Staff Positions

Maine College of Art (MECA) seeks a Director of Student Life. This is a full-time position with
duties commencing on or about October 1, 2017.

Position Summary & Responsibilities

Maine College of Art (MECA) seeks an experienced higher education professional to join its staff as Director of Student Life. The Director of Student Life develops, implements and directs student service activities, programs, policies and procedures. They play a leadership role in meeting the retention and student development goals of the College by managing and supervising the areas of residential education and housing, wellness and counseling, and student involvement. The Director of Student Life enforces the Student Code of Conduct, facilitates student crisis intervention, maintains compliance with campus crime notifications, and oversees a part-time Disabilities Coordinator who handles ADA accommodations. The Director of Student Life also helps facilitate access to external services that enhance students’ well being.

The ideal candidate will have previous managerial experience and significant experience in one or more of the following areas: residence life, student activities, academic advising, counseling, student conduct, disability services, and/or student advocacy. They must have the highest professional and ethical standards, be responsive to student needs, and understand MECA’s mission as a student-centered institution with a focus on art and design. The candidate must demonstrate clear and effective leadership and a passion for enhancing student resources and services, and must be able to properly balance student advocacy with student conduct and the broader mission of the College.

The Director of Student Life supervises two Assistant Directors of Student Life, the Counseling & Wellness Coordinator, and the ADA Coordinator, and works closely with the Dean’s office to maintain an integrated student life area. The successful candidate must have the ability to work collaboratively with a team of student service professionals, faculty, staff, and other administrative directors and external partners. The Director of Student Life reports to the Vice President of Academic Affairs/Dean of the College.

A Bachelor’s degree is required and a Master’s degree is strongly preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range $50,000 to $60,000 depending on experience; health, dental, vacation, sick and retirement benefits

Application Procedure

Applications will be reviewed beginning immediately and will be accepted until a hire is made, with a targeted start date of August 15, 2017. Application materials must be sent digitally in a single PDF, not to exceed a 25MB file size. Please email the document to jobs@meca.edu. Place <[FirstName LastName], Director of Student Life Search> in the subject line. The PDF must include (a) a letter of application describing how the candidate’s experience intersects with the position description; (b) a resume or curriculum vitae; and (c) five references, one of which must be a student. Finalists must submit all college transcripts and agree to a background check.

Maine College of Art recognizes that diversity is integral to the academic experience and strives to foster an inclusive culture defined by respect, equity and social responsibility. Successful candidates will have demonstrated experience in working with diverse populations, and supporting an inclusive and equitable community. Maine College of Art does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability in hiring and employment policies and encourages candidates of diverse backgrounds to apply.

Institution

Maine College of Art 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 currently enrolls approximately 500 students, the majority of whom are in the undergraduate program. About 1,200 students take classes through MECA’s Continuing Studies Program annually. MECA’s Joanne Waxman Library is an important 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.

MECA is characterized by its intimate learning community, its interdisciplinary nature and the breadth of its programs. It confers the degrees of Bachelor of Fine Arts in eleven majors, Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art, Master of Arts in Teaching, and the Salt Graduate Certificate in Documentary Studies. Our goal at MECA is to 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.

Maine College of Art is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The College’s accreditation status with both agencies was renewed in 2016.

Maine College of Art is currently seeking an experienced professional to join its staff as an Associate Director of Campus Security. Reporting to the Director of Student Life, the Associate Director of Campus Safety is responsible for the comprehensive operation of MECA’s safety and security services. The Associate Director coordinates all emergency preparedness programs and initiatives, including training. The Associate Director ensures compliance with all laws and local ordinances, and performs risk management functions. The Associate Director will respond to appropriate campus emergencies and is responsible for timely incidence reports. The Associate Director is responsible for tracking crime statistics to ensure compliance with College, state, and federal reporting responsibilities. The Associate Director is the liaison with local, state and federal police and fire personnel. Responsible for supervising MECA’s security services as provided by an outside vendor. Fulfilling these responsibilities involves working closely with the Director of Facilities.

This position requires the Associate Director to be on-call for after-hours emergencies, with back-up coverage by other staff. Some weekend and evening work also required.

An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice is preferred or equivalent combination of education and related field experience. Experience with college or university campus safety is preferred.

Compensation

Annual Salary – $42,000–$45,000; Competitive benefits package including health, dental, vacation, sick, and retirement benefits.

Maine College of Art recognizes that diversity is integral to the academic experience and strives to foster an inclusive culture defined by respect, equity and social responsibility. Successful candidates will have demonstrated experience in working with diverse populations, and supporting an inclusive and equitable community. Maine College of Art does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability in hiring and employment policies and encourages candidates of diverse backgrounds to apply.

Application Procedure

Applications will be reviewed beginning immediately and will be accepted until an appointment is made.

Candidates should submit:

1. letter of interest
2. a current resume
3.  the names and contact information for three references

Electronic applications encouraged. Documents should be in .doc (word) or .pdf format. Place “[Your Name], Associate Director of Campus Security” in the subject line. Attach documents to an email and send to employment@meca.edu. Applications may be mailed to Human Resources, Maine College of Art, 522 Congress St., Portland, ME 04101. Applications are kept confidential until on-campus interviews. No phone calls please.

Located in the heart of the Portland Arts District, Maine College of Art offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art, a Master of Arts in Teaching, the Salt Graduate Certificate in Documentary Studies, as well as Continuing Studies for adults and youth, including a Pre-College intensive for high school students.

MECA’s Institute of Contemporary Art serves a critical regional role in its commitment to presenting contemporary, provocative work by living artists from Maine and around the globe. The Joanne Waxman Library is one of the largest independent libraries in Northern New England. MECA offers 11 majors in the BFA program: Ceramics, Digital Media, Graphic Design, Illustration, Metalsmithing & Jewelry, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Textile & Fashion Design, Woodworking & Furniture Design, and minors in Public Engagement, Art & Music, Art History, Drawing, and Writing. The College provides
individual studios to all juniors and seniors.

Maine College of Art invites applications for a part-time staff position as Writing Coach / Academic Tutor. Must be available weekday afternoons/evenings and/or Sunday afternoons for a total of 10 to 28 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. Position begins 5 September 2017.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be a confident reader and writer, an excellent listener, and a thoughtful collaborator. S/he will have strong interpersonal skills, particularly in one-on- one communications. An ability to lead workshops and to conduct short classroom introductions is also required. Basic technological skills are essential, including competence with Google Docs. Must be able to demonstrate strong organizational skills, professional conduct, responsiveness, and a willingness to work as a team member with other students, staff and faculty. The Writing Coach / Academic Tutor reports to the Associate to the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Coordinator of Tutorial Services.

The Writing Coach / Academic Tutor will also maintain records documenting student attendance and progress, design and implement exercises and activities to facilitate individual student improvement, and promote student independence, active learning and motivation. S/he will draft and help to create materials to promote learning, and will perform other related duties as needed.

Writing is a recursive activity, involving several steps that include generating ideas, organizing thoughts, writing, rewriting, revising, and editing. A tutor does not provide answers. S/he acts as a consultant, collaborator, coach, and/or facilitator. An interest in non-directive, open dialogue is essential, as is an ability to help a writer articulate questions and re-vision their own material.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; degree in English, Literature or a comparable field preferred, but applications from art history and art/design/craft graduates are also strongly encouraged.

Application Procedure

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and will be accepted until a hire is made. Applications materials must be sent digitally in a single PDF, not to exceed a 25MB file size. Please email to employment@meca.edu. Place <[FirstName LastName], TUTOR> in the subject line. The pdf must include 1) a one-page letter of application; 2) a resume; 3) two writing samples, one of which must be academic; 4) college transcripts; and 5) a list of five professional references with contact information.

Institution

Maine College of Art 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 currently enrolls approximately 500 students, the majority of whom are in the undergraduate program. About 1,200 students take classes through

MECA’s Continuing Studies Program annually. MECA’s Joanne Waxman Library is an important 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.

MECA is characterized by its intimate learning community, its interdisciplinary nature and the breadth of its programs. It confers the degrees of Bachelor of Fine Arts in eleven majors, Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art, Master of Arts in Teaching, and the Salt Graduate Certificate in Documentary Studies. Our goal at MECA is to 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.

Maine College of Art is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The College’s accreditation status with both agencies was renewed in 2016.