Maine College of Art, located in Portland, Maine, delivers a demanding and enlivening education in visual art and design within an intimate learning community. We teach each student how to transform aspirations and values into a creative practice that serves as the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of personal and professional goals. Founded in 1882 and fully accredited, MECA educates artists at all stages of their creative careers, offering both the Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts degrees as well as a wide range of professional institutes and continuing studies classes for individuals of all ages. The College gallery, the Institute of Contemporary Art at MECA, has been hailed as one of the finest art spaces in the Northeast for the exhibition of leading edge contemporary art.
MECA is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, and is a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design. Maine College of Art an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual preference, handicap, race, age, color, national or ethnic origin in hiring and employment practices.
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Program Chair and Assistant/Associate Professor in Fashion and Textile Design
Maine College of Art seeks a Program Chair and Assistant/Associate Professor in Fashion and Textile Design. This is a three-year position with the possibility of renewal. It is an exceptional opportunity for an innovative, enthusiastic visionary with fashion design, teaching, retail, and/or scholarly experience to shape a unique undergraduate program. Our curriculum supports the creative spirit of our students, empowering them to become artists and entrepreneurs.
The candidate will be expected to lead a process to conceptualize, develop, implement and administer the program, shaping its identity and focus, and integrating it into the existing BFA framework. S/he will be expected to coordinate and promote programming, recruit appropriate faculty and visiting artists, and prepare students for success in their professional lives. In addition to leadership and managerial responsibilities, the successful candidate will teach in the program as well as in MECA’s Foundation program (which includes 2D Design, 3D Design, Digital Imaging, Second Year Lab, Professional Practices, and other core courses) or in other departments as is appropriate.
The candidate must work collaboratively with faculty, staff and community members to create and sustain professional contacts, promote excellence, establish links with professional organizations and leading practitioners in the field, initiate and carry out special projects to enhance and improve the program nationally and internationally, demonstrate an active understanding of new technology and its relevance to the field of fashion and textiles, and manage program assessment. S/he will be expected to advise and inspire students while preparing them for professional success, recruit students with Admissions, and represent the College at appropriate symposia. The ideal candidate will be able to discuss design and teaching philosophy as it connects values of fashion and textiles, and academic administrative experience as it relates to their pedagogy, and will participate in the planning and designing of the program’s work and studio space. This is a year-round position which has an initial anticipated 2-2 teaching load. The teaching load will change as the administrative load decreases, but will not exceed 3-3.
QUALIFICATIONS
An MFA in fashion and/or textile design or a related field is required. Industry and/or administrative experience preferred. Effective communication skills—both written and verbal— are essential, along with superior organizational and interpersonal skills. MECA is committed to a student-centered approach to teaching and learning. Experience teaching at the college level or in a professional setting strongly preferred. Candidates should be able to demonstrate excellent technical knowledge including complex draping and tailoring, pattern-making, garment construction, dyeing and product development, and should be current in their knowledge of designer collections and industry trends, including sustainable fashion design and couture. Knowledge of the history of the discipline is required. Applications expressing an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning are encouraged. An active and current experimental, creative and/or critical practice in the field required.
INSTITUTION
Maine College of Art (MECA) is an independent college of art and design located in the center of the thriving arts district of Portland, Maine. Established in 1882, the College enrolls approximately 390 students in its BFA, MFA, and Art Education programs. In addition, about 1500 students take classes through MECA’s Continuing Studies program annually. MECA’s Joanne Waxman Library is an important public resource of art- and design-oriented books and periodicals for the region. The Institute of Contemporary Art at MECA is a vibrant site for the exhibition of contemporary art in Northern New England. MECA is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, and is a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design.
Rank and Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Suggested application deadline: 1 June, 2012. However, applications will be accepted until an appointment is made. Search will continue until the position is filled.
Starting Date: Fall semester 2012.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Digital applications are required. In one PDF file not to exceed 25MB please include: an application letter which describes how the candidate’s experience, accomplishments and qualifications intersect with the listed position description; a curriculum vitae; a teaching philosophy; three sample syllabi; a list of technical skills; five current references; a portfolio (20 images maximum) or link to an online portfolio; and, if available, a portfolio of student work (maximum 20 images) or link to an online portfolio.
Attach relevant document to an email and send to employment@meca.edu. Place “FA-TX Chair Position: [Your Name]” in the Subject line. For applicants who prefer to mail their application, save your document to a CD and send to: Fashion-Textiles Chair Search, Maine College of Art, 522 Congress Street, Portland, Maine 04101. Mailed applications will not be returned. Applications will be kept confidential.
No phone inquiries, please.
Maine College of Art does not discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual preference, handicap, race, age, color, national or ethnic origin. Maine College of Art is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women and members of minority groups to apply.
STUDENT AFFAIRS GRADUATE ASSISTANT
The Student Affairs Graduate Assistant is a flexible 20-hour per week position responsible for assisting in the facilitation of a safe, supportive and educational environment. The Graduate Assistant is a 12 month live-in position that includes being a part of the on-call emergency rotation, programming and working directly with students. This position reports to the Director of Student Engagement.
Primary Responsibilities
General
- Assist with the opening/closing of the residence halls, fall and spring BFA Orientations;
- Assist with departmental functions such as Residence Assistant (RA) selection, fall and spring RA & Orientation Leader (OL) trainings, housing selection, and special events;
- Attend weekly staff meetings and staff in-services as asked;
- Maintain confidentiality;
- Support the goals and philosophies of Student Affairs.
Supervision & Community Development
- Provide supervision to student workers and leaders, as assigned;
- Work closely with student leaders and professional staff to implement student activities which promote community connections, personal and artistic growth;
- Assist RAs in promoting responsible student behavior;
- Serve as an impartial mediator for students with concerns or in conflict;
- Become knowledgeable of MECA and Portland area resources. Refer students as necessary;
- Advise student groups as assigned.
On Call Responsibilities
- Participates in 24/7 on-call rotation with two other professional staff, responding to residential emergencies and needs. For example: medical and mental health emergencies, drug or alcohol policy violations, fire alarm crowd control, coordinating emergency facilities repairs, etc. This requires accessing different floors in residence halls via climbing stairs.
- Knowledge of the rules/policies set forth in the Guide To Community Living, the Student Code of Responsibility, and ability to confront violations.
Qualifications
- Be matriculated in a degree or certificate granting program at Maine College of Art or other local accredited school;
- Must have the desire to actively engage with students;
- Have strong organizational and communication skills;
- Be committed to the concepts of team and student development;
- Evidence of past leadership and/or volunteer experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Hold a BA, BS, or BFA from an accredited college or university;
- Past experience in Student Affairs;
- An understanding of the needs of traditionally aged college students;
- Experience working with people in crisis situations;
- Knowledge of programming or event planning.
Compensation
- Partially furnished on campus apartment including utilities and Internet;
- Meal plan (while BFA program is in session);
- Single studio space in Porteous,
- Stipend of $800 per BFA semester.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume and three references with contact information by e-mail to employment@meca.edu
Deadline to apply is May 18th, 2012. The preferred start date for this position is June 1, 2012.
Maine College of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual preference, handicap, race, age, color, national or ethnic origin in our hiring and employment practices.