Administrative Director (Anticipated Vacancy)

Opening Date: November 9, 2023                             

Closing Date: Open until filled

The Maine Public Utilities Commission (Commission) is seeking an executive-level professional to lead the Commission's Administrative Division.  Reporting directly to the Chair of the Commission and two Commissioners, this position will direct a staff of eight. The Administrative Division handles all aspects of the Commission’s finances, human resources, information technology, building operations, purchasing, external vendor contracting, press, legislation, and other administrative matters.  The Director is also responsible for general oversight of Commission operations as well as ensuring that all electronic regulatory filings are managed consistent with Commission rules and procedures.  The Director interfaces daily with the Commission’s Directors, legal staff and utility analysts who oversee electricity, natural gas, water, and telecommunication cases that come before the Commission.  Utility regulation and administrative operations is interesting, diverse, and dynamic work.  The Commission is focused on providing all employees with challenging work in a collegial and friendly environment.

 Candidates will demonstrate the ability to lead a diverse group of administrative and professional staff.  The successful candidate will help direct Commission operations and advise the Commissioners on finance, budget, human resources, information technology, communications, legislation, and other administrative matters.  Problem solving and the ability to innovate are important for this leadership position considering dynamic changes in the utility industry and the focus of legislation in this area.  The successful candidate will also assist in evaluating legislative issues impacting all utility industries and oversee press and media activities related to Commission operations and public engagement.  The Director will also work on special projects as assigned by the Chair. 

 Qualifications include: a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, mathematics, law, public administration, or a related discipline. An advanced degree is preferred but related experience may be substituted.  At least ten years of senior management experience and a working knowledge of utility regulation is strongly preferred.  Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.

  A hybrid schedule of in-person and remote work will be negotiated with the successful candidate.

 Salary is determined by statute and currently ranges from $102,086 to $139,755.

Benefits:

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 ($10,523.28 -$11,142.48 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 ($350.40 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes a percentage of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (Mainers), 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 four weeks 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. 
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. 

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button and also uploading a cover letter outlining interest in the position, a writing sample, and a current resume.  If you require a paper application, please go to the following link:     https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process. 

Contact Information: 

For more information or questions, please contact Celeste Gaylord, Maine Public Utilities Commission, at celeste.gaylord@maine.gov or 207-287-1360.

Information provided during the application, interview and selection process will be verified.

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 lived experience and passion set you apart.