Maine Program Officer

Overview

The Maine Program Officer will help shape and execute NMEF’s regional strategy through efforts that strengthen community-to-state-level coalitions; advance the idea of education justice (ensuring that all students consistently experience high-quality education and achieve successful outcomes), promote and protect data and knowledge systems; and translate community-rooted priorities into policy, budget, and practice change. By stewarding grant funds within assigned initiatives, this role strengthens NMEF’s overall impact while ensuring strategy and execution remain tightly aligned within and across the region.

The Maine Program Officer will build and sustain strong partnerships across Maine, support the development of artifacts such as concept papers and other knowledge products, and help ensure grantmaking advances community-centered solutions that support healthy student development and outcomes. This work directly applies NMEF’s grantmaking approach, implementation decisions, and the organization’s technical assistance and learning practices. This is not a traditional place-based policy role.

It is a connective leadership position that bridges community knowledge and formal policy systems; builds trust across geographic and ideological lines; and balances near-term urgency with long-term systems change. Candidates should be hard-wired to the community and have a deep desire to work with and through local, regional, and/or national, grantees, partners, and stakeholders. It is a compelling opportunity for someone who thrives at the intersection of strategy, relationship organizing, and strong execution.

The Nellie Mae Education Foundation, New England's largest philanthropic organization focused solely on education, believes every young person in New England should be able to access excellent, rigorous, and relevant educational experiences that support their healthy development and prepares them to thrive in school, community, and careers of the future.

• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience working at the state level on education policy, advocacy, systems change, and/or field building, with a track record of eliminating access and opportunity gaps.
• Experience in education-focused public policy, public interest work, and/or philanthropy.
• Strong understanding of how policy, budget, data, and narrative interact to shape education systems.
• Demonstrated record of building relationships across diverse communities and leading for just and equitable outcomes at a systems level.
• Experience designing, supporting, or advocating for educational resources and initiatives at the local and state level.
• Demonstrated experience managing grants, including monitoring progress, budgets, and outcomes.
• Proven ability to translate complex information—including data, research, and lived experience—into clear strategy and action.
• Experience operating effectively in politically complex or uncertain environments.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to build productive relationships with internal teams and external partners.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to effectively manage multiple priorities independently.
• Comfort navigating ambiguity, adapting to change, and contributing effectively within a team-driven environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort using digital collaboration tools and communication platforms.

The salary range for this role is $175,000 to $225,000 and will be competitive and commensurate with geography and experience.

The Nellie Mae Education Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or current employment status, in alignment with federal, state, or local law.