Job Information
State of Maine, Bureau of Human Resources Director, Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR) in Gardiner, Maine
Director, Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR)
Gardiner , Maine , United States | Management & Supervisory | Full-time
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Department of Professional and Occupational RegulationJob Class Code:EY49
Grade: 36/Confidential (Appointed)
Salary: $108,201.60-$162,302.40/Annually
Location: GardinerOpening Date: March 13, 2025Closing Date: Until Filled
Director, Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR)
The Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation is searching (OPOR) for an innovative leader to join their hardworking, dedicated team. OPOR is an umbrella agency consisting of 38 regulatory entities including 30 licensing boards and is one of five independent regulatory agencies within the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (DPFR) that reports directly to the Commissioner of DPFR. As the Director of OPOR, you will oversee the team responsible for licensing and regulating a diverse range of Maine’s professions and occupations necessary to protect the public health and welfare.
The Director’s primary responsibilities include:
Overseeing an office consisting of 38 licensing entities and approximately 70 staff
Developing and mentoring a team of board managers, investigators, licensing staff, among others. Working with the OPOR’s leadership team to develop policies and practices for the work environment that promote employee attraction and retention.
Ensuring that OPOR maintains an effective system for licensing, examining and investigation Maine’s licensed profession and occupations.
In coordination with the Commissioner, establishing the strategic direction, objectives, priorities, and regulatory goals for the Office to ensure the successful implementation of OPOR’s mission and identifying and leading strategic initiatives to further modernize the agency and its priorities.
Directing and overseeing all internal operations of OPOR, structuring and organizing the work of OPOR, including coordinating financial management, in the most efficient and effective manner, subject to state budget limitations.
Increasing and maintaining the Agency’s visibility and relationships among all stakeholders including Maine citizens, the Executive branch, the legislative branch, other state and federal government agencies.
To be successful, interested candidates should have:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills including advanced interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and persuade to affect solutions to complex problems and build consensus among stakeholders with strong and divergent views on securities topics.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience with the state’s budgeting and financial management processes.
Detail-oriented, strategic thinker and visionary with well-developed decision-making, research, analytical, and project management skills.
Ability to make recommendations based on thorough understanding of the short and long-term impact of decisions, projects, or initiatives.
Demonstrated ability to multi-task and manage many time-sensitive, complex projects simultaneously to support short and long-term priorities.
Ability to identify and resolve, or minimize, potential conflicts in goals and objectives.
Ability to recruit, retain and effectively manage professional staff.
Ability to recognize and respond to trends in professional licensing.
Experience dealing with extremely high-profile issues that receive media attention.
Experience working successfully with and building strong, positive relationships with an executive team, members of the Executive and Legislative branches of government, and key partners.
Minimum qualifications:
Post-secondary education and relevant work experience and knowledge, such as experience in regulation, licensing or related work experience. Preference will be given to applicants with relevant legal experience, especially within multi-board agencies.
TO EXPRESS INTEREST:Email letters of interest and resumes to:
Misty Robinson, Executive Assistant, Professional and Financial Regulation (Misty.B.Robinson@maine.gov)
The letter of interest should include
Why you are interested in OPOR
Why you are interested in the role of Director
How you would utilize your skills, knowledge, and experience to propel the organization forward.
About Us:
The Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation is located in Gardiner, Maine, an unspoiled, authentic New England community with a revitalized, historic downtown located on the banks of the Kennebec River. One of Maine’s 10 National Main Street Communities, Gardiner is Maine’s gateway to the midcoast, mountains, and downeast. Close to the capital city of Augusta, Gardiner is a jumping-off point to explore Maine’s legendary outdoors: iconic beaches, state parks, ski mountains, hiking trails and so much
more. Portland, Maine’s largest city, is less than an hour’s drive and offers countless restaurants, shopping, cultural events, and museums. Explore all Maine has to offer here.
APPOINTMENT:
The Director of the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation is appointed by the Commissioner and serves at the pleasure of the Commissioner.
Application Instructions:
Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button along with uploading a cover letter, current resume, and copies of any transcripts or certifications you wish to have considered while evaluating your application. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.
If you require a paper application, please download and print one here https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process or contact our office at 207-623-6700. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with cover letter and resume before the closing date to Security & Employment Service Center, 45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME 04330 or faxed to 207-287-2018. Be sure title of the job you are applying for is included. Applications cannot be accepted after the posting closing date.
Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
Work-Life Fit – 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%-95%of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find thepremium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
Retirement Plan– The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.09% for Confidential employees.
State employees are eligible for anextensive and highly competitive benefits package (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/compensation-benefits) , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from theOffice of Employee Health and Wellness (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/) .
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
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.
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.
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 currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.