Program Manager – Economic Recovery Implementation Hub

The position of Program Manager is responsible for delivering program management, facilitation, and technical assistance to communities, businesses and individuals who launched businesses after 01/01/2020 and have experienced negative impacts from the pandemic.  The Program Manager will oversee activities and contributions from the Spoke partners, leading to the successful completion and delivery of outcomes described in the program application and contract.  The Program Manager will join an organization that focuses on communication, integration with other EMDC programs, and outcomes.

EMDC delivers high-quality and impactful economic, community, business and workforce development services to municipalities, employers and individuals throughout the northeastern region of Maine. Services include small business impact lending to support job retention and boost the region’s economic vitality, business technical assistance, land use and transportation planning, government contracting technical assistance, broadband, and climate resiliency services. Our work is framed by building partnership and collaboration.

The Eastern Maine Economic Recovery Implementation Hub program is designed to support communities in Aroostook, Washington, Hancock, Piscataquis, and Penobscot counties to mitigate adverse economic impacts as a result of the COVID19 pandemic.  Following a Hub and Spoke model of services delivery, the project will consist of three overarching direct support areas for businesses:  Direct funding and support to qualifying small businesses; direct technical assistance; and, entrepreneurial training to support business recovery and long-term sustainability.  The Eastern Maine hub is one of eight designated across the State of Maine.

Essential Functions

• Oversight of Implementation Hub activities including facilitation of meetings, training, communications and other related activities
• Facilitate outreach and education to the program audiences to share opportunities and funding through the Hub program
• Work closely with each Spoke partner to assure their full participation and meeting of program goals
• Work with grant applicants to submit funding applications. Convene a grants review committee to review and issue small business grants
• Work with Accounting and EMDC leadership to distribute project funds to Spoke partners
• Track and evaluate program participants (Spokes and business clients)
• Assist with post-award reporting to the State of Maine Department of Economic & Community Development
• Other tasks as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Working knowledge of the principles, and practices, and applications of broadband accessibility.
• Ability to communicate and establish and maintain effective working relationships with local, state, and federal officials, and colleagues in other public and private agencies and institutions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to present technical information and planning concepts clearly and effectively to a range of audiences.
• Up-to-date working knowledge of federal and state legislation, programs, regulations, and procedures related to broadband.
• Ability to organize and facilitate group and committee discussions leading to clear and identifiable outcomes.
• Ability to work with limited supervision, to organize and execute work assignments in a thorough and timely manner, to work under frequent time pressures and be able to keep several projects in progress at the same time.
• Willingness to travel, and to attend frequent night meetings, using personal vehicle for business use (reimbursable).

Education/Experience
A minimum of a four-year college degree. Experience in project oversight, planning, outreach and meeting facilitation.   Knowledge of the concepts, theories, principles, and practices of broadband project development and economic development at the regional and local level. Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Working Conditions

General business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, though exempt positions will typically require work to be performed outside general business hours. Work is generally performed in an indoor, professional office environment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or listen, and regularly required to use a keyboard for typing. The employee is often required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. The employee must travel to different locations and must be able to provide own transportation.

The physical demands 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.