Senior Planner
NatureServe
If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.
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MAINE OFFICE OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
SENIOR PLANNER
Opening date: March 27, 2026
Closing Date: End of day April 16, 2026
Location: Augusta
Position Number: 09510-0007
Position Type: Full Time
Class Code: 0603
Grade: 25 (Professional/Technical Unit)
Salary: $54,412.80 - $76,315.20 Per Year
BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This position plays a central role in shaping how Volunteer Maine connects with communities across the state by leading Volunteer Maine’s communications and public engagement strategy that elevates volunteerism, national service, and Volunteer Maine’s impact. The role manages both external and internal communications, including media relations, website and digital platform maintenance, and content development. It oversees the ongoing development of Volunteer Maine’s website, internal communications systems, and ServeMaine.org, the statewide volunteer matching platform that connects people to meaningful service opportunities. This position also builds strong partnerships with stakeholders and leads the planning and execution of high-profile statewide events, while equipping Volunteer Maine’s AmeriCorps grantees with the tools, training, and messaging needed to expand engagement and inspire service across Maine.
REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:
- Develop and implement a statewide communications strategy, including media relations, social media, website content, internal communications, and public outreach efforts.
- Create, update, and manage content across multiple platforms, including Volunteer Maine’s website, internal communication tools, ServeMaine.org, newsletters, and other digital and print materials.
- Maintain and improve the usability, accuracy, and relevance of ServeMaine.org as a statewide volunteer matching platform, including supporting partner use and public engagement.
- Build and maintain relationships with media, stakeholders, public officials, and community partners to promote Commission initiatives and service opportunities.
- Plan and coordinate major public engagement events, including the Governor’s Service Awards and National Day of Service, as well as additional outreach activities.
- Provide training and technical assistance to grantees and partners on communications, public relations, digital platforms, and recruitment strategies.
For questions specific to the position, please contact Brittany Gleixner-Hayat at: Brittany.Gleixner-Hayat@maine.gov
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor’s degree in assigned area and four (4) years of related work experience. Equivalent related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
Assigned Areas: Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field.
Preference will be given to candidates with the following skills and/or experience:
- Experience managing websites and digital platforms, including content management systems and user-facing tools.
- Experience developing and executing communications strategies in a public, nonprofit, or government setting.
- Experience planning and managing large-scale events or public engagement initiatives.
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 at least 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.
- Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness
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.
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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.