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DBVI Assistant Director - Public Service Manager I

Department of Labor – Bureau of Rehabilitation Services

Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI)

Job Class Code: MA28

Grade: 28 (Confidential)

Salary: $69,180.80 – $98,280.00/Annually

Location: Augusta

Opening Date: September 27, 2026

Closing Date: October 13, 2026

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Are you a collaborative, experienced leader who is passionate about improving employment, independence, and quality-of-life outcomes for individuals who are blind or visually impaired?

The Maine Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) is seeking an experienced Assistant Director to join its leadership team. This position provides an opportunity to make a meaningful difference while working with dedicated professionals to deliver high-quality services and expand opportunities for individuals who are blind and visually impaired throughout Maine.

About DBVI

DBVI provides and contracts for comprehensive services to individuals who are blind and visually impaired across the lifespan. Programs support employment, education, independence, and life goals, including:

Vocational rehabilitation

Blindness and low-vision services

Orientation and mobility

Independent living services

Business Enterprise Program

Education and transition services

Community-based services and support

About the Position

The Assistant Director is a key member of the DBVI leadership team, providing strategic and operational leadership for the Division's programs and services.

Working closely with the Director, the Assistant Director oversees day-to-day operations, implements policies and initiatives, monitors program performance and compliance, supports staff and organizational development, and strengthens partnerships that advance DBVI's mission.

The position requires strong communication, sound judgment, collaboration, and the ability to balance strategic priorities with operational demands. The Assistant Director must maintain a significant in-person presence at the Augusta central office and travel statewide as needed to support programs, staff, partners, and individuals receiving services.

Primary Responsibilities

The Assistant Director will:

Partner with the Director to develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and initiatives that advance DBVI's mission and priorities.

Provide leadership, mentorship, and oversight for DBVI's managers and field staff in carrying out programs, services, and operations.

Make sound operational and policy decisions in collaboration with the Director and ensure continuity of leadership during the Director's absence.

Monitor program performance, data, outcomes, and compliance with federal and state requirements and established standards.

Identify and implement opportunities to improve programs, service delivery, accessibility, and outcomes.

Oversee the development, administration, monitoring, and compliance of contracts and agreements.

Collaborate with the Director on budget development, fiscal management, resource allocation, and program priorities.

Supervise, support, and develop staff while promoting effective communication, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Develop and maintain effective relationships with state agencies, community organizations, service providers, and other stakeholders.

Represent DBVI on committees, workgroups, and in public and professional settings.

What We're Looking For

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, program management, communication, decision-making, and relationship-building skills, along with knowledge of vocational rehabilitation and services supporting individuals who are blind and visually impaired.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of State and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and requirements applicable to DBVI programs and services.

Knowledge of DBVI policies, goals, objectives, and service delivery systems.

Knowledge of Public-sector administration, program management, and organizational practices.

Knowledge of Casework, service delivery, and case management practices.

Knowledge of Budget development, fiscal management, and resource allocation.

Knowledge of Federal grant administration, reporting, and compliance.

Knowledge of Contract development, administration, and monitoring.

Knowledge of Legislative processes and public policy.

Knowledge of Employment resources, workforce development, and employment practices.

Knowledge of Training, professional development, and staff development resources.

Knowledge of Technical writing and professional communication.

Ability to lead, plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate multiple diverse programs and activities.

Ability to translate organizational goals, policies, and requirements into effective operational practices.

Ability to analyze program data and use information to improve performance and outcomes.

Ability to manage budgets, resources, grants, and contracts with accountability and compliance.

Ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships with state agencies, community organizations, service providers, and other stakeholders.

Ability to lead, support, and develop a diverse workforce in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to exercise sound judgment and make informed decisions in complex situations.

Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining accountability for results.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, partners, stakeholders, and individuals served by DBVI.

Ability to represent DBVI professionally and effectively in internal and external settings.

Minimum qualifications:

Eight years of experience managing or overseeing programs serving individuals who are blind or visually impaired, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Preference will be given to candidates with a master’s degree and/or CRC, COMS, CLVT, or CVRT certification

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Annette Stevens at [email protected]

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 Balance – 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%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 18.86% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee. 
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act. 
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.  

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 experience and passion set you apart.

If you require a paper application, please download and print one HERE

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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.