Southern Maine Community Outreach Manager

The Southern Maine Community Outreach Manager at Maine Coast Heritage Trust is responsible for designing community programs and managing volunteer activities at Southern Maine preserves. This role involves collaboration with various departments, managing the Richard G. Rockefeller Internship Program, and developing outreach strategies to engage diverse audiences. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 5-7 years of relevant experience. The position is based in Topsham, ME.
The Community Outreach Manager is responsible for designing and delivering community programming and volunteer and outreach activities for MCHT’s Southern Maine preserves, leading cross-departmental teams and external partners in the development of programming and outreach strategies, goals, and metrics that support organizational priorities, and mobilizing and managing the southern Maine volunteer program and the Richard G. Rockefeller Internship Program on behalf of MCHT. This position works in close coordination with the Stewardship, Land Protection, and Engagement departments and reports to the Associate Director of Stewardship for the assigned region.

Essential Job Functions:
• Initiate and develop MCHT’s vision, goals, and strategy for community conservation programming and outreach activities at MCHT Southern Maine preserves. Design and manage or oversee programming and activities on MCHT preserves that will:
• Reach diverse audiences
• Connect people with MCHT and the land, enhancing understanding of the natural world and the value of land and land conservation
• Deepen community engagement with specific preserves
• Lead and manage the Richard G. Rockefeller Conservation Internship Program. Partner with Maine colleges and the land conservation community to identify, plan, and manage paid summer internship opportunities for 11 students each summer.
• Participate as a member of MCHT’s Outreach Team to develop and implement a framework for organizational outreach throughout our preserve network.
• Build and improve MCHT’s volunteer recruitment and retention. Improve existing volunteer management systems. Coach and train MCHT staff on the management and use of volunteers. Develop engagement strategies to attract, retain, and cultivate volunteers.
• Initiate or strengthen partnerships with communities and local organizations to increase use of MCHT preserves and enhance community connection with and benefit from the land.
• Develop and manage the annual budget for programming, volunteerism, and outreach. Create informational materials for publications, public outreach, and media, in collaboration with Engagement staff.
• Serve as a member of MCHT’s Stewardship Dept and take on specific assignments as requested, including attending meetings, serving on committees, helping with events, assisting other organizations, or developing areas of expertise that will help the organization. Perform special projects and other related duties as required, directed, or as the situation dictates.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise volunteers, interns, and/or seasonal staff.

Education & Experience:
• Bachelor’s Degree in natural resources, environmental education, or related field with 5-7 years’ experience creating and leading programs and activities. In lieu of education, 8 or more years of previous experience in developing and leading environmentally centered programs and community outreach activities or other relevant experience.

Qualifications:
• Familiarity with the region and its communities, both on land and water.
• Strong organization, problem-solving, and multi-tasking skills with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated love of the outdoors and the ability to introduce people of all ages to it.
• Knowledge of the natural world and its systems.
• Experience designing and leading outdoor activities.
• Flexible and able to work outdoors at all times of the year and on weekends.
• Boat handling skills or the willingness to learn.
• Good physical fitness required to perform duties.
• Good sense of humor and ability to enjoy unexpected changes of plan.
• Ability to effectively operate computers and assigned software, including Microsoft Office and, Excel.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

Field work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions and requires walking, bending, crouching, lifting, reaching and other physical capabilities. Operates GPS, compass, camera, boats/marine vessels, trucks, hand tools, and other equipment. Regular travel is required. Office work is performed in a normal office environment not subject to extremes of noise, temperature, odor, etc. Operates computer, printer, and other office equipment.

This is a permanent, full-time position with a benefits package including insurance (no cost for employee coverage), generous vacation and sick time, and a retirement plan.

Starting annual salary is $48,500 - $51,500 and is dependent upon experience.

TO APPLY: Send cover letter and resume to search@mcht.org with “Outreach Manager” in the subject line. The deadline to apply is October 20, 2023.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Maine Coast Heritage Trust does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law. We are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive and support our mission