Public Service Executive I -Deputy Director - The Office of Outdoor Recreation

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Department of Economic Development Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation Opening Date: February 25, 2026 Closing Date: March 11, 2026 Grade / Admin Unit: 31 / Confidential Job Class Code: EA31 Salary: $74,713.59- $105,809.60 Position Number: 136000177 Location: Augusta Telework: Partial, with management approval JOB

DESCRIPTION:

This is a senior level position that provides professional managerial assistance to the Director in the development, execution, administration, and support of the direction of the Office of Outdoor Recreation as well as liaison work, including internal and external communication. The position applies extensive knowledge and

experience:

in public policy, strategic planning, communications, stakeholder outreach, messaging and public relations. The position will contribute to the planning, implementation, management, analysis and evaluation of the Office’s initiatives, programs, and operations; coordination with other divisions or departments; management and supervision of consultants/contractors; professional and technical tasks relative to designated areas of responsibility; and related work as required.

The

responsibilities:

of the Deputy Director include assisting the Director in representing the Office to staff and officials; establishing and maintaining relationships and communications with internal and external stakeholders; department senior management team, the public, media and others; working with private and public sector partners to grow Maine’s outdoor recreation economy; collaborating with a variety of public, private, and nonprofit organizations to advance access and opportunities; shaping outdoor recreation-related community and economic development strategies; coordinating marketing and promotion of Maine’s recreational opportunities; building awareness of recreation policy and management; developing and administering outdoor recreation-related grant programs; assisting businesses and organizations in connecting to resources including grant programs and philanthropic opportunities; among numerous other

responsibilities:

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS: Assist the Director in the organization, supervision, and management of the Office of Outdoor Recreation.

• Recommend policies, initiatives, and/or programs to the Administrator to enhance outdoor recreational amenities and

experience:

s in Maine, and help develop and implement such policies, initiatives, and/or programs.

• Ensure agency and stakeholder input is available to inform decision-making, policy and planning processes of the office.
• Support advocacy efforts and coordination with other applicable agencies and organizations for outdoor recreation policy, management, and promotion among state and federal agencies and local government and non-profit entities in Maine.
• Support coordination with the Office of Tourism, Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, Bureau of Parks & Lands, Department of Transportation and other state agency partners in the promotion, growth, and support of businesses, programs, and events related to outdoor recreation statewide.
• Support coordination with the Office of Business Development to attract and recruit outdoor recreation businesses to Maine and develop and support the growth of new and existing outdoor recreation-oriented businesses within Maine.
• Support coordination with state natural resource agencies and other organizations, associations, groups, and entities concerned with matters of outdoor recreation and/or conservation and natural resources regarding implementation or interpretation of policies regarding natural resources.
• Plans or directs the development of communication programs; establishes and maintains communication between the office, public and internal/external stakeholders.

Studies the objectives, policies or needs of the office and the industry to develop public relations and information strategies that will build awareness of the office and the outdoor recreation economy. Promote public health and wellness by increasing outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all backgrounds and abilities.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGES,:

SKILLS:

, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: Knowledge of public administration theories, principles, and practices. Knowledge of data analysis tools and presentation of data and trends. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and develop partnerships. Ability to work with diverse populations equitably and demonstrate superior interpersonal

skills:

Ability to be a flexible team player who thrives in environments requiring the ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple concurrent projects. Ability to work independently and navigate ambiguity. Excellent communication

skills:

including the ability to speak and write clearly and effectively. Ability to conduct independent research, and disseminate key findings and problem solve. Ability to think strategically, determine, formulate, and implement program objectives. Ability to articulate technical statements, policies, procedures, and practices.

MINIMUM:

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with preference for degrees in Business Administration, Marketing, Economics, Natural or Cultural Resources Management, Outdoor Recreation Management, Public Administration, Urban & Regional Planning, Tourism & Hospitality Management or a related field and four (4) years of directly related training,

education:

and/or professional level

experience:

in public/business administration, marketing, economic & community development, tourism and/or outdoor recreation management. Required

experience:

must have included administering and evaluating a comprehensive program; collaborating with diverse governmental and private entities and stakeholders; strategic planning and strategic development; policy development, analysis and implementation; interpreting federal and state laws and regulations; and management, supervision, and training of professional staff.

Preference will be given to candidates with prior public sector

experience:

• building and leading a new agency or program, or demonstrated expertise and understanding of managing a dynamic, cross-cutting public agency.

Related professional

experience:

may be substituted for

education:

on a year-for-year basis. An equivalent combination of

education:

and

experience:

will also be considere APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Please submit a cover letter along with a current resume. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum

qualifications:

for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes the month and year for any relevant

experience:

listed. Your resume should include the duties and

responsibilities:

associated with each position. Any

experience:

that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. CONTACT INFORMATION: For more information or questions specific to the position, please contact Name and email address/phone number (default will be: recruiting.ggsc@maine.gov) The selected candidate will be required to pass the required background checks (fingerprinting may be required) as a condition of employment.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Benefits:

of working for the State of Maine: No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total

compensation:

package, including: Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary.

Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information

about:

program

requirements:

Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value). Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 14.11% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee. Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.

Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.

Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program. Parental leave is one of the most important

benefits:

for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Voluntary Deferred

Compensation:

– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive

benefits:

package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn

about:

additional wellness

benefits:

for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note:

Benefits:

may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time. There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your

skills:

Applicants demonstrate job

requirements:

in differing ways, and we appreciate that many

skills:

and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal

Opportunity:

employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good

about:

what you:

do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Thinking

about:

applying? Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your

experience:

and passion set you apart. If you require a paper application, please download and print one HERE. If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.

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