Program Manager - Nutrition Initiatives

maine; Augusta (ME); Hybrid; USD 69,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in Maine is seeking a Public Service Manager I for the Augusta area. This is a full-time role with partial telework after training with management approval.

You will oversee the SNAP program, supervise staff, and develop operation plans while coordinating with internal and external partners. Strong leadership and communication are essential, along with HR compliance and confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Eight year combination of education, training, and/or experience with supervisory/management work.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and a team mindset.

Responsibilities

• Administer SNAP and related food security programs to ensure efficient operation.
• Supervise internal SNAP positions and coordinate with partners.
• Develop state plans, monitor success measures, and manage staff training.
• Harmonize HR compliance, security policies, and confidentiality requirements.
• Represent the office in committees and foster interagency collaboration.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Education

8+ years supervisory/management experience

Tools

ACES

NPEARS

CADB

Job description

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Public Service Manager I

Opening Date: September 9, 2026

Closing Date: September 22, 2026

Job Class Code: MA28

Grade: 28 (Confidential)

Salary: $69,180.80 - $98,280.00 per year

Position Number: 02031-2415

Location: Augusta, Bangor, Caribou, Machias or Portland

This is a full-time position available at the Augusta, Bangor, Caribou, Machias, or Portland DHHS offices. This position allows for partial telework after initial training with management approval.

Core Responsibilities:

DHHS' Office for Family Independence is looking for a Program Manager to administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and related food security efforts. This position will supervise other internal SNAP positions as needed. This position will be responsible for ensuring that the program is operated in an efficient and effective manner. This includes, but is not limited to, developing state plans of operation, coordinating with internal and external partners, hiring, meeting staff training requirements, developing and implementing and monitoring measures of success, conducting administrative duties related to supervising State employees, and integration with SNAP goals.

• Reviewing and analyzing federal and state programs and related laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines; identifying and assessing the impact of revisions to current policies and procedures; and formulating and proposing new or revised policies, legislation, and procedures in order to ensure consistent and effective program administration.
• Leading the implementation, and evaluation of the Summer-EBT program.
• Leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Nourish ME contracts, and objectives within the Rural Health Transformation Program.
• Leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of other nutrition initiatives that may arise or become available in coming years.
• Facilitate the smooth transition of the above tasks' efforts to other program managers as the programs mature and new initiatives take priority.
• Representing the Office for Family Independence at various committees and meetings and discussing and explaining family independence programs and services in order to provide Department position and to exchange information.
• Conferring and coordinating with other state and federal officials, community resources, and the public in order to develop and foster working relations that aid in the successful management of SNAP, Summer EBT, Nourish ME, and other nutrition programs and initiatives in Maine.
• Developing Summer EBT eligibility rules and procedures and coordinating with OFI's technology resources and training team to make recommendations as a Summer EBT subject matter expert.
• Implementing and complying with human resource laws, policies, procedures, and practices such as: AA/EEO, recruitment, employment, position classification, performance appraisals, training, discipline, contract administration, human resource components of security protocols of agency information security and confidentiality policies, and employee safety.

Minimum Qualifications:

• An eight (8) year combination of progressively responsible education, training, and/or experience which involves at least four (4) years of supervisory, and/or project or organizational management in law, business, non-profit, or the public sector.
• The ideal candidate will have excellent oral and written communication skills, a positive attitude, a desire to help people, and a desire to work in a team atmosphere.

Preference will be given to those with the following:

• Applicable federal, State of Maine, and Departmental program, policies, procedures, and operations; related to SNAP, Child Nutrition Programs, and/or dietary best practices.
• Office for Family Independence policies and procedures;
• Community resources;
• Laws, rules, and regulations governing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Summer EBT, and Child Nutrition; and
• Principles and techniques of administrative and staff management, including the development of Standard Operating Procedures, and the ability to apply such in organizational planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Familiarity with or an interest and capacity to learn key systems used in the position including ACES, NPEARS, and CADB.

The background of well-qualified candidates will demonstrate the following competencies:

• Leadership and the ability to manage employees to work in an efficient and ef