Executive Director

ProSearch; Portland (ME); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

EqualityMaine seeks an accomplished nonprofit leader to serve as Executive Director, guiding advocacy, fundraising, and program initiatives across Maine. You will partner with the Board to shape strategy, manage budgets, and drive impact for LGBTQ+ equality in urban and rural communities.

The role requires collaboration with staff, funders, policymakers, and community partners, and involves being the public face of the organization while ensuring rigorous program evaluation and inclusive

Qualifications

• 5+ years of senior nonprofit leadership experience including directing and supporting staff.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors and supporting governance initiatives
• Demonstrated commitment to LGBTQ+ equality, advocacy, public policy, social justice, or community-based initiatives
• Advocacy track record, including experience supporting LGBTQ+ equality and advancing legislative or public policy change
• Experience working with both urban and rural communities in Maine or related state
• Proven fundraising, donor development, and community relationship-building success
• Strong communication, public speaking, stakeholder engagement, and leadership skills
• Experience managing budgets, organizational operations, and high-performing teams

Responsibilities

• Engage staff, Board, and stakeholders to advance a shared vision for systemic change and the protection of LGBTQ+ rights.
• Build and sustain an inclusive movement that centers the voices of those most marginalized within the LGBTQ+ community.
• Cultivate trusting relationships with peers, equality foundations, and social justice partners to strengthen EQME’s visibility and impact.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to set the long-term strategic direction of EQME, ensuring organizational activities align with the mission and community needs
• Provide updates on the organization’s financial condition, programmatic impact, and progress toward strategic milestones
• Assist the Board in its governance role by preparing for and attending meetings, facilitating productive dialogue, and supporting Board recruitment and orientation
• Work with the Treasurer and Finance Committee to submit proposed annual budgets and monthly financial statements that accurately reflect EQME’s fiscal health
• Engage Board members as active ambassadors and fundraisers, leveraging their skills and networks to support the organization’s growth and visibility
• Serve as the public spokesperson to the media, constituents, and the public, communicating the organization’s mission with integrity and passion
• Lead and support the Program Director to ensure rigorous evaluation and execution of programs that meet community needs
• Oversee educational initiatives designed to empower LGBTQ+ Mainers and move the "hearts and minds" of the broader public
• Maintain an active presence in both urban and rural communities to provide education, advocacy, and support
• Lead fundraising efforts in collaboration with the Development Director and Board to secure ambitious and sustainable diverse revenue streams
• Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with donors, foundations, and partners
• Ensure organizational obligations are met regarding election, campaign finance, and labor laws
• Lead the team by fostering a collaborative culture of inclusivity, respect, and creative problem-solving
• Optimize systems, processes, and protocols for efficiency and future growth
• Provide feedback, identify development areas, and create opportunities for staff to apply their strengths

Skills

Senior nonprofit leadership

Board governance

LGBTQ+ advocacy

Fundraising

Strategic leadership

Public speaking

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Policy advocacy

Job description

Executive Directors, Deputy Directors, and other experienced nonprofit leaders in Maine are invited to pursue a unique opportunity to lead one of the state's leading LGBTQ+ organizations. This role calls for a strategic and collaborative leader with strengths in fundraising, advocacy, community engagement, board partnership, and experience advancing LGBTQ+ through legislature and policy initiatives.ProSearch is partnering with EqualityMaine to identify a visionary leader who can strengthen the organization's mission, expand its impact, and help shape the future of LGBTQ+ equality across Maine.

For more than 40 years, EqualityMaine has been a leading voice for LGBTQ+ rights through advocacy, education, political action, and community building. As Executive Director, you'll serve as the organization's most visible leader, working closely with the Board of Directors, staff, supporters, policymakers, funders, and community partners to advance equality and build lasting change across the state.

This hybrid leadership opportunity requires a regular in-office presence of approximately three to four days per week and may be especially appealing to an Executive Director, Nonprofit Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nonprofit Leader, Advocacy Leader, Development Executive, Vice President, or mission-driven organizational leader who is energized by coalition building, fundraising, public policy, strategic leadership, and community impact.

About EqualityMaine

EqualityMaine provides cultural competency trainings, educational programs, public policy advocacy, and community engagement initiatives that support LGBTQ+ people throughout Maine. Through collaboration with businesses, schools, government agencies, and community organizations, EqualityMaine works to advance equity, promote inclusion, and protect the rights of LGBTQ+ Mainers.

From the State House in Augusta to communities across Maine, EqualityMaine advocates for comprehensive LGBTQ+ protections, challenges discriminatory policies, and works alongside allies to protect hard-won progress.

EqualityMaine’s mission is to protect and advance full equality for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Mainers by creating an inclusive and intersectional movement through political action, community building, education, engagement and collaboration. They’re working towards and envisioning the day when all LGBTQ+ Mainers and their families are empowered and have full equality in the hearts and minds of Maine people.

Why This Role Stands Out

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Lead a respected statewide advocacy organization at a pivotal moment
• Serve as a leading voice for LGBTQ+ equality in Maine
• Partner with the Board of Directors to guide long-term strategy
• Build relationships with donors, funders, policymakers, and community leaders
• Lead fundraising, organizational growth, advocacy, and community impact initiatives
• Develop and support a talented, mission-driven team

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Movement Building

• Engage staff, Board, and stakeholders to advance a shared vision for systemic change and the protection of LGBTQ+ rights.
• Build and sustain an inclusive movement that centers the voices of those most marginalized within the LGBTQ+ community.
• Cultivate trusting relationships with peers, equality foundations, and social justice partners to strengthen EQME’s visibility and impact.

Board Partnership & Governance

• Partner with the Board of Directors to set the long-term strategic direction of EQME, ensuring organizational activities align with the mission and community needs
• Provide updates on the organization’s financial condition, programmatic impact, and progress toward strategic milestones
• Assist the Board in its governance role by preparing for and attending meetings, facilitating productive dialogue, and supporting Board recruitment and orientation
• Work with the Treasurer and Finance Committee to submit proposed annual budgets and monthly financial statements that accurately reflect EQME’s fiscal health
• Engage Board members as active ambassadors and fundraisers, leveraging their skills and networks to support the organization’s growth and visibility

Community Leadership & Education

• Serve as the public spokesperson to the media, constituents, and the public, communicating the organization’s mission with integrity and passion
• Lead and support the Program Director to ensure rigorous evaluation and execution of programs that meet community needs
• Oversee educational initiatives designed to empower LGBTQ+ Mainers and move the "hearts and minds" of the broader public
• Maintain an active presence in both urban and rural communities to provide education, advocacy, and support
• Lead fundraising efforts in collaboration with the Development Director and Board to secure ambitious and sustainable diverse revenue streams
• Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with donors, foundations, and partners
• Ensure organizational obligations are met regarding election, campaign finance, and labor laws

Team & Organizational Leadership

• Lead the team by fostering a collaborative culture of inclusivity, respect, and creative problem-solving
• Optimize systems, processes, and protocols for efficiency and future growth
• Provide feedback, identify development areas, and create opportunities for staff to apply their strengths

Qualifications

• 5+ years of senior nonprofit leadership experience including directing and supporting staff
• Experience working with a Board of Directors and supporting governance initiatives
• Demonstrated commitment to LGBTQ+ equality, advocacy, public policy, social justice, or community-based initiatives
• Advocacy track record, including experience supporting LGBTQ+ equality and advancing legislative or public policy change
• Experience working with both urban and rural communities in Maine or related state
• Proven fundraising, donor development, and community relationship-building success
• Strong communication, public speaking, stakeholder engagement, and leadership skills
• Experience managing budgets, organizational operations, and high-performing teams

Salary Disclaimer

The salary range for this role reflects the minimum and maximum compensation for the role. Offers are typically made between the range minimum and the range midpoint. Actual compensation will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, and expertise, as evaluated during the interview process. Compensation may also vary based on where a role is performed.

Equal Opportunity Statement

ProSearch is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.