Economic Development Jobs in Maine (NOW HIRING)

The Deputy Director serves as the operational and strategic partner to the Inaugural Director of the Center for Resilience and Economic Impact, providing leadership for the Center's community engagement initiatives, applied research partnerships, grant administration, and regional economic development efforts. The Deputy Director works collaboratively with community organizations, government agencies, industry partners, faculty, students, and external stakeholders to advance initiatives that strengthen the economic resilience and long-term vitality of Maine's coastal and rural communities.

The position provides operational leadership for the Center's programs, manages complex grants and collaborative projects, develops strategic partnerships, supports applied research initiatives, and serves as the Inaugural Director's designee when appropriate. The Deputy Director plays a central role in translating innovative ideas into practical community solutions while helping position the Center as a statewide leader in resilience, economic development, and community collaboration.

Essential Functions
To be successful in this position, an individual should be able to perform the essential duties and bring the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that support the role. This list of duties is intended to be representative rather than exhaustive, and additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Strategic Leadership and Center Operations

• Partner with the Inaugural Director to establish strategic priorities and implement the Center's mission and long term goals.
• Provide operational leadership for Center initiatives and serve as acting leader in the Inaugural Director's absence.
• Coordinate implementation of multi-year strategic initiatives and community based projects and events.
• Develop operational policies, procedures, and assessment strategies to support Center objectives.
• Supervise assigned professional staff, project personnel, and student employees.

Community Partnerships and Regional Engagement

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with municipalities, nonprofit organizations, industry leaders, state and federal agencies, tribal partners, and community organizations.
• Represent the Center at public meetings, conferences, and community events.
• Identify opportunities for new partnerships that advance economic resilience and regional development.
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings and collaborative planning efforts throughout coastal Maine.

Grant Administration and Program Management

• Coordinate complex grant-funded initiatives involving multiple institutional and community partners.
• Manage relationships with contractors, consultants, and external service providers to ensure project objectives, contractual obligations, timelines, and deliverables are achieved.
• Assist with proposal development, grant reporting, compliance requirements, and budget administration.
• Monitor project timelines, deliverables, and program outcomes.
• Support financial planning, reporting, and stewardship of Center resources.

Applied Research and Economic Development

• Support faculty and community based applied research initiatives that address regional economic and environmental challenges.
• Coordinate projects that translate research into practical applications benefitting Maine communities.
• Assist with development of pilot programs, workforce initiatives, entrepreneurship activities, and economic development strategies.
• Evaluate program outcomes and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Communications and Institutional Advancement

• Develop presentations, reports, brief materials, and communications that highlight Center initiatives and impact.
• Prepare technical and plain-language reports, briefing materials, and policy communications that effectively translate research findings, project outcomes, and complex technical information for regulators, policymakers, funding agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Collaborate with College Communications and Advancement to promote Center activities.
• Represent the Center with external partners, elected officials, funding agencies, and community organizations.
• Support fundraising initiatives and development of external funding opportunities.

Position Qualifications

Minimum Education and/or Experience

• Master's degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Community Development, Economic Development, Environmental Studies, Marine Research or Policy, Business Administration, Planning, or a related field required.
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in community development, economic development, higher education, nonprofit leadership, public administration, grant management, or related fields.
• Experience leading collaborative partnerships involving multiple organizations and stakeholders.
• Experience managing externally funded projects and complex budgets.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in coastal communities.
• Knowledge of Maine's economic, environmental, and community development landscape.
• Experience working within higher education or research organizations.
• Experience supervising professional staff.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strategic planning and organizational leadership
• Grant development and administration
• Budget management
• Community engagement and partnership development
• Facilitation and consensus building
• Project management
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Public speaking and stakeholder engagement
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities
• Excellent political awareness and relationship management skills
• Commitment to community-centered and collaborative leadership

Physical/Mental Demands

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this position and/or may be encountered while performing essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• To perform this role effectively, an employee is expected to handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy.
• This position involves working with a variety of timelines, including some that require quick turnaround and responsiveness to urgent needs.
• In this role, the employee will interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations. Presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful manner at all times is an important part of the role.
• This position includes regular movement throughout office spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations.
• Daily work will involve extended use of a computer, including keyboard and mouse
• Physical requirements differ by position. In general, most roles involve lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, with some positions requiring occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds.
• Vision requirements for this position include the ability to see clearly at close and far distances and to adjust focus as needed.
• The work environment is dynamic and engaging, often involving multiple tasks and projects that require shifting focus and strong organizational skills..
• The noise level is generally moderate; however, there may be occasional moments of louder sounds depending on campus activity.

Colby College supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.