Senior Assistant to the Public Advocate

Location: Hallowell,Maine,United States

STATE OF MAINE

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC ADVOCATE

SENIOR ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLIC ADVOCATE

Opening Date: June 10, 2024

Closing Date:  June 30, 2024

Job Class Code: OC05
Grade: 26 (Confidential)
Salary: $60,320.00 – $81,993.60/Annually
Position Number: 095500003

The State of Maine, Executive Department, Office of the Public Advocate (OPA), represents the interests of Maine users of utility services, including electricity, natural gas, water, and telecommunications.

We are seeking professional services work for the position of Senior Assistant to the Public Advocate (Legislative Liaison). As Senior Assistant, you will assist the Public Advocate acting as the Legislative Liaison and monitoring Energy, Utilities and Technology (EUT) Committee; preparing testimony for EUT hearings and minutes and tracking legislative bills; and attend public hearings and work sessions on any committee relating to legislation pertaining to the Office of the Public Advocate. In addition, you will participate in assisting legislators with constituent services related to individual utility billing and service issues. Other duties may include assisting with public outreach and media relations.

The following internet site provides information on the Office of the Public Advocate, State of Maine: http://www.maine.gov/meopa/

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A four (4) year combination of education or experience in a related field and preference will be given to those with a BA/BS degree in Public or Business Administration or related field. Previous experience or knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations, public policy development, formulation and execution, legislative and rulemaking process, leadership and management techniques. Previous experience using Microsoft Office products,  Adobe, Excel, Word, etc. 

The background of well-qualified candidates will demonstrate the following competencies (please use cover letter to speak about each of these): 

• Previous experience providing administrative support to a senior management team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to explain complex ideas and policies in a way that generates shared understanding. 
• Exceptional analytical skills and attention to detail. 
• Experience engaging and collaborating with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• The ability to use independent judgment, initiative, and decision-making on complex administrative matters. 

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:

• Reviews, tracks, analyzes and drafts legislative memoranda.
• Prepare testimony and attend public hearings, legislative work sessions and committee hearings pertaining to the Public Advocate’s office and prepare minutes from those meetings.
• Develops and recommends communication plans, formulates strategic content of communications, and identifies effective communication strategies in order to provide accurate information to the media and public.
• Assist the Public Advocate with administrative and business functions and provides clerical and administrative back up to the Special Assistant to the Public Advocate.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations
• Knowledge of public policy development, formulation and execution
• Knowleged of legislative and rulemaking process
• Knowledge of leadership and management techniques
• Knowledge of Department programs, services, madates and organization
• Knowledge of office and administration support work
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to identify and resolve complex management issues.

The position is based in Hallowell, Maine. Application Packets should consist of: Cover Letter and Resume.

The Office has a hybrid work policy that requires you to be in the office at least 50% of the time.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

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 Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacati