Relations Manager Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Supervisor: Sponsored Project Office Director

Salary Range: $90,000- $100,000

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) develops and delivers collaborative solutions to global ocean challenges. We are dedicated to the resilience of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and the communities that depend on it. Visit gmri.org.

The Manager of Federal Agency Relations advances GMRI’s mission by cultivating strategic relationships with federal science and research agencies and positioning GMRI as a trusted partner in addressing national research priorities. This role focuses on proactive engagement with agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other mission-relevant offices to inform funding priorities, shape emerging research opportunities, and increase GMRI’s visibility and competitiveness for federal support. This role will also strategize on how to engage with agencies that have not yet funded GMRI (e.g., Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Transportation (DOT)).

Serving as a key external-facing member of GMRI’s Sponsored Projects Office, the Manager helps develop and implement strategies that align federal agency interests with GMRI’s scientific strengths, facilities, and expertise. The role works closely with the Research Development Manager (RDM) to translate agency funding priorities into competitive grant proposals, and collaborates with senior leadership, program leads, and research staff to support coordinated, high-impact engagement with federal partners.

• Support and sustain effective working relationships with program officers, division leaders, and senior staff at relevant federal science agencies.
• Position GMRI as a credible, solutions-oriented research partner aligned with agency missions and national science priorities.
• Engage agency stakeholders through meetings, briefings, workshops, and site visits to share GMRI capabilities and emerging research directions.
• Represent GMRI in federal agency forums, advisory activities, and external convenings, as appropriate.
• With RDM, coordinate federal agency visits to GMRI facilities and field sites, as well as GMRI leadership visits to agencies.

• As a member of GMRI’s Sponsored Projects Office:
  • With RDM and SPO Director, monitor and analyze federal science agency priorities, budgets, strategic plans, and emerging initiatives, informing analysis of and planning for future funding prospects.
  • Contribute to forward-looking assessments of agency directions and how they may translate into future funding opportunities. With RDM and SPO Director, assess likelihood of funding success of GMRI’s strategic initiatives.
  • Share intelligence on funding agency themes and priorities with RDM to support project team design and proposal concepts for these future opportunities.
• Proactively engage with agencies during early stages of program and funding opportunity development, elevating GMRI expertise and perspectives where appropriate.
• With RDM and SPO Director, support internal planning to align GMRI research investments and proposals with anticipated federal opportunities.

• Work closely with SPO, GMRI leadership, program leads, and research staff to identify priority areas for federal engagement.
• Provide RDM with information to support the translation of agency prospects into organizational strategies and competitive grant proposals.
• Facilitate coordinated engagement between GMRI researchers and federal agencies, including working with RDM to prepare briefing materials and support meetings.

• Provide input on relevant policy developments and agency initiatives to inform SPO’s RDM’s analyses around funding outlooks and establishment of public fundraising goals.
• Share intelligence on funding opportunities under development and emerging agency interests with internal stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, communications, marine science, environmental science, engineering, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in federal relations, government affairs, science policy, research development, or a related role.
• Demonstrated understanding of the federal research funding ecosystem, including competitive grant and cooperative agreement processes.
• Proven experience building and maintaining professional relationships with federal agency staff or leadership.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific or technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively across scientific, administrative, and leadership teams.

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D) in a relevant field.
• Prior experience working within a federal science agency or in a role closely interfacing with federal agencies.
• Experience in a nonprofit research organization, academic institution, or science-based organization.
• Familiarity with agencies such as NSF, NOAA, NASA, or related mission-driven federal offices.
• This position may be based at GMRI headquarters in Portland, Maine, or in a Washington, D.C.–area location, with regular travel as needed.
• Travel to federal agencies, partner institutions, conferences, and GMRI facilities is expected.
• The role requires flexibility, discretion, and sound judgment in a dynamic federal policy and funding environment.

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) has a long-standing policy and commitment to providing equal access and equal employment opportunities in all terms, conditions, processes, and benefits of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, family status, veteran status, or any other classification protected by law. GMRI's employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, family status, veteran status, or any other classification protected by law.

Applicants and employees are encouraged to voluntarily provide certain status data to assist GMRI in fulfilling various reporting requirements of the federal government. This self-identification is completely voluntary, will be kept confidential and separate from your application data, and used only to meet certain state or federal reporting requirements. Providing or declining to provide this information will not result in adverse action of any kind.

Gulf of Maine Research Institute offers a competitive salary and benefits package.