Project Manager - Young Lobstermen Leadership Program

Maine Tasting Center; Kennebunk (ME); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maine Lobstermen’s Association is seeking an organized, collaborative Project Manager to lead the Young Lobstermen Business & Leadership Advancement Project, a two-year, federally funded initiative designed to help young Maine lobstermen build business, financial management, leadership, and industry knowledge.

The Project Manager will move the initiative from plan to implementation, including participant recruitment and support, program development and logistics, partner coordination, budget

Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience coordinating trainings, workshops, events, or other multi-participant programs.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout Maine and occasionally outside the state, including Canada.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Develop and coordinate year-round experiential learning, including recruitment of presenters, mentors, and subject-matter experts.
• Develop completion credentials and evaluation methods for project components and the overall project.

Skills

Project management

Program coordination

Communication

Organization

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

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.

MLA is an equal opportunity employer.