Careers

Associate Director – Full Time

Posted 7/21/2025

The Maine Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) and Maine Lobster Community Alliance (MLCA) seek an experienced Associate Director who wants to help us sustain one of Maine’s most economically and culturally important industries by working with people who are passionate about a way of life that has supported generations of Maine families.

The MLA was established in 1954 and advocates for a sustainable lobster resource and the fishermen and communities that depend on it. The MLA is a 501-C-6 industry association governed by a board of directors comprised of commercial lobstermen, and operations are overseen by its executive director. The MLA is funded through membership dues, donations, and grants.

The MLCA was founded in 2010 to foster thriving coastal communities and preserve Maine’s lobstering heritage. The MLCA is a 501-C-3 organization governed by a board of directors who support MLCA’s mission, and operations are overseen by its president. The MLCA is funded through grants and donations. To learn more about MLCA, visit www.mlcalliance.org

Position Description:
The MLA and MLCA seek to share a full-time (40 hours/week) Associate Director. Working closely with the MLA/MLCA Executive Director, the Associate Director will take on critical responsibilities including staff and operational management, grant writing and administration, and, over time, will represent the organization publicly on policy issues. This is an opportunity to support Maine’s lobster industry at a pivotal moment and help ensure its long-term sustainability and preserve the heritage of our lobstering communities.

Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Associate Director will:

Manage staff and operations.
Work with staff to develop strategic work plans and benchmarks for key areas including membership, fundraising, and outreach.
Research, develop, and submit grant proposals.
Manage grants, including required reporting, billing, and financial accounting.
Coordinate the day-to-day functions of financial management, including budget tracking and bookkeeping.
Assist with Board communications; attend monthly board meetings and periodic fundraising events, occasionally speaking on behalf of the organizations.
Contribute content to Landings, MLCA’s monthly newspaper.
Conduct other tasks as needed to support the organizations’ missions.

Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will:

Bring knowledge, and a curiosity to learn more, about the Maine lobster industry and waterfront communities. Experience working with fishermen or in fishing communities, or other related coastal industries strongly preferred.
Demonstrate experience managing or supporting a non-profit organization, including staff supervision, budgeting, and fundraising.
Be proficient in prioritizing tasks and multi-tasking in a small office setting.
Have excellent writing skills, with the ability to produce successful grant proposals and communicate complex information clearly to the public.
Possess strong computer skills, including proficiency with QuickBooks Online and Microsoft Office 365 (SharePoint, Word, and Excel). Familiarity with Adobe products, Canva, WIX, database programs, and website administration strongly preferred.
Be comfortable learning new software programs as needed.
Be patient, flexible, and solutions-oriented.
Be able to foster a positive office environment, while working independently and as part of a small team.
Be open-minded, have strong active listening skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Compensation:
Salary range is $70,000 to $80,000 based on experience. Benefits include paid vacation, retirement, and contribution towards health insurance. The job is based on-site in our Kennebunk office, with flexibility for offsite work and an expectation of regular engagement with Maine’s coastal communities and lobster industry stakeholders.

Application Process:
Please send a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position; name and contact information (email and cell) for three professional references and your relationship to them, and a résumé detailing your education and experiences that clearly support the position requirements to:
searchcommittee@mainelobstermen.org; Subject line: Associate Director
Or
MLA Search Committee, 2 Storer St, Suite 203, Kennebunk, ME 04043

Closing Date for Applications:
This position will be filled immediately. Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis and the position will remain open until it is filled.

The Maine Lobstermen’s Association and Maine Lobster Community Alliance are equal opportunity employers.