Executive Director
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM) has commenced a search for its next Executive Director. The Executive Director (ED) will be responsible for the overall management of the organization, including the Coalition’s brand and reputation, programs, finances, fundraising, human resources, and day-to-day management and operations. In partnership with the Board of Directors, the ED will provide oversight and steward the organization’s strategic direction. The Executive Director will ensure a highly skilled staff carry out the mission and vision of the organization.
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine works to make Maine a better and safer place to bike, walk, and roll. Founded in 1992, the Coalition has grown into the leading bicycle and pedestrian advocacy group in the state. The Coalition believes all Mainers should have access to bikes and bike education, and we envision a future where Maine’s roads, public ways, and trails are safe and accessible, resulting in sustainable travel options, improved health, and stronger economic benefits for Maine communities. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, BCM has some 15,000 members and supporters, and offers programming in all of Maine’s 16 counties. Members include individuals and families, businesses, bike shops, and partner organizations.
The Coalition is the only statewide organization advocating and providing education about biking and walking in Maine. It is proud of its history and is excited to seize opportunities and explore that future. The heart of the Coalition centers around education and advocacy. As the bicycle and pedestrian landscape has evolved with state and local policy, the organization has increased efforts to carry out its mission. Since 2016, the Coalition has seen ridership expand to include mountain biking and gravel riding as well as embrace the use of e-bikes. Across the country, a post-pandemic society has led to increased ridership yet lower engagement at bike-centered events. The Coalition has also been a key voice in highlighting active transportation as a component of Maine’s statewide climate plan.
Guided by its founding mission, vision, and values, the Coalition will continue to grow education programming, advocate for increased bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure across Maine, encourage use of active transportation modalities, and increase membership to the organization. Fair access to built infrastructure is critically important to Coalition members. The Coalition is poised to broaden the demographic of members and non-members, including younger people, families, diverse groups of bicyclists, and underserved demographic populations. The Executive Director will play an important role in helping reach those constituents.
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine works to make Maine a better and safer place to bike, walk, and roll. Founded in 1992, the Coalition has grown into the leading bicycle and pedestrian advocacy group in the state. The Coalition believes all Mainers should have access to bikes and bike education, and we envision a future where Maine’s roads, public ways, and trails are safe and accessible, resulting in sustainable travel options, improved health, and stronger economic benefits for Maine communities. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, BCM has some 15,000 members and supporters, and offers programming in all of Maine’s 16 counties. Members include individuals and families, businesses, bike shops, and partner organizations.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Executive Director, working with and reporting to the Board of Directors, is accountable for the development and implementation of the mission and strategic plan for the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. This person will operate the organization in a manner consistent with its mission, vision and values through skilled management and delegation. In addition, the ED is accountable for the development and implementation of effective organizational, operational, financial, and fund development plans and processes; community and membership building; and ensuring a highly skilled staff carry out the mission and vision of the organization. Within specific areas of the role, this person will:
Development, Fundraising, and Membership
- Oversee all aspects of the organization's development plan and lead by example as a frontline fundraiser
- Increase and diversify membership opportunities across demographics, geographies, and constituencies to broaden the organization's reach and impact
- Create and implement successful annual development/fundraising goals and plans
- Design and implement plans for increasing membership and strengthening the major donor group
- Cultivate sponsorships for events and programs
- Develop strategies for attracting new sources of major support, including government, foundation, and corporate grant programs
- Enhance strategic partnerships and source opportunities with businesses, bike shops, nonprofit partners, state agencies, educational institutions, and other potential stakeholders to increase awareness of biking, walking, and rolling
Organizational Management and Staff Development
- Ensure alignment with the organization’s 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, and conduct annual assessments on progress toward the goals and objectives
- Align organizational structure and effective implementation of the Coalition’s plans, programs, and goals and that the mission, vision, and values are embraced throughout the organization
- Continually evaluate and assess the effectiveness of Coalition programs and make adjustments to improve them
- Hire, manage, mentor, and retain talented staff and create and promote a positive work environment that provides all staff with opportunities for professional growth
- Ensure alignment of staff, volunteers, and contractors with the right skills, qualifications, and behaviors to achieve the Coalition’s goals
- Provide strong leadership in the development, mentoring, and coaching of staff to ensure performance expectations are met as well as individual development goals
- Promote broad participation by volunteers in all areas of the organization’s work
Financial Management
- Oversee the organization’s finances including developing financial plans, monitoring budgetary performance, and ensuring that sound financial controls are in place
- Create and monitor an annual budget that is approved by the Board of Directors
- Stabilize finances and develop a long-term plan to build financial reserves through dedication to fundraising and effective, conservative spending
- Forecast financial needs of the Coalition using cash flow, project and program budgets, annual budgets, and long-term strategic planning
- Monitor the Coalition’s financial status with monthly treasurer reports and budget analysis
- Negotiate and manage contracts; actively seek out and secure grants
Marketing and Communications
- Serve as a compelling spokesperson and unimpeachable authority on the state of biking, walking, and rolling in the state of Maine; must be comfortable addressing small or large groups
- Oversee communication efforts including branding and marketing to ensure a robust pipeline of new members, the retention of current members, and the engagement of other partners through effective partnerships, marketing, and customer service that maximizes revenue from members, donors, foundations, government agencies, corporations, and other philanthropic sources
- Work with the press in communicating the organization's mission
- Collaborate with elected officials, government agencies, consultants, advocates, and citizens
- Represent the BCM among environmental, transportation, and health communities
Board Relations
- Cultivate a strong and transparent working relationship with the Board of Directors as well as staff through clear communication regarding finances, programs, and performance against established metrics and milestones
- Ensure strong communication with the Board of Directors on all significant issues or events affecting the organization
- Serve as primary staff liaison to the Board of Directors
- Work closely with the Board President to determine priorities and agendas for board meetings
LOCATION
BCM’s offices are located in Portland, Maine. The organization will consider a hybrid position in which the Executive Director is in the office one to three days per week, which is negotiable after at least three months of employment.
REPORTING HIERARCHY
The ED will oversee and guide seven full- and part-time staff members, three of which are direct reports. The ED will report to the Board of Directors. The Bicycle Coalition of Maine is led by a mature governing Board of Directors of 18 members. The board represents a wide range of professions, career stages, and experience in biking, walking, and rolling. The current board has expertise in essential areas of finance, HR, governance, and marketing. The full board meets six times throughout the year (including a board/staff retreat). Directors serve for up to three three-year terms, with most completing nine years of service. Officers serve in two-year terms. Candidates can learn more about the Coalition’s current board here.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
The salary for this position is $70,000-85,000 annually, plus benefits. This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position.
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine is an equal opportunity employer, committed to growing a diverse staff. We strongly encourage application from candidates of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, genders/gender identities, sexual orientations, and religions. In addition, candidates will be considered for employment without regard to race, ancestry or national origin, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine and the responsibilities and qualifications specified in the job description. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue on a rolling basis until a candidate has been selected.
To apply for this position, please email a cover letter and résumé to jobs@bikemaine.org.
To nominate a candidate, please contact the Board President at president@bikemaine.org.