Director, Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR)

Location: Gardiner,Maine,United States

Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation

Job Class Code: EY49
Grade: 36/Confidential (Appointed)
Salary: $108,201.60-$162,302.40/Annually
Location: Gardiner

Opening Date: March 13, 2025

Closing Date:  Until Filled

Director, Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR)

The Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation is searching (OPOR) for an innovative leader to join their hardworking, dedicated team. OPOR is an umbrella agency consisting of 38 regulatory entities including 30 licensing boards and is one of five independent regulatory agencies within the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (DPFR) that reports directly to the Commissioner of DPFR. As the Director of OPOR, you will oversee the team responsible for licensing and regulating a diverse range of Maine’s professions and occupations necessary to protect the public health and welfare.

The Director’s primary responsibilities include:

• Overseeing an office consisting of 38 licensing entities and approximately 70 staff
• Developing and mentoring a team of board managers, investigators, licensing staff, among others. Working with the OPOR’s leadership team to develop policies and practices for the work environment that promote employee attraction and retention.
• Ensuring that OPOR maintains an effective system for licensing, examining and investigation Maine’s licensed profession and occupations.
• In coordination with the Commissioner, establishing the strategic direction, objectives, priorities, and regulatory goals for the Office to ensure the successful implementation of OPOR’s mission and identifying and leading strategic initiatives to further modernize the agency and its priorities.
• Directing and overseeing all internal operations of OPOR, structuring and organizing the work of OPOR, including coordinating financial management, in the most efficient and effective manner, subject to state budget limitations.
• Increasing and maintaining the Agency’s visibility and relationships among all stakeholders including Maine citizens, the Executive branch, the legislative branch, other state and federal government agencies.

To be successful, interested candidates should have:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including advanced interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and persuade to affect solutions to complex problems and build consensus among stakeholders with strong and divergent views on securities topics.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with the state’s budgeting and financial management processes.
• Detail-oriented, strategic thinker and visionary with well-developed decision-making, research, analytical, and project management skills.
• Ability to make recommendations based on thorough understanding of the short and long-term impact of decisions, projects, or initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and manage many time-sensitive, complex projects simultaneously to support short and long-term priorities.
• Ability to identify and resolve, or minimize, potential conflicts in goals and objectives.
• Ability to recruit, retain and effectively manage professional staff.
• Ability to recognize and respond to trends in professional licensing.
• Experience dealing with extremely high-profile issues that receive media attention.
• Experience working successfully with and building strong, positive relationships with an executive team, members of the Executive and Legislative branches of government, and key partners.

Minimum qualifications:

Post-secondary education and relevant work experience and knowledge, such as experience in regulation, licensing or related work experience. Preference will be given to applicants with relevant legal experience, especially within multi-board agencies.

TO EXPRESS INTEREST: Email letters of interest and resumes to:

Misty Robinson, Executive Assistant, Professional and Financial Regulation (Misty.B.Robinson@maine.gov)

The letter of interest should include

• Why you are interested in OPOR
• Why you are interested in the role of Director
• How you would utilize your skills, knowledge, and experience to propel the organization forward.

About Us:

The Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation is located in Gardiner, Maine, an unspoiled, authentic New England community with a revitalized, historic downtown located on the banks of the Kennebec River. One of Maine’s 10 National Main Street C