Managing Director

The Vinalhaven Community Development Partnership (VHCDP) is seeking a qualified individual that has demonstrated successful experience in providing services to small community-based nonprofits, and has particular expertise in community development and business support.  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 VHCDP Board is now looking to partner with someone to provide the organization with nonprofit programmatic, management, and development services related to community development, acting as VHCDP’s Managing Director. 

The successful candidate is expected to initially provide this support on a part-time basis, with a preference for a periodic on-island presence.  The initial contract period will be one year with the option to renew; the VHCDP 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.  

VHCDP Anticipated Scope of Work, 2024-2025

The VHCDP 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: Organizational development

Advise and support the VHCDP board with budget development, fundraising, fiscal management, strategic planning, and legal and structural development, including backend structures and systems as needed.

Task Area II: Programmatic development

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.