Political Director

Maine Conservation Voters (MCV) & Maine Conservation Alliance (MCA)

Job Title: Political Director

Our vision for the future: We envision a Maine where nature and people thrive through an inclusive, just democracy, a sustainable economy, and equitable access to nature’s benefits - healthy climate, land, air, and water.

We are looking to hire: A Political Director to design and drive winning political and electoral strategies that expand our influence and advance our policy goals at a pivotal moment for Maine's environmental future.

Primary Responsibilities: Building on a history of exciting successes, the Political Director will develop and execute campaign strategies for gubernatorial and state legislative races, including writing and executing campaign plans and directing voter contact programs. They will manage the electoral campaigns of MCV's affiliated PAC—Maine Conservation Voters Action Fund (MCVAF)—and strategically allocate PAC resources to maximize electoral impact. This role manages the political program budget and fundraising strategies while building relationships with candidates, party leaders, leaders of other political action committees, and allied organizations across the political spectrum. The Political Director will collaborate closely with legislative, organizing, and communications staff, as well as with our partners at the national League of Conservation Voters, to engage key constituencies and coordinate integrated campaigns.

To accomplish these objectives, the Political Director will:

• Develop and manage MCVAF’s electoral program, creating winning campaign plans and implementing independent expenditure programs in key state and local races;
• Coordinate use of the Voter Activation Network and other electronic tools for electoral and accountability programs;
• Ensure compliance with all election and campaign finance laws, regulations, and ethical standards, including timely reporting of income and expenditures;
• Serve as lead staff to MCVAF's Advisory Committee, ensuring engagement, communication, and coordination across the organization;
• Evaluate and build candidate recruitment, training, and leadership development programs;
• Coordinate with legislative, organizing, and communications staff to align the political program with broader advocacy, accountability, and civic engagement strategies;
• Represent MCV/MCA in coalitions that advance our work to protect the environment, democracy, and our climate future;
• Draft statements, talking points, and communications in coordination with the communications team;
• Support fundraising efforts through grant writing, donor meetings, and stakeholder engagement; and
• Undertake additional responsibilities as needed to advance MCV/MCA's mission and respond to emerging political opportunities.

Required Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience working on political campaigns, issue campaigns, or strategic initiatives at the local, state, or national level;
• Demonstrated capacity for strategic thinking and planning with ability to adjust strategies and tactics based on the fast-moving nature of electoral and issue campaigns;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking, facilitating meetings, and developing clear agendas;
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to build relationships across diverse backgrounds and constituencies, including coalition partners, community and business leaders, and government agencies;
• Ability to track metrics and goals used to assess the program’s success;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive conversations, data, and information;
• Strong commitment to and demonstrated understanding of environmental issues, climate action, democracy, and racial justice; and
• Alignment with MCV/MCA's mission and ability to engage the public on environmental priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of Maine's political and advocacy landscape, or demonstrated ability to quickly develop such understanding
• Experience with Voter Activation Network and other electoral technology tools
• Experience managing budgets and fundraising strategies
• Established relationships with Maine political leaders and allied organizations
• A complex understanding of racial justice and the urgency of confronting institutional racism and inequity in climate and environmental work

What We Offer

• Meaningful work supporting environmental conservation in Maine
• Collaborative and mission-driven team environment
• Hybrid work environment
• Professional development opportunities
• Supportive workplace culture

Salary: The annual salary for this position ranges from $80,000 to $90,000. Salary will be determined based on relevant experience, education, and skills directly related to the role.

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays, retirement match of up to 3%, and professional development assistance.

Position Type: This is a full-time, at-will, exempt position. Reports to the Executive Director.

Location: Augusta, Maine (Hybrid). This position requires in-person attendance approximately 1 day per week for team meetings and occasional events, plus additional travel for work-related partner meetings and events.

How to Apply: Please visit https://maineconservationvoters.bamboohr.com/careers/41 (or visit the career page on our website www.maineconservation.org) to submit your cover letter and resume by December 10, 2025. Please also provide contact information for three professional references (references will only be contacted for finalists).

We recognize that strong candidates come from many backgrounds. If you don't meet every qualification listed but believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.

MCV/MCA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact our human resources manager at: hr@maineconservation.org

MCV/MCA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and to creating a welcoming environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, or any other basis protected by law. MCV/MCA's hiring and employment decisions are based solely on a person's merit and qualifications.

About Maine Conservation Voters & Maine Conservation Alliance:

Maine Conservation Voters (MCV) and Maine Conservation Alliance (MCA) work to protect Maine's environment and build a sustainable future for all. For over 35 years, MCV has passed policies, held leaders accountable, mobilized voters, and elected environmental champions to office. For more than 20 years, MCA has built powerful coalitions and advocacy campaigns to advance policies that address climate change, environmental protection, racial justice, and democracy.

Together, we're committed to ensuring all Maine people have access to a healthy environment, a strong democracy, and a sustainable economy.

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays, retirement match of up to 3%, and professional development assistance.