Program Assistant - Civil Rights Team Project (Research Assistant)

Program Assistant - Civil Rights Team Project (Research Assistant)

 

Opening Date:  February 5, 2026  

Closing Date:  February 20, 2026 

Job Class Code: 0677

Grade:  1

Salary: $38,147.20 - $52,582.40/year

Pursuant to 5 MRS § 196 the salary for this position has been set by the Office of the Attorney General

 Position # 006000499

Bargaining Unit:  MSEA-B, Professional and Technical Services

 

The Office of the Attorney General is seeking a highly organized and motivated individual to fill a full-time (40 hours/week) Program Assistant position to assist the Director of the Civil Rights Team Project.  The Civil Rights Team Project is a school-based program that engages students in working to create safe, welcoming, and respectful school communities for people of all identities.  The position works out of our office in Augusta, but may require occasional travel, sometimes overnight.

The ideal candidate will be organized and efficient, detail-oriented, and passionate about the opportunity to further the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in education through this unique program.  They must have strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as an appreciation for the sensitive and often challenging nature of civil rights issues.  They will learn new systems quickly, take initiative, use independent judgement, and manage multiple tasks concurrently.  Experience with detailed record-keeping and databases is a plus, as well as comfort and flexibility in working with different technologies. 

Typical duties include:

Serving as the primary contact between schools and our office in Augusta and assisting the Director in providing programming and support for participating schools;

  • Collecting information and updating databases and office records;
  • Organizing and coordinating logistics (including travel and lodging arrangements) and prepping materials for meetings, trainings, and conference events;
  • Responding to participant requests for information and general assistance;
  • Assisting in the research and development of civil rights-related content for use in schools;
  • Reviewing, editing, formatting, and finalizing communications and documents for sharing with participating schools and the public;
  • Developing and recommending methods to improve existing work practices, including strategies for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion;
  • Other duties as assigned and needed.

Office of the Maine Attorney General 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATONS

Strong interpersonal and written communication skills; experience, training, or demonstrated ability in providing office and administrative support; proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite Program and Google Suite/Workspace products; ability to adopt and adapt new technologies; and a demonstrated commitment to the values of the Civil Rights Team Project.

Preference will be given to candidates with a keen eye for design and work experience specifically related to schools and/or civil rights issues.

Application Instructions

If you are interested in applying for this position, prepare a cover letter highlighting your experience and qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the position and the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

Include the cover letter, a resume, three references, a written response to the supplemental questionnaire (available through the online application) and complete the online direct hire application found here and respond to the supplemental questionnaire: Why do you think it is important that we talk about civil rights issues in our schools, inside and outside the classroom?

The Department is not responsible for late receipt of applications due to mail service, faxing malfunctions or electronic transmission malfunctions.

Job offer to new hire is conditional upon verification of credentials, criminal records, and driver’s license check, and professional license requirements if applicable.

Questions should be directed to the Civil Rights Team Project Director,  Alicia Nelsonor by calling 207-626-8800.

BENEFITS

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 ($9,893.52-$11,057.52 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 ($350.40 annual value). 
  • Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 14.11% 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 six weeks 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. 
  • Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. 

Maine State Government and the Office of the Attorney General are Equal Opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.