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Careers

Project Manager - Young Lobstermen Business & Leadership Program

Posted 9/22/26 

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Young Lobstermen Business & Leadership Advancement Project

Location: Maine / Hybrid

Salary: $70,000 per year

Position Type: Full-time, Two-Year Grant-Funded Position


Position Summary
The Maine Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) is seeking an organized, collaborative, and motivated Project Manager to lead implementation of the Young Lobstermen Business & Leadership Advancement Project, a two-year, federally funded initiative designed to help young Maine lobstermen build the business, financial management, leadership, and industry knowledge needed for successful careers in the fishery.


The Project Manager will take primary responsibility for moving the initiative from plan to implementation, including participant recruitment and support, program development and logistics, partner and contractor coordination, budget management, evaluation, and grant reporting.


Key Responsibilities

Project & Program Management

  • Manage project timelines, schedules, deliverables, and day-to-day activities.

  • Coordinate project partners, contractors, participants, presenters, mentors, and other stakeholders.

  • Recruit, onboard, and provide ongoing support to program participants.

  • Maintain organized project records, documentation, and participant information.

  • Identify challenges and develop solutions to keep the project on schedule and aligned with grant objectives.

 

Program Development & Delivery

  • Coordinate selection and contracting of a business counselor for the business development program.

  • Work with project partners and the business counselor to adapt existing business training resources for young lobstermen.

  • Develop and coordinate year-round experiential learning, including recruitment of presenters, mentors, and subject-matter experts.

  • Coordinate logistics for in-person training and the project's learning trip to Canada.

  • Develop completion credentials and evaluation methods for individual program components and the overall project.


Budget & Grant Administration

  • Manage the project budget in coordination with organizational staff and ensure expenditures remain consistent with the approved grant.

  • Coordinate contracts, invoices, payments, and other financial documentation.

  • Track project milestones, participation, outcomes, and deliverables.

  • Assist with preparation of narrative and financial reports required by the federal grant agreement.


Partnerships & Industry Engagement

  • Build and maintain relationships with project partners, industry professionals, educators, and other stakeholders.

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for project partners and contracted service providers. 

  • Represent the project at relevant industry meetings, educational events, and community gatherings.


Qualifications
Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.

  • 5+ years of experience in project management, program coordination, education, workforce development, nonprofit programming, or a related field.

  • Strong organizational, time-management, communication, and relationship building skills.

  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders.

  • Experience coordinating trainings, workshops, events, or other multi-participant programs.

  • Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.​

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or similar tools.

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

  • Ability and willingness to travel throughout Maine and occasionally outside the state, including Canada.


Preferred:

  • Experience managing federal grants or other government-funded programs.

  • Experience with budgets, contracts, and grant reporting.

  • Experience developing educational, workforce-development, or leadership programs.

  • Experience working with fishermen, small business owners, or other independent business operators. 

  • Familiarity with Maine’s commercial lobster industry.


Work Environment

This position will involve a combination of office, remote, and field-based work. Travel
throughout Maine will be required, along with occasional evening or weekend work for
program activities and events. A valid driver’s license is required. The successful candidate
must also have, or be able to obtain, a valid passport for project travel to Canada.


Compensation
Salary: $70,000 per year
This is a full-time, two-year, grant-funded position. Benefits include retirement, health
insurance compensation, and paid time off. Additional employment terms will be provided
with the employment offer.


How to Apply
Interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter describing relevant
experience and interest in supporting the next generation of Maine's lobster industry to
searchcommittee@mainelobstermen.org. We will not respond to phone inquiries.


Applications will be accepted until October 1, 2026.
The Maine Lobstermen’s Association will begin reviewing applications immediately. The
application deadline may close early or be extended, contingent upon MLA finding the ideal
candidate.


MLA is an equal opportunity employer.

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