Job Opportunities

Democracy Maine/League of Women Voters of Maine

Executive Director

 

Democracy Maine and the League of Women Voters of Maine are a leading voice in Maine politics. We are the most influential nonpartisan, grassroots organization in Maine fighting for pro-democracy reforms, both through legislation in Augusta and by empowering individuals to enact local change in their own communities. Maine is a shining beacon of citizen-driven democracy reform, and you could help lead our next chapter. We are a small non-profit with a big impact.

We are seeking a visionary, compassionate, and experienced Executive Director to lead a statewide organization that is dedicated to changing the world. Our ideal leader is collaborative, resilient, and connected. Supported by an engaged Board of Directors, an $800,000 budget, and over 1,000 members and volunteers, this position is responsible for leading our mission of empowering voters and defending democracy.

 

About Democracy Maine:

Democracy Maine is a 501(c)3 organization that works to make government more equitable, inclusive, and accessible by improving elections, protecting and engaging voters, increasing civic engagement, and reducing the influence of big money in politics. Democracy Maine is a collaboration that includes the League of Women Voters of Maine, Maine Citizens for Clean Elections, and Maine Students Vote.

 

About the League of Women Voters of Maine (LWVME):

LWVME is a 501(c)4 nonpartisan political organization, founded as a federated organization in 1920, that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. We never support or oppose any political party or candidate.

 

Key Attributes and Responsibilities

 

Passion for the Mission

Our Executive Director demonstrates a passion for civic engagement, grassroots organizing, and advocacy that aligns with our rich history of nonpartisan outreach, citizen engagement, and policy leadership. The Executive Director will be inspired and motivated by the opportunity to build a growing, collaborative and highly-impactful organization.

 

Organizational Advancement

The Executive Director serves as a spokesperson for the organization and is responsible for promoting an impactful image of our organization into the world and developing the resources that underwrite our ambitions. The Executive Director is committed to growing our organization and our impact in the world by strengthening our brand and building a diverse membership, donor, and volunteer base. Internally, the Executive Director fosters growth by sustaining a supportive culture that prioritizes professional development, mentorship, and collaborative decision-making, building leadership, not only among staff, but also among members and volunteers.

 

Collaboration and Relationship Building

The Executive Director recognizes the grassroots strength volunteers and collaborations bring to the organization and honors our commitments to coalitions and partners. The Executive Director champions a people-first, consensus-driven leadership style, and leads with responsiveness, compassion, and a supportive approach, prioritizing clear and effective communication in both written and verbal forms. With strong emotional intelligence, they foster open, consistent dialogue with staff, volunteers, partners, and the broader community.

 

Strategic Thinking

This leader is thoughtful, creative, and widely networked. They are engaged in big conversations on the future of democracy, they excel at developing, articulating, and implementing a strategic vision that advances policy initiatives and increases civic participation. This leader demonstrates an ability to think strategically through challenging and complex times.

 

Operational Excellence

The Executive Director is accountable for organizational goal setting, fiscal oversight, and budget management. This leader is responsible for administering systems, policies, and procedures that ensure cost-effective management, accurate budgeting, transparent fiscal oversight, and financial accounting practices.

 

Qualifications:

• 5-10 years of experience working in nonprofits or relevant experience.
• Demonstrated organizational leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience organizing and empowering diverse communities.
• Experience working/leading in a remote environment.
• Experience and excitement about working in a highly collaborative environment.
• Ability to develop and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including community and national leaders, peer organizations, local chapters, volunteers, advocates, and supporters.
• Knowledge and understanding of Maine’s political landscape, as well as voting and election laws and democracy issues.
• A commitment to nonpartisanship.
• Brings general knowledge of the legislative process and a collaborative spirit.
• Commitment to DEI policies and serving marginalized communities.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent lived/professional experience.
• Experience working with media and journalists. Knowledge of the Maine media ecosystem is a plus.
• Experience working at a nonpartisan political organization is a plus.

 

About our Work Culture:

Democracy Maine is a highly collaborative organization that prioritizes its partners, coalitions, constituents, and members/volunteers. We are a true grassroots organization, and we are committed to our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies, social and racial justice, and uplifting marginalized voices. Our work is fast-paced, but we encourage employees to establish a strong work/life balance. That’s why we offer a flexible, four-day work week.

We have an office location in Portland, but staff work remotely. We offer in-person opportunities for staff to connect and build relationships with each other. Approximately 20% of time will be travelling nationwide and throughout Maine. The candidate should expect to be regularly in the Portland area. Applicants are expected to maintain a reliable car and a valid driver’s license.

 

Compensation and Benefits:

Candidates will be considered anywhere in Maine or nationwide. This is a full-time position with a salary beginning at $90,000 depending on experience. Health, vision, dental, short-term disability, retirement, and earned time benefits are offered to all employees.

 

How to Apply:

Please send a resume and contact information for three references to hr@democracymaine.org using the subject line “Executive Director.” We encourage you to submit any additional materials, such as a portfolio, which may highlight your qualifications, experience, and expertise. We will begin reviewing applications after November 28.

No cover letter required. Instead, we ask that you submit answers to the following three questions. Your answers should demonstrate your values, interest, and commitment to our mission. We kindly ask that you do not use AI when writing your answers. Please keep each response to 300 words or less.

Question 1: What do you see as the key components of a strong and healthy democracy? What does that look like for Maine, specifically?

Question 2: There are many approaches to bringing about societal change. What do you believe works best? How will you bring that to bear in this position?

Question 3: Grassroots organizations are comprised of empowered individuals who will frequently disagree. How do you navigate that conflict as a leader?

 

Democracy Maine is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applicants of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate in employment against persons based on color, race, religion, age, ability, gender, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran or marital status. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.