Managing Director

Request for Letters of Interest for Nonprofit Programmatic, Management, and Development Services 

The Vinalhaven Community Development Partnership (VHCDP) is seeking proposals from qualified individuals that have demonstrated successful experience in providing services to small community-based nonprofits, and have particular expertise in community development and business support.  Founded in 2023 and established as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the VHCDP’s mission is to help build and support a resilient community, a healthy environment, and a thriving local economy through sustainable development, economic diversification, and strategies focused on education, civic engagement, and improving the quality of life for all Vinalhaven residents. 

The VHCDP Board has completed initial strategic planning and identified primary focus areas and initial goals for the first two years of operation.  The organization intends to be flexible and responsive in terms of task prioritization, and understands that the initial launch period needs to remain fluid while establishing credibility and successes.  Initial tasks will include further organizational development, and developing and funding one or more programs in the areas of economic diversification, adult education and outreach, and sustainable development.  

The organization intends to remain flexible in its approach of supporting businesses and individuals, while maintaining a relatively low profile in the community in the initial stage. Over the past year, a Board of Directors and an advisory board have been established, and initial fundraising efforts have just begun. Outreach to a limited number of community members has been underway over the past year to gauge support, and to help identify the most effective strategies for achieving success.  

To fulfill its mission, the VCDP Board is now looking to partner with someone familiar with island life and culture to provide the organization with nonprofit programmatic, management, and development services related to community development, essentially acting as the VCDP’s Managing Director. The successful candidate is expected to initially provide this support on a part-time basis, with a preference for an on-island presence at least 25% of the time. The initial contract period will be one year with the option to renew; the VCDP board is looking to build a long-term relationship with the right person. The contract compensation amount will be determined by a combination of experience and scope of work.  

VCDP Anticipated Scope of Work, 2024-2025

The VCDP Board has identified primary focus areas and initial goals for the first two years of operation.  The organization intends to be flexible and responsive in terms of task prioritization, and understands that the initial launch period needs to remain fluid while establishing credibility and successes. 

The following scope of work is anticipated for the first two years:

Task Area I: Advise and support the VCDP board with budget development, fundraising, fiscal management, strategic planning, and legal and structural development, including backend structures and systems as needed.

Task Area II: Develop and fund one or more programs in three focus areas listed below:

1. Economic Diversification 

• Support entrepreneurs interested in starting and expanding island businesses
• Connect community members with grants and loans for professional and business development in industry areas beneficial to island sustainability.  Build relationships with entities like Coastal Enterprises Inc. and F.A.M.E. to facilitate access to financing.
• Facilitate connections with support professionals (coaches, counselors, networks, classes) 
• Develop and manage an advisor program of on-island (year-round and seasonal) volunteer experts willing to serve as mentors to new businesses 

2. Education and Engagement

• Develop an online resource hub of easy-to-access resources to support businesses, entrepreneurs, and island residents seeking career changes.
• Facilitate, sponsor and promote on-island workshops, educational sessions, and training opportunities for alternative career paths, new business development, marketing, finance, and other aspects of career and business growth.  
• Coordinate with state initiatives including the Maine Workforce Development Compact to bring appropriate resources to Vinalhaven.
• Facilitate connecting local students with business/entrepreneurial opportunities and civic involvement, including apprenticeships, internships, mentoring, and job shadowing, working in concert with the school and Partners In Education.

3. Sustainable Development

• Coordinate with and provide information to private investor groups and other non-profits seeking to stimulate economic development on the island.

Task Area III: Outreach and Engagement – develop a communications program to inform the community and potential participants about VCDP resources, services, and programs. Act as a spokesperson for the organization, along with VCDP Board, and represent the organization at community and other activities to enhance the organization’s profile.

ABOUT VINALHAVEN

Vinalhaven is the largest of Maine’s unbridged islands, with a year-round population of about 1300. Over 65% of the Vinalhaven population is self-employed, working in the lobster fishing industry, aquaculture, year-round retail, trades and service businesses, and in seasonal and tourism enterprises. Vinalhaven is defined by its incredible beauty, tight-knit community, and enduring natural resources and marine heritage.  External forces such as access to affordable housing, workforce availability, fishery populations, market economics, and climate change impact the nature and vitality of the island. Through policy, programs, and projects, state agencies, regional organizations, local nonprofits, and the local government are striving to address the complex challenges that threaten the island’s vitality. VCDP works consciously in alignment with these entities, aspiring to meet the needs of the community’s economic sectors through multiple initiatives.