Business Enterprise Program Administrator

Department of Labor; United States; On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid holidays

Vacation leave

Job summary

The Department of Labor – Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Maine is seeking a BEP Administrator to lead the statewide Business Enterprise Program, overseeing program operations, budgets, policies, and compliance.

The Administrator will collaborate with BEP Managers, contractors, and partners, identify new business opportunities, build relationships with property managers, supervise day-to-day activities, and travel statewide to support BEP

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree requirement and two years of professional experience in business or food service management.
• Strong leadership and management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day BEP operations, budgets, policies, and strategic priorities.
• Identify new business opportunities and partnerships for BEP.
• Oversee recruiting, training, and support for BEP Managers.
• Review financial records and operating reports for performance trends.
• Coordinate with Rehabilitation Counselors, contractors, and state/federal partners.
• Represent BEP at meetings, conferences, and events.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Business and financial management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Food Service, or related field

Job description

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM (BEP) ADMINISTRATOR

Department of Labor – Bureau of Rehabilitation Services Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI)

Job Class Code: 0033

Grade: 23 (Professional/Technical)

Salary: $51,500.80 – $72,259.20/Annually

Location: Augusta, Maine

Opening Date: October 30, 2026

Closing Date: November 16, 2026

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

About DBVI's Business Enterprise Program

DBVI's BEP provides training, resources, and business opportunities for individuals who are legally blind to operate their own vending facilities throughout Maine.

BEP-supported businesses may include:

• Snack bars and cafés
• Micro Markets
• Vending operations
• Other food and retail service opportunities

The program is more than managing vending facilities—it is about creating pathways to entrepreneurship, financial independence, and meaningful employment.

About the Position

As the BEP Administrator, you will provide leadership and oversight for a statewide program while working directly with BEP Managers, contractors, government partners, and other stakeholders. You will have the opportunity to identify new business opportunities, develop partnerships, strengthen existing operations, and help shape the future of the program. Working closely with the Rehabilitation Services Manager and the BEP Committee of Blind Managers, the Administrator will oversee day‑to‑day program operations, budgets, policies, strategic initiatives, performance, and compliance. The successful candidate will be comfortable balancing big‑picture strategic thinking with hands‑on problem solving. You will use sound judgment and strong communication skills to navigate business, financial, regulatory, and operational challenges while keeping the success of BEP participants at the center of your work. This position requires a regular in‑person presence at the Augusta central office, as well as travel statewide to support BEP Managers, facilities, participants, and program partners.

What you'll do

• Grow Business Opportunities; Identify and evaluate potential locations for new vending facilities by assessing space, customer traffic, market conditions, competition, and business potential
• Build relationships with property managers and other partners to promote BEP and negotiate agreements that create new business opportunities
• Explore innovative approaches to expand and strengthen BEP services and entrepreneurial opportunities throughout Maine
• Support BEP Managers (training; technical assistance)
• Interview individuals referred by Rehabilitation Counselors and assess their interests, capabilities, and readiness for participation in BEP
• Participate in the selection and placement of individuals into Business Enterprise Program opportunities
• Assess the training and technical assistance needs of BEP Managers and develop programs to strengthen their business and operational skills
• Provide guidance and support to BEP Managers as they navigate business, financial, operational, and regulatory challenges
• Lead Program Operations; Oversee the day‑to‑day administration of the Business Enterprise Program
• Develop, implement, and monitor program policies, initiatives, and strategic priorities
• Manage and monitor the BEP budget to ensure effective use of available resources
• Assess equipment, inventory, supplies, and other operational needs and oversee purchasing activities
• Monitor facilities and operations to ensure quality, efficiency, compliance, and customer satisfaction
• Review financial records and operating reports to identify trends, potential financial challenges, and opportunities for improvement
• Provide technical assistance to help BEP Managers address financial and operational issues and maintain successful business
• Conduct site evaluations and assess facility performance through observation, financial analysis, customer feedback, and consultation with building managers and other stakeholders
• Build and develop strong partnerships that increase awareness of BEP and create new opportunities for individuals who are blind
• Work collaboratively with the BEP Committee of Blind Managers, Rehabilitation Services staff, contractors, property managers, businesses, and state and federal partners
• Represent BEP at meetings, conferences, workshops, and other professional events

What we're looking for

• Strong leadership and program management skills
• Business and financial management experience
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities
• The ability to negotiate, collaborate, and resolve complex issues
• Sound judgment and the ability to make decisions independently
• An interest in entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired
• The ability to balance strategic priorities with day‑to‑day operational demands

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Business and financial management principles and practices
• Accounting, financial reporting, and profit and loss statements
• Food service operations and equipment
• Rehabilitation methods and procedures
• Business Enterprise Programs; Merchandising methods and techniques
• Food sanitation rules and regulations
• Randolph‑Sheppard regulations
• Vending facility operations
• Purchasing, inventory, stock, and equipment control
• Interviewing and public relations practices
• Orientation and mobility for individuals who are blind

Ability to:

• Evaluate potential business locations and opportunities
• Review architectural plans and assess facility requirements
• Negotiate and mediate with vendors, property managers, contractors, and other partners
• Operate and evaluate food service equipment
• Observe and evaluate food service and vending operations
• Collect, analyze, and interpret financial and inventory information
• Assess training needs and develop effective training programs
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of individuals and organizations

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Food Service, or a related field and two (2) years of professional experience in business or food service management. Equivalent related experience may be substituted for education on a year‑for‑year basis.

Benefits

• Work‑Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime‑exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee‑only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee‑only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee‑only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre‑tax to help pay for out‑of‑pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty‑two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre‑tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

Thinking about applying? Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting.

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.