HM Seeks its Next President and CEO

HospitalityMaine President and CEO Search is Open

The Board of Directors of HospitalityMaine is seeking an accomplished leader who is ready to join us in representing the state’s hospitality industry and working to provide extraordinary value to our diverse membership which includes restaurants, lodging establishments, food and hotel industry providers, educational institutions and other related professional organizations.

Background and Overview

HospitalityMaine (HM) was formed in 2017 through the merger of the Maine Restaurant Association and the Maine Innkeepers Associations. The organization is a 501c6 non-profit and also manages the HospitalityMaine Education Foundation (HMEF) which is registered as a 501c3.  HM is governed by a volunteer board of directors and the President and CEO will report to the board’s executive committee.

HospitalityMaine has over 1000 members located across the state with a staff of 4 employees.  It has annual revenues of approximately $800,000.  HM is a member of the National Restaurant Association and the American Hotel and Lodging Association.  The office is based in Augusta, a short distance from the Statehouse.

Maine’s hospitality industry is a major economic engine generating over $6.5 billion in direct economic output and over $10 billion in indirect revenues.  Employing approximately 70,000 people, 1 of every 10 working Mainers are employed in the sector.

Priorities for the Future

• The changing expectations of our guests and customers, as well as increasing competition for their business and attention, is driving our members to rethink and reinvent their business models. We must respond with strategies, information, and education that will allow them to successfully compete and grow in this challenging and ever-changing environment.

• Growth and retention of our membership is a priority.  We know that retention especially will depend upon our ability to deliver high value services and to actively communicate that value to members.

• Build upon the reputation and influence that HospitalityMaine has in the Maine Statehouse, and in local Maine communities, as we promote and protect the hospitality industry.  We need to advance legislation that supports our members and to defend their interests against legislation and rules that are harmful to the industry.

• Whether it is helping our membership to learn how to be more successful in their own marketing efforts or providing social media, online, and/or traditional marketing support for our members, we know we need to continue to build our marketing capacity and provide educational opportunities for our members.

• Support the development of organizational, management, and governance structures that allow us to operate more efficiently and effectively to meet our goals.

• Lead an experienced staff in fostering innovation and developing and implementing the structures and strategies needed to achieve our strategic priorities.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred, ideally in business administration,

operations management, public administration or hospitality and tourism management;

• 5-7 years of experience working in an executive-level position with significant personnel, financial and strategic management responsibility, ideally in the hospitality and tourism industry;

• Certified Association Executive (CAE) is a plus;

• Outstanding leadership, public speaking, and time management skills;

• Strong verbal, nonverbal, and active-listening skills when communicating with volunteers, members, peers, colleagues, and employees.

• The highest level of recommendations from references and peers.

Compensation

Comprehensive benefits package and competitive salary commensurate with experience.  The successful candidate can expect a formal review after six months as well as an annual review.

To Apply

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and résumé to Steve Hewins at steve@HospitalityMaine.com. Paper copies may be sent to HospitalityMaine, 124 State Street, Augusta ME 04330, but electronic submissions are preferred. No phone inquiries, please. Review of applications will be conducted on a rolling basis with a final decision expected by year end 2026.