Business Engagement Manager
The Maine Island Trail Association (“MITA”) is a 6,500-member organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the wild islands of coastal Maine. Founded in 1988 to establish and manage the Maine Island Trail, MITA embraces the powerfully simple idea that care of Maine’s wild islands can be left to the users of these fragile places. MITA’s coast-wide programs are run through its office on the waterfront in Portland, ME as described at mita.org. Join our fun, hard-working team in pursuit of a fabulous mission!
MITA seeks a Business Engagement Manager (BEM), to coordinate several existing business-oriented initiatives into a strategic business engagement program. This new year-round position will be based in Portland with extensive travel to coastal business locations. The BEM will maximize the value of existing business connections, forge new connections, and create impactful and durable partnerships that advance MITA’s mission. This position requires a strong sales, marketing or fundraising background, extensive knowledge of the Maine coast, experience in all types of recreational boating, self-motivation, and independent management skills. While much of the work will be done in the field, it also requires demonstrated success in a team-centered, collaborative work environment.
Specific responsibilities include:
Outreach:
-Forge personal connections with Maine’s business community, in particular the marine trades and outdoor recreation industries. Natural business community constituents include outfitters, outdoor retailers, marinas, boatyards, boat brokers, tourism industry, businesses that offer volunteer workdays or seek team-building opportunities, and many others that appreciate MITA or seek a connection with MITA’s mission.
-Strengthen relationships with trade/industry groups including the Maine Marine Trades Association, Maine Outdoor Brands, and the Maine Association of Sea Kayaking Guides and Instructors.
-Recruit businesses to sign up for workplace outings to islands, thereby increasing the number of new island stewards and MITA members.
-Seek input from the business community to strengthen MITA resources, including the annual Guidebook and App.
-Seek support from the business community in promoting the Maine Island Trail and MITA’s work to maintain it.
-Maintain a member benefits program in which businesses offer discounts directly to MITA members.
Fundraising:
-Increase revenue from business sources, including sponsorships, business memberships, auction items, and boat donations.
-Working with industry partners, manage MITA’s boat donation program, including fielding donation offers, managing listings, and promoting the program.
-Manage and grow an established sponsorship program in which businesses can receive various levels of promotional consideration in exchange for financial support.
-Grow a fledgling business membership program targeting small businesses.
-Secure high-value items from businesses for MITA’s annual auction/boating season kick-off party.
Administration:
-Maintain accurate records of business relationships using MITA’s custom Salesforce CRM.
Qualifications include:
-Strong connections to marine trades or outdoor recreation industries in Maine
-5+ years of relevant experience in sales, marketing, and/or nonprofit fund development
-Extensive knowledge of the Maine coast and experience in all classes of recreational boating
-Excellent organizational skills
-Strong written and oral communication skills
-Commitment to detail-oriented work assignments
-Demonstrated competency with Google Applications and MS Office programs
-Experience with CRM/donor management software (competency in Salesforce a plus)
-A passion for the MITA mission
Position details:
Location: Flexible, includes significant time away from an office, and expectation of spending at least one day a week at MITA’s Portland waterfront office
Hours: 30-40 hours per week, negotiable
Reports to: Director of Advancement
Compensation: Competitive salary depending on qualifications. Benefits package that includes paid time off, health/dental insurance, and retirement plan.
This position requires occasional weekend or evening work. Regular travel, with some overnight stays, is expected. The BEM must have a valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation (reimbursed for mileage). The MITA office is accessible only by climbing a flight of stairs. MITA reserves the right to perform background checks as a condition of employment.
To apply:
Please send resume and cover letter AS A PDF DOCUMENT to search@mita.org, using “Business Engagement Manager” in the subject line. You will receive an emailed receipt to acknowledge your application. As a small organization we have limited capacity to process applications, so phone calls and postal mail submissions cannot be accepted. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position is open until filled. All applicants will be notified by email when the position has been filled. The Maine Island Trail Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
