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Office of the Commissioner

Public Service Coordinator II - Cannabis Business Advocate

Opening Date: March 31, 2026

Closing Date: April 20, 2026

Grade / Admin Unit: 30 / Confidential

Class Code: CA30

Salary: $71,843.20 - $101,587.20

Position Number: 200024899

Location: Augusta

Telework: Partial, with management approval, upon completion of probationary period

The Department of Administrative and Financial Services (DAFS) is seeking to fill a limited period position in Augusta for a Cannabis Business Advocate (Advocate). The Advocate will work closely with licensees and registrants in the State’s adult use and medical cannabis programs (collectively referred to as “program participants”) navigating the regulations governing those programs and administered by the Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP).

The Advocate’s primary responsibilities are: 1) establishing a system to receive feedback from program participants about OCP operations; 2) assisting program participants in resolving questions and concerns by facilitating contact with OCP staff best positioned to address those questions or concerns; and 3) when appropriate, mediating conflicts between program participants and the Office.

The Advocate also is required to track the number and nature of complaints received from program participants and information regarding resolution of those complaints and report that information to the Director of the Office.

Additionally, the Advocate is responsible for proposing administrative changes to the Director of the Office to mitigate problems encountered by program participants.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Directly respond to program participants who have contacted the Advocate directly or through the Office of the Governor or DAFS Commissioner’s Office, evaluating any concerns raised, providing a “best contact” with OCP to promptly address the program participant’s concerns, explaining any relevant regulatory or administrative processes necessary to address the concerns, and facilitating resolution when possible.
• Tracking the number and kind of complaints received by the Advocate, as well as the resolution of issues raised, and reporting that information to the OCP Director.
• Working directly with program participants and the Office to resolve individual complaints and where necessary, to mediate conflicts between program participants and the Office in a manner consistent with the principles of alternative dispute resolution.
• Identify trends in concerns raised by program participants and recommend changes to administrative practices or laws to simplify program requirements and ensure that program participants are aware of the requirements applicable to their operations.
• In consultation with the Office of the Commissioner, draft a report to the Legislature by December 15, 2026 that details the work of the Advocate including information on the volume, nature and resolution of complaints received by the Advocate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

An advanced degree in public administration, business administration or law or comparable years and level of experience in a relevant field. Preference will be given to candidates who have completed post-secondary coursework in dispute resolution or at least 1 year of experience as a mediator or other neutral third party in alternative dispute resolution activities.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE:

• Knowledge of Maine’s adult use and medical cannabis laws, rules, guidance documents, standard operating procedures, processes and forms;
• Knowledge of administrative appeals process under Maine Administrative Procedures Act, Title 5, ch. 375;
• Ability to listen attentively and investigate complaints from program participants while evaluating conflicting information and establishing the facts related to complaints about the Office;
• Ability to understand and explain laws and rules in simple language accessible to the general public as demonstrated by strong written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to evaluate the law and facts related to complex, disputed cases involving program participants and the ability to render fair and impartial determinations regarding the facts surrounding particular circumstances;
• Ability to conduct legal research, summarize legal precedents, evaluate and summarize facts related to complex regulatory circumstances, and reach sound and legally defensible conclusions;
• Ability to interview program participants, department staff and others to assess and provide guidance to program participants about the laws and rules governing their authorized conduct; and
• Ability to develop solutions to resolve disputes between program participants and the Office when appropriate.

For questions specific to the position, please contact Anya Trundy at Anya.Trundy@maine.gov

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