Product Specialist

Job Description:

The Cybersecurity Navigator serves as a trusted expert dedicated to strengthening the digital infrastructure across local and state government. The primary responsibility of this role is to enhance cybersecurity capabilities for local governments and statewide partners through strategic coordination, outreach, and guidance. By collaborating with election officials and key stakeholders, the Navigator ensures robust protection for election systems and promotes best practices to build a resilient cybersecurity environment. Through focused leadership and cross-functional partnerships, this position safeguards critical systems and resources, enabling Maine to effectively defend against evolving threats and maintain the integrity of its digital operations.

Role Description:

Effectively coordinate, lead, and monitor vendor-led statewide cybersecurity outreach initiatives, ensuring alignment, collaboration, and consistent messaging among all stakeholders to achieve shared cybersecurity objectives.

Manage vendor relationships and contracts supporting the delivery of cybersecurity education, outreach, and training services—ensuring vendor compliance, accountability, and performance in accordance with state procurement and cybersecurity standards.

Contribute towards developing educational and outreach materials tailored to varying levels of cybersecurity and election security understanding and readiness across local governments and statewide partners.

Advocate for and promote the adoption of cybersecurity best practices across local governments and organizations, leveraging federal and state resources to strengthen local cybersecurity resilience.

Identify gaps in cybersecurity resources among local governments and develop strategic recommendations—including vendor or grant-supported solutions—to enhance their cybersecurity posture.

Collaborate with the Secretary of State’s Office and election officials to strengthen cybersecurity preparedness for election systems, voter registration databases, and supporting infrastructure. Ensure coordination between statewide cybersecurity programs and election security initiatives.

Support strategic planning efforts and foster collaborative relationships and cross-functional collaboration with federal partners, state agencies, local governments, industry associations, community organizations, and vendors to execute a comprehensive cybersecurity outreach and engagement strategy.

Develop appropriate work products to schedule and manage tasks and assignments independently.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong program coordination skills, with the ability to coordinate complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives and track deliverables against timelines and objectives.

Excellent written and oral communication skills, capable of conveying complex processes and topics to both technical and non-technical audiences in written, oral, and presentation-based delivery.

Knowledge of vendor management and procurement practices, including contract negotiation, performance oversight, and service delivery evaluation to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.

Ability to develop strong educational and outreach materials, fostering cybersecurity awareness and readiness among diverse stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships with federal partners, state agencies, local governments, academic institutions, vendors, and private sector organizations.

Familiarity with election security principles, including protection of critical election infrastructure, incident coordination with election officials, and alignment with CISA and EI-ISAC guidance.

Analytical and problem-solving skills for assessing cybersecurity maturity, identifying capability gaps, and recommending practical, scalable solutions.

Strong organizational skills with attention to detail, documentation, and compliance requirements associated with grant and contract administration.

Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment, while effectively prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Brings adaptability, resilience, and innovation to the team in dynamic environments.

Why You'll Love This Position: You’ll have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the cybersecurity landscape of an entire state. As the Cybersecurity Navigator, you’ll be at the forefront of protecting critical digital infrastructure, collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders, and driving meaningful change in cybersecurity awareness and readiness. This role allows you to combine strategic planning, education, and leadership, enabling you to use your expertise to build a more secure and resilient environment for local governments and statewide partners. The position offers the flexibility of remote work, with the added variety of occasional travel across Maine, making it a dynamic and fulfilling opportunity.

Work Environment & Travel Requirements: While the position is primarily remote, there is an anticipated need for (approximately) quarterly in-person attendance at meetings and events, as well as occasional travel to various locations across Maine. The selected candidate should be prepared to travel as needed to effectively coordinate cybersecurity efforts and engage with stakeholders statewide.

Years of Relevant Experience: 5 plus years in roles involving strategic planning, cybersecurity, or coordination of large-scale initiatives, ideally with a focus on cybersecurity or public sector projects. Experience with federal programs, particularly in managing or administering federal grants or funding public-sector programs, is beneficial.

Preferred Education: 4-year college degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Public Administration, Emergency Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Relevant industry certifications.