Public Relations Representative - Stakeholder Engagement Associate

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

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The Stakeholder Engagement Associate position within the Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP) supports the Director of Media and Stakeholder Relations in creating and executing strategic outreach plans that facilitate positive working relationships with key stakeholder groups. This includes medical and adult use cannabis program participants, patients, consumers, municipalities, public health and safety organizations, and the general public. This position also assists in disseminating information regarding OCP’s resources, programs, policies, and events and is responsible for tracking and documenting the efficacy and success of stakeholder initiatives to identify outreach opportunities that enhance the Office’s impact.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Work collaboratively with the Director of Media and Stakeholder Relations to prepare and manage workshops, roundtables, town halls, trainings, and other in-person and virtual events that promote departmental goals and objectives.
• Support OCP’s stakeholder engagement initiatives and events by independently developing surveys, agendas, project plans, invitations, reports, minutes, and other materials as needed.
• Respond to inquiries from state, municipal, industry, public health, and other stakeholders in order to provide information and maintain a stakeholder database.
• Routinely measure and assess the Office’s stakeholder engagement activities to track participation, encourage continuous improvement, and promote best practices.
• Assist in the drafting and development of one pagers, presentations, newsletters, brochures, reports, website copy, and other informational materials intended to disseminate information. 
• Help prepare staff members for speaking engagements and meetings before stakeholder groups to explain Office policies and programs and increase public awareness.
• Understand and anticipate stakeholder goals and needs across the cannabis ecosystem to identify opportunities to develop trainings, events, guidance documents, and fact sheets that meet those needs.
• Research selected topics in order to write or provide information for reports, memos, and publications.
• Participate in managing the successful implementation of OCP’s public health and safety campaigns and other statewide initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director, Deputy Director of Strategic Initiatives, or Deputy Director of Operations.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of community engagement principles, practices, and techniques.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of disseminating information.
• Knowledge of departmental goals, objectives, programs, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft 365, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to express technical information in a clear, interesting manner.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and complete work in a timely manner.
• Ability to research selected subjects and gather data.
• Ability to organize and conduct meetings and events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Significant experience in communications, public relations, community engagement, or a closely related field demonstrating possession of knowledge and skill in educational outreach, public relations, media, event planning, and information dissemination practices and techniques.

Preference will be given to candidates with the following: 

• A high-level understanding of Maine’s cannabis-related laws and regulations.
• Knowledge and general understanding of Maine’s legislative process.
• Knowledge of best practices pertaining to project management.
• Knowledge of Microsoft 365, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge in public health-related initiatives, including prevention messaging and behavior change marketing.
• Experience planning and executing in-person, hybrid, and virtual events.

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.