Maine.
- Facilitate the ONA Advisory Council and consider its recommendations on matters impacting immigrants in the State.
- Direct office operations, budget, and staff supervision.
- Serve as the public face of the Maine ONA, including representing the office at events, with community stakeholders, and in the media.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
To qualify, your background must include a minimum of 7 years of professional experience, and may include a mix of public policy, federal or state government, law, workforce and economic development, community organizing, advocacy, education, or nonprofit or industry leadership.
Preference will be given to those with the below qualifications:
- A proven ability to navigate complex organizations, develop trust with senior leaders, and build trusted relationships among diverse groups of colleagues and stakeholders.
- Professional or lived experience with the barriers, challenges and opportunities experienced by immigrant Mainers.
- Demonstrated success in identifying challenges and designing policy-level solutions; with experience working within school, federal, state, or local government, community organizing, and/or nonprofit advocacy.
- Effective communications skills, including communicating with diverse populations.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to deliver on long-term projects as well as shift to address emergent needs.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team and to supervise staff.
- Strong meeting facilitation skills and experience.
- Experience using data and field work to gene