Southern Maine Community Outreach Manager

Our Mission

We advance the conservation of lands and waters in Maine to ensure ecological well-being and foster thriving communities.

We understand that as in nature, diversity builds resilience. We uphold a working culture where unique identities and experiences are welcomed and appreciated. Our team is empathetic, committed and collaborative.  We seek employees that are not only capable and talented, but who care about supporting and respecting each other. We seek people who are interested in imagining creative solutions and continuous learning.

Position Overview

The Community Outreach Manager is responsible for designing and delivering community programming and volunteer and outreach activities for MCHT’s Southern Maine preserves, leading cross-departmental teams and external partners in the development of programming and outreach strategies, goals, and metrics that support organizational priorities, and mobilizing and managing the Southern Maine volunteer program. This position works in close coordination with the Stewardship, Land Protection, and Communications & Philanthropy departments and reports to the Associate Director of Stewardship for the assigned region.

Essential Job Functions

• Initiate and develop MCHT’s vision, goals, and strategy for community conservation programming and outreach activities at MCHT Southern Maine preserves. Design and manage or oversee programming and activities on MCHT preserves that will:
  • Reach diverse audiences
  • Connect people with MCHT and the land, enhancing understanding of the natural world and the value of land and land conservation
  • Deepen community engagement with specific preserves
• Represent MCHT with the Malaga Island Descendants and other stakeholders
• Participate as a member of MCHT’s Outreach Team to develop and implement a framework for organizational outreach throughout our preserve network.
• Build and improve MCHT’s volunteer recruitment and retention. Improve existing volunteer management systems. Coach and train MCHT staff on the management and use of volunteers. Develop engagement strategies to attract, retain, and cultivate volunteers.
• Initiate or strengthen partnerships with communities and local organizations to connect people with land, in furtherance of organizational goals and community needs.
• Design and deliver outreach, education and programming in support of department and work team plans.
• Develop and manage the annual budget for programming, volunteerism, and outreach for the region.
• Create informational materials for publications, public outreach, and media, in collaboration with Communications & Philanthropy staff.
• Take on specific assignments as requested, including attending meetings, serving on committees, helping with events, assisting other organizations, or developing areas of expertise that will help the organization. Perform special projects and other related duties as required, directed, or as the situation dictates.

Supervisory Responsibility

Supervise volunteers, interns, and/or seasonal staff.

Education And Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in natural resources, environmental education, or related field with 5+ years’ experience creating and leading programs and activities. In lieu of education, 7-8 years of previous experience in developing and leading environmentally centered programs and community outreach activities or other relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with the region and its communities, both on land and water.
• Strong organization, problem-solving, and multi-tasking skills with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Experience presenting information to large groups and audiences in a variety of formats.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated love of the outdoors and the ability to introduce people of all ages to it.
• Knowledge of the natural world and its systems.
• Experience designing and leading outdoor activities for a variety of audiences.
• Flexible and able to work outdoors at all times of the year and on weekends.
• Small boat handling skills or the willingness to learn.
• Good sense of humor and ability to enjoy unexpected changes of plan.
• Experience and comfort working in a dynamic setting with changing weather and long days; flexibility with changes of plan and a willingness to adapt to achieve shared goals.
• Ability to effectively operate computers, mobile devices, and assigned software, including Microsoft Office and Excel.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

Field work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions and requires walking, bending, crouching, lifting, reaching and other physical capabilities. Operates GPS, compass, camera, boats/marine vessels, trucks, hand tools, and other equipment. Regular travel and occasional evening and weekend work is required. Office work is performed in a normal office environment not subject to extremes of noise, temperature, odor, etc. Operates computer, printer, and other office equipment.

MCHT has offices in Topsham, Rockport, Mount Desert Island, and Whiting, Maine. This position will be based in our Topsham Maine offices. We offer a hybrid work model of two office days and three remote days per week.

This is a permanent, full-time position with a benefits package including insurance, generous vacation and sick time, and a retirement plan. The annual starting salary range for this role is $53,000 to $63,000 but is dependent upon experience.

To Apply: Please send your cover letter and resume to search@mcht.org with “SoME Outreach Manager” in the subject line by September 7, 2026.  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

*External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Maine Coast Heritage Trust does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law. We are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive and support our mission.

This is a permanent, full-time position with a benefits package including insurance, generous vacation and sick time, and a retirement plan. The annual starting salary range for this role is $53,000 to $63,000 but is dependent upon experience.