Housing Improvement Program Director
The Maine Seacoast Mission seeks visionary new leadership for its well-established Housing Improvement Program. Based in Cherryfield, the program has hosted thousands of volunteers and improved homes for hundreds of Downeast homeowners over the past twenty years. Through a collaboration with Downeast Community Partners and the funding of a generous donor, the Mission is now working to bring the program to an even larger scale. This is an incredible opportunity for the right forward-looking and service-oriented program leader with skills and experience to manage work projects and volunteers.
The Housing Improvement Program Director partners with Mission staff, community members, and local agencies to make homes in the Mission’s service area safer, warmer, and more comfortable. The work is undertaken primarily through a well-established volunteer program. Program Director duties include planning; project and work-site selection and management; volunteer recruitment, hosting, and management; staff supervision; program administration, and a willingness to pitch in where needed. The Program Director also helps set program strategy for the housing improvement program as coordinated by the Mission President and Downeast Director.
For 115 years, the Maine Seacoast Mission has provided educational, medical, social service, and nondenominational spiritual support to the islands and coastal communities of Downeast Maine. We are committed to working with people’s strengths and honoring the capacity of individuals to choose their own course in life. This position is dependent upon funding.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Provide Leadership for the Housing Improvement Program
- Work with Mission leadership to establish a shared vision and scalable program plan for the program in alignment with Mission priorities
- Design, plan, and ensure implementation of a housing improvement program to improve access to warm, safe, comfortable housing in the Mission’s service area.
- Support Mission partnerships with other organizations engaged in improving housing Downeast, especially Downeast Community Partners (DCP)
- Measure program impact through Mission wide and program specific evaluation plans
- Represent the Housing Improvement Program with the Mission board, media, partners, funders, and broader community, as assigned
- Oversee all aspects of the Mission’s Housing Improvement Program
Administer the Housing Improvement Program
- Update written Housing Improvement materials yearly including policies, memoranda of understanding, applications, and volunteer agreements
- Review all applications and complete home visits to evaluate the requested repairs in coordination with DCP
- Maintain a database of housing improvement needs in the Mission’s service area
- Manage the program’s income and expenses within the allocated budget
- Select homes for improvement and match the job with the skills of the volunteer groups
- Work with volunteer crew leaders to evaluate job and secure needed materials
- Act as liaison with volunteer group leaders before, during, and after the groups’ visits
- Supervise seasonal housing assistant and volunteers
- Gather, collate, and present program data; support building performance evaluation as required by program funding
- Contribute as needed to the Mission’s fundraising and stewardship efforts by assisting in the development of grant proposals and reports, and meeting with donors and potential donors as requested by the President or Director of Development
- Manage risk and ensure safe work sites
- Maintain appropriate records
- Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor
Qualifications
- Minimum of a high school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Property management experience
- General construction skills
- Volunteer management experience or equivalent
- Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint)
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of requirements for safe disposal of environmental waste
- Knowledge of OSHA construction standards and ability to interpret and apply building codes
- Valid driver’s license
Special Position Requirements
- Driving to sites in pick-up truck and box truck
- Trailering
- Completion of or ability to complete OSHA construction safety training
- Ability to work outside regular working hours as necessary, including some evenings and weekends
Physical Work Requirements
Ability to:
- Lift, bend, and climb ladders
- Use power tools
- Carry loads up to 50 pounds
Compensation
Annual salary is between $55,000 and $60,000 with generous benefits including health and life insurance, pension contribution, and paid vacation, sick, and holiday time.
To Apply
Send your resume and cover letter to Ann Cox Halkett, Director of Administration, at mailto:ahalkett@seacoastmission.org. We will begin reviewing applications on April 10.
The Maine Seacoast Mission believes diversity makes us stronger and is an equal opportunity employer.