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Augusta, Maine, United States
Onsite
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BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM (BEP) ADMINISTRATOR
Department of Labor – Bureau of Rehabilitation Services
Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI)
Job Class Code: 0033
Grade: 23 (Professional/Technical)
Salary: $51,500.80 – $72,259.20/Annually
Location: Augusta, Maine
Opening Date: October 30, 2026
Closing Date: November 16, 2026
Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.
MAKE AN IMPACT. BUILD OPPORTUNITY. SUPPORT ENTREPRENEURS.
Are you a collaborative leader with a passion for business, entrepreneurship, and creating meaningful employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired?
The Maine Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) is seeking an innovative and motivated Business Enterprise Program (BEP) Administrator to lead a program that helps individuals who are blind build successful careers as entrepreneurs and business owners.
This is an opportunity to combine business expertise, program leadership, relationship-building, and creativity to expand economic opportunity and independence across Maine.
If you enjoy developing partnerships, solving problems, identifying new opportunities, and helping people turn their skills and aspirations into successful businesses, we invite you to consider joining our team.
ABOUT DBVI'S BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM:
DBVI's BEP provides training, resources, and business opportunities for individuals who are legally blind to operate their own vending facilities throughout Maine.
BEP-supported businesses may include:
Snack bars and cafés
Micro Markets
Vending operations
Other food and retail service opportunities
The program is more than managing vending facilities—it is about creating pathways to entrepreneurship, financial independence, and meaningful employment.
ABOUT THE POSITION:
As the BEP Administrator, you will provide leadership and oversight for a statewide program while working directly with BEP Managers, contractors, government partners, and other stakeholders.
You will have the opportunity to identify new business opportunities, develop partnerships, strengthen existing operations, and help shape the future of the program.
Working closely with the Rehabilitation Services Manager and the BEP Committee of Blind Managers, the Administrator will oversee day-to-day program operations, budgets, policies, strategic initiatives, performance, and compliance.
The successful candidate will be comfortable balancing big-picture strategic thinking with hands-on problem solving. You will use sound judgment and strong communication skills to navigate business, financial, regulatory, and operational challenges while keeping the success of BEP participants at the center of your work.
This position requires a regular in-person presence at the Augusta central office, as well as travel statewide to support BEP Managers, facilities, participants, and program partners.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
As the BEP Administrator, you will:
Grow Business Opportunities;
Identify and evaluate potential locations for new vending facilities by assessing space, customer traffic, market conditions, competition, and business potential;
Build relationships with property managers and other partners to promote BEP and negotiate agreements that create new business opportunities;
Explore innovative approaches to expand and strengthen BEP services and entrepreneurial opportunities throughout Maine;
Support BEP Managers (training; technical assistance);
Interview individuals referred by Rehabilitation Counselors and assess their interests, capabilities, and readiness for participation in BEP;
Participate in the selection and placement of individuals into Business Enterprise Program opportunities;
Assess the training and technical assistance needs of BEP Managers and develop programs to strengthen their business and operational skills;
Provide guidance and support to BEP Managers as they navigate business, financial, operational, and regulatory challenges;
Lead Program Operations;
Oversee the day-to-day administration of the Business Enterprise Program;
Develop, implement, and monitor program policies, initiatives, and strategic priorities;
Manage and monitor the BEP budget to ensure effective use of available resources;
Assess equipment, inventory, supplies, and other operational needs and oversee purchasing activities;
Monitor facilities and operations to ensure quality, efficiency, compliance, and customer satisfaction;
Review financial records and operating reports to identify trends, potential financial challenges, and opportunities for improvement;
Provide technical assistance to help BEP Managers address financial and operational issues and maintain successful business;
Conduct site evaluations and assess facility performance through observation, financial analysis, customer feedback, and consultation with building managers and other stakeholders;
Build and develop strong partnerships that increase awareness of BEP and create new opportunities for individuals who are blind;
Work collaboratively with the BEP Committee of Blind Managers, Rehabilitation Services staff, contractors, property managers, businesses, and state and federal partners;
Represent BEP at meetings, conferences, workshops, and other professional events;
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
We are looking for a business-minded, people-focused leader who can bring together program administration with the creation and support of entrepreneurial opportunities for legally blind and visually impaired individuals.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
Strong leadership and program management skills;
Business and financial management experience;
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills;
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities;
The ability to negotiate, collaborate, and resolve complex issues;
Sound judgment and the ability to make decisions independently;
An interest in entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired;
The ability to balance strategic priorities with day-to-day operational demands.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:
Business and financial management principles and practices:
Accounting, financial reporting, and profit and loss statements:
Food service operations and equipment:
Rehabilitation methods and procedures:
Business Enterprise Programs;
Merchandising methods and techniques;
Food sanitation rules and regulations;
Randolph-Sheppard regulations;
Vending facility operations;
Purchasing, inventory, stock, and equipment control;
Interviewing and public relations practices;
Orientation and mobility for individuals who are blind;
Ability to:
Evaluate potential business locations and opportunities;
Review architectural plans and assess facility requirements;
Negotiate and mediate with vendors, property managers, contractors, and other partners;
Operate and evaluate food service equipment;
Observe and evaluate food service and vending operations;
Collect, analyze, and interpret financial and inventory information;
Assess training needs and develop effective training programs;
Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing;
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of individuals and organizations;
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Food Service, or a related field and two (2) years of professional experience in business or food service management. Equivalent related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Questions about this position should be directed to:
Diane Frigon
Diane.T.Frigon@maine.gov
To request a paper application, please contact Stephanie Hayes via email at recruiting.sesc@maine.gov
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:
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.
