President

The position of President of Black Point Corporation and its subsidiary The Sprague Corporation offers a unique, impactful, and rewarding opportunity for the right candidate. Part Family Office and part real estate management company, Black Point Corporation is responsible for the stewardship of a large coastal and environmentally significant landscape including a culturally noteworthy island off the coast of Maine, just minutes from downtown Portland. The President will work in an intimate family setting and will interact with many different stakeholders, both public and private, on a regular basis. 

Company Description 

Black Point Corporation is a privately-owned entity of the heirs of P. Shaw Sprague for the management of their common interests. The primary tie that binds the third, fourth, and fifth generations of the family is the ownership of over 1,800 acres of property in Cape Elizabeth and Scarborough, Maine, assembled by Phineas W. Sprague in the early years of the twentieth century.  

For more than 100 years, the Sprague family has successfully managed and preserved one of the most iconic and intact coastal landscapes in New England. Black Point Corporation’s landholdings include pre-historic cultural resources, properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, pristine wildlife habitats, historical early settlement sites, architecturally significant structures, beaches, forested lands, agricultural fields, and wetlands. The core property abuts publicly protected land to the north and south.  

A wholly owned subsidiary of Black Point Corporation, The Sprague Corporation is responsible for the day-to-day financial and operational management of its properties and investment holdings. The Sprague Corporation is a majority partner in Black Point Resource Management, which operates and manages Scarborough Beach State Park for The State of Maine.  

Position Overview 

The President of Black Point Corporation and The Sprague Corporation, in consultation with the Board of Directors, is responsible for advancing the business, financial, and real estate interests of the Sprague family. The President works to uphold the Corporation’s vision and legacy to maintain and preserve its landholdings for the peaceful enjoyment of the Sprague family. The President also serves as a co-manager of Black Point Resource Management. 

Strong leadership skills are paramount in the President’s work. The ability to assist the Board in articulating a clear vision and then inspiring all to work diligently to achieve that vision are essential. Nurturing employees and empowering them to grow and flourish in their jobs will create a productive and satisfying workplace. The President must provide leadership, strategic thinking, problem solving, and a high level of communication. Salary is commensurate with experience and skills.

Top Areas of Focus 

• Implementation of Strategy and Vision 
• Family, Public, and Government Relations 
• Financial Management & Oversight of Investment Portfolio 
• Revenue Generation and Business Development 
• Property Management 
• Administration & Human Resources 

Responsibilities 

• Participate in, and provide leadership of, the overall vision of the Corporation’s plans and programs as a strategic partner of the Board of Directors. 
• Serve as an ad hoc member of all Committees. 
• Set agendas and provide resource materials for Board & Committee meetings.  
• Ensure the protection and continuity of the resources of the Corporation, including financial holdings and property.  
• Serve as the Corporation’s primary spokesperson, building positive working relationships with a wide network of stakeholders and community partners to benefit the Corporation on issues such as tax relief, land management, and potential business opportunities. 
• Handle queries and concerns from members of the Sprague family, Trustees, and non-family residents, resolving disputes as needed. 
• Enforce corporate policies fairly and judiciously across all family groups. 
• Attend all quarterly Board and Committee meetings, prepared to advise on questions regarding corporate by-laws, lease stipulations, and other agenda items. 
• Develop annual budgets for The Sprague Corporation and Black Point Resource Management. 
• Serve as liaison between the Finance Committee and Investment Advisors. 
• Review & analyze monthly financials and create financial reports for the Finance Committee and Board of Directors. 
• Investigate, propose, and undertake new business opportunities to further the Corporation’s steady conservative growth strategy. 
• Work to increase revenue streams for the Corporation. 
• Enforce provisions of shareholder leases and the Stockholders Agreement. 
• Approve or deny all requests for construction projects on the property while complying with state and local laws and regulations, and The Sprague Corporation Subdivision Plan.  
• Oversee the Operations Manager in ensuring effective care of the Corporation’s landholdings and physical structures. 
• Recruit, hire, onboard, and supervise new employees. 
• Encourage a respectful, positive working environment by supporting and empowering employees to flourish in their positions as they strive towards the Corporation’s mission. 
• Oversee recordkeeping for Human Resources in accordance with best practices and local, state, and federal regulations. 
• Oversee employee benefits programs. 
• Manage the Corporation’s risk management program including umbrella, general liability, and employee insurance programs. 
• Consult with accounting and tax professionals, legal counsel, investment advisors, and land use consultants as needed. 
• Co-manage Scarborough Beach State Park, overseeing administrative duties such as maintaining sales and admissions records, accounting, bookkeeping, and tax preparation. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Bachelor’s degree required, with preference for candidates with advanced degree(s) in law, finance, or business management. 
• At least 7 years in a senior leadership role. 
• Four professional references. 
• Organizational development abilities in building a staff, governance, and advisory partnerships.  
• Strong financial background, including budget development/implementation and analytic/reporting skills.  
• Understanding of investment products and ability to work closely with investment advisors. 
• Clear, effective, and respectful communication skills between a wide range of constituents including but not limited to Sprague family members, Trustees, consultants, contractors, and a network of external partners including government officials and other organizations. 
• Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, mediation, and conflict resolution skills. 
• Flexibility to make strategic informed decisions in anticipation of the Corporation’s dynamic needs, adopting or delegating additional responsibilities as required. 
• Grace under pressure and the ability to pivot between projects due to time constraints, corporate needs, local/state legislative changes, and other projects as they arise. 
• Employee supervision and management. 
• Effective use of Microsoft Office Suite and QuickBooks Online. 

Additional Beneficial Qualifications 

• Family Office experience. 
• Investment Management experience. 
• Demonstrated competency in commercial transactions including M&A, structuring Joint Ventures, and Commercial Real Estate acquisition/disposition. 

Work Environment 

The President must be comfortable working in a variety of environments, from a small office setting to out-of-doors activities. Work hours vary depending on the ongoing activities of the season and needs of the Corporation and the family.  

Benefits 

Competitive salary 

Medical & Dental Insurance (cost shared by Employee and Employer) 

Life Insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability 

SAR/SEP Retirement Plan 

Paid Time Off – Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Holiday