Public Policy Director

n close collaboration with the Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer, the Public Policy Directorleads the organization’s government relations work, policy campaigns, and works to influence public policy in ways that deliver real world outcomes for Maine’s island and coastal communities. They also help position the organization as a thought leader on key topics and contribute meaningfully to the organization’s work with strategic partners.

Headquartered in Rockland, Maine, Island Institute is a leading community development organization dedicated to navigating climate and economic changes with Maine’s island and coastal communities, expanding opportunities, and delivering effective solutions. Our culture thrives on innovation, collaboration, and creativity, driven by a vision where Maine’s island and coastal communities thrive in a rapidly changing world, serving as models of innovation. We are steadfast in our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, applying these principles to strengthen both our organization and the communities we serve.

The Public Policy Director works in partnership with staff, community partners, and other organizations to strategically advance Island Institute initiatives and community projects. This person also participates in and influences various State and Federal policy processes on behalf of the organization. They also support and build the capacity of staff and partners to effectively participate in the policy process. The Public Policy Director’s role is collaborative and cross-functional, and the individual is expected to work effectively across teams, and they are also occasionally responsible for leading special projects of strategic importance to Island Institute.

The individual in this position is a highly relational, mission-driven leader who deploys significant skill in navigating government institutions, strategic partnerships, and community-based work. They bring leadership to the government relations work of Island Institute by working collaboratively with staff, donors, and external partners to create change that will shape the future of the Coast of Maine.

Qualifications:

• Professional expertise and interests that align strongly with the mission, goals, and programs of Island Institute.
• An advanced degree, at least 8 years’ experience working in policy, advocacy, state or local government, or a related field; an advanced degree in policy, political science, law, or a related field in addition to experience is preferred.
• Experience working with networks and coalitions to influence policymaking, local leaders, preferably in small natural resource-dependent communities.
• Proven success with policy initiatives that have brought funding to communities.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively and professionally convey the organization’s mission, priorities, and work to diverse audiences in ways that are compelling.
• The ability to listen in communities and in partnerships to inform, develop and implement responsive programming.
• Experience in leading effective, high-stakes meetings, workshops, events, and tours.
• Leadership, management, and strategy experience, particularly in nonprofits, is preferred.

What we offer:

• A benefits program to include health, dental, vision, company provided life and disability insurance.
• A 403b retirement plan with an employer match of up to 6% after one year of employment
• A generous paid time off policy
• 12 paid holidays and 2 paid floating holidays.
• Island Institute membership benefits.
• Discount at Island Institute’s Archipelago retail store.
• A hybrid work environment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: the employee is required to sit, enter data using computer keyboard and mouse, stand, walk, bend over occasionally, and move about the office space as well as between building floors. There is no requirement to lift and/or move weights of more than 15 pounds. The employee will be expected to travel on occasion by boat and ferry to various island and remote coastal locations. There will be times when working long hours in the evenings and weekends will be required.
• Travel: Must be comfortable traveling by ferry, boat, small plane, and car. This position requires regular travel in Maine primarily to Augusta, Portland, Bangor, and coastal communities, including the occasional overnight trip. This position also requires periodic travel outside of Maine, primarily to Washington DC.
• Work environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal.

We offer a competitive salary, starting at $90,640, with a range that depends on experience and skills related to position responsibilities and qualifications. Recognizing that no candidate will possess all the relevant skills and experience, we encourage you to apply if you align with many of the qualifications for and interests in this role.

Below is a more detailed listing of job qualifications and job functions:

Qualifications:

• Professional expertise and interests that align strongly with the mission, goals, and programs of Island Institute.
• An advanced degree, at least 8 years’ experience working in policy, advocacy, state or local government, or a related field; an advanced degree in policy, political science, law, or a related field in addition to experience is preferred.
• Experience working with networks and coalitions to influence policymaking.
• Experience working with local leaders, preferably in small natural resource-dependent communities.
• Proven success with policy initiatives that have brought funding to communities.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively and professionally convey the organization’s mission, priorities, and work to diverse audiences in ways that are compelling.
• Ability to clearly communicate about policy ideas or proposals to a variety of audiences.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships and interact effectively with a variety of audiences and in various settings.
• The ability to listen in communities and in partnerships to inform, develop and implement responsive programming.
• Experience in leading effective, high-stakes meetings, workshops, events, and tours.
• The ability to give and receive constructive and helpful feedback with staff colleagues and community partners.
• Interest in shaping experiences for community members that inspire them to take action and solve problems.
• Leadership, management, and strategy experience, particularly in nonprofits, is preferred.
• Comfort with technology, including information technology systems, video conferencing and Office 365 applications.

Essential Functions:

• Maintain and nurture relationships with key stakeholders in public policy processes at the local, state and federal level, including elected officials, governmental entities and industry and community representatives.
• Develop and implement public policy strategies to support programmatic goals in collaboration with internal and external
• Represent Island Institute’s interests in the public policy process, including testifying at the State Legislature and in regulatory processes.
• Participate in state-wide or national stakeholder groups and provide valuable contributions to the work of those groups.
• Convene, facilitate, and lead workgroups and teams focused on projects of strategic importance to the organization.
• Communicate effectively about Island Institute policy priorities as well as policy proposals being considered in various processes in a variety of different formats and venues.
• Monitor/track legislative and regulatory activities of relevance to the organization and our partners.
• Analyze policy and regulation proposals, determine potential impact and develop appropriate responses.
• Educate, engage and support internal and external constituents in the public policy process.
• Manage resources, projects, and records to ensure maximum impact of public policy work.
• Serve as a mentor and resource to staff members in building their skills in and knowledge of policy.
• Contribute to development and implementation of work to position Island Institute as a thought leader on key topics.
• Contribute to the formation and deepening of key strategic partner relationships.
• Other duties as assigned.

Island Institute is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Island Institute will take steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Susan Haversat at shaversat@islandinstitute.org.

Island Institute is a nonprofit organization, and an equal opportunity “at-will” employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities based upon an individual’s ability and qualifications. We do not discriminate against people based on race, citizenship, ancestry, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, mental or physical disability. For more information about the Island Institute, please visit www.islandinstitute.org.

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