Public Service Executive I - Licensing Board Executive Director

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Department of Professional & Financial Regulation (and Boards)

Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation

Job Class Code: EA31
Grade: 31/Confidential
Salary: $74,713.60-$105,809.60/Annually

Location: Gardiner

Opening Date: July 17, 2026

Closing Date:  July 31, 2026

Join the Team at the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation

At the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR) we are committed to protecting the health and safety of the public in Maine. We offer work-life balance and great benefits to support our team in achieving professional success while maintaining personal well-being. Join a team that fosters a culture of teamwork, integrity, and continuous improvement, offering opportunities for growth and making a meaningful impact on the lives of our citizens.

Do you want to make a difference?

We are looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals who thrive in a dynamic environment. If you are passionate about making a difference, and being part of a positive, service-focused culture, we want you on our team.

As a Licensing Board Executive Director, your primary role is to oversee the operations and regulatory program of the Board of Dental Practice, as well as serve as a team leader within OPOR. You will also assist the Director of OPOR with special projects, including but not limited to management of other boards as well as supporting a range of legislative matters. The Board of Dental Practice is a high-profile board, and exercises authority and the Executive Director exercises oversight over state resources necessary to operate and maintain the licensure program. Occasional out of state travel will be required.

Primary responsibilities include:  

• Manage Programs: Direct, assign, review work of professional staff, including internal staff and investigator. Develop operational procedures and set program goals and objectives within regulatory and statutory guidelines.
• Case Analysis: evaluate and analyze complex cases and interpret statute and administrative rules.
• Coordinate Complaints: Review complaint files, oversee the investigation and identify relevant issues, and coordinate hearings.
• Manage Communication: Communicate effectively with staff, board members, licensees, stakeholders, service providers, attorneys, and the public, maintaining professionalism in all interactions.
• Collaboration: Work with board and staff to establish and implement agency policies to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of board functions
• Financial Management: Coordinate and oversee office budget and financial process
• Policy: Research and recommend policy, rule, and legislative changes to the Board
• Facilitator: Coordinate and organize development of curriculum for dental education programs required by statute.
• Board Liaison: Represent the board, and other programs as assigned, to the Legislature, the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation and other state agencies, as well as at professional associations and other public meetings.

What We’re Looking For: 

• Professionalism: Maintain a positive and respectful work environment through thoughtful, courteous interactions.
• Problem-Solving: Strong critical thinking skills to identify issues and propose innovative solutions. Skill in managing people and situations and offering appropriate feedback with tact and respect.
• Adaptability: Willingness and ability to adapt to changing priorities, processes, and technologies.
• Attention to Detail: A focus on accuracy and thoroughness in completing tasks and managing responsibilities.
• Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication with colleagues, management, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and clarity.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with diverse groups, contributing to shared goals and helping others succeed.
• Decisiveness: Ability to make well-informed, timely decisions even in challenging situations.

Key Competencies We Value:

• Commitment to Excellence: Dedication to achieving high standards in service delivery and personal work performance.
• Emotional Intelligence: Ability to understand and empathize with others while maintaining professionalism and accountability.
• Time Management: Strong organizational and prioritization skills to balance various responsibilities effectively.
• Continuous Improvement: A focus on improving processes, learning new skills, and supporting team development.

Minimum Qualifications: (Entry level knowledge, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).

Five (5) years of post-secondary education, with preference to degrees in law, public policy, project management or business, or five (5) years of experience administering regulatory programs.

Preferences will be given to candidates who have: 

• Highly developed written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in administrative, legal or adjudicatory practice including complaint resolution processes.
• Experience with APA rulemaking and APA adjudicatory hearing process.
• Experience managing competing priorities in a professional and efficient manner.
• Experience in the legislative process, including researching and drafting proposed changes.

Contact information:

Questions about this position should be directed to Penny Vaillancourt [email protected] (207)441-7153

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 18.91% 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.