Policy Coordinator

Public Service Coordinator I

Augusta, Maine, United States | Professional/Technical | Full-time | Partially remote

Apply by: June 20, 2025

Questions about this position should be directed to Ariel Ricci at ariel.ricci@maine.gov

Join Our Team!

The Permanent Commission is looking for a Policy Coordinator to help make sure Maine’s commitment to racial justice translates into action.

This role works with agencies and across policy areas to track progress, support follow-through, and keep the focus on what communities have said they need. Follow the links on this page to apply through the Maine Bureau of Human Resources. Read more about the position below.

Position Details 

Department of Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations

Job Class Code: CA24
Grade: 24/Confidential
Salary: $56,825.60-$80,516.80/Annually
Location: Augusta/Gardiner/Hybrid Remote

Opening Date: May 30, 2025

Closing Date:  June 20, 2025

The Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous, and Tribal Populations (the Permanent Commission) is an independent commission within the State of Maine tasked with identifying and promoting programs that create and improve opportunities for historically disadvantaged racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations in Maine. A key component of this work includes our statutory ability to advise and consult all three branches of Maine’s state government.

The Policy Coordinator will lead the Permanent Commission’s work to advance state-level policies that contribute to reducing racial disparities across the state. This role involves policy research, legislative tracking, preparing and delivering testimony on behalf of the Permanent Commission’s Policy Committee, and collaborating with other government agencies on activities and programs that reduce racial disparities. Reporting to the Executive Director, the position also works closely with the Research Specialist and Community Engagement Specialist, mutually informing each other’s work.

Responsibilities

 

• Lead the Permanent Commission’s efforts to advise and consult all three branches of government on legislation, policies, and programs impacting racial, Indigenous, and tribal populations.
• Conduct research and analysis on proposed legislation, budget proposals, and administrative actions to assess potential impacts on racial disparities.
• Prepare and deliver clear, concise, and accessible policy materials, including briefing papers, public testimony, and fact sheets that are grounded in reliable non-partisan sources. 
• Staff the Policy Committee, including preparing agendas, briefings, and recommendations on policy issues, including proactively identifying strategic options and recommendations to advance the Committee’s priorities.
• Monitor state legislative sessions to identify bills or administrative actions that may impact racial disparities or the Permanent Commission as an agency; provide timely updates and strategic recommendations to the Executive Director and Policy Committee.
• Represent the Permanent Commission in meetings with legislators, government agencies, policy implementers, and other strategic partners.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with legislators, state agencies, and policy-focused organizations.
• Track and analyze emerging policy issues at the state and national levels that may impact communities in Maine; serve as the primary point of contact for policy-related inquiries within the organization.

 

Work environment

The Permanent Commission strives for a culture of support, inclusion, accountability, and empowerment, where you can experience belonging, be inspired, learn, and grow your skills. In concrete terms, this means:

We actively provide opportunities for professional development; We work together to set clear expectations, provide and receive honest feedback; We collaborate on projects, supporting and celebrating each other’s success; We know that communities who have survived and thrived in spite of systemic oppression are essential to our work. Lived experience is key. As our former Commissioner Dee Clark said, “Nothing about us without us.”  We know that we have more room to grow, and look forward to your creativity and enthusiasm.

How to Apply

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application.  In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period.  Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact our office at 207-623-6700.  Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME  04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018.  Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included.  Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date. 

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 Fit – 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%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 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.  Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).  Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.09% for Confidential employees. 

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.

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 lived experience and passion set you apart.

Apply by: June 20, 2025