About Maine College of Art & Design
Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) seeks a student-centered, highly organized Assistant Director of Student Life – Operations to join its Student Life team. Located in the heart of Portland’s vibrant Arts District, MECA&D is a nationally recognized college of art and design that fosters a diverse, inclusive, and creative learning community. Student Life plays a central role in supporting students’ residential experience, engagement, well-being, and success—both inside and outside the classroom.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Dean of Student Life, the Assistant Director of Student Life – Operations supports the coordination and execution of housing operations, including applications and placements, contract administration, database management, room turnover, and cross-departmental collaboration with Facilities, Business Services, and other campus partners.
As a member of the Student Life team, the Assistant Director participates in a shared professional on-call rotation and assists in responding to student emergencies in the residence halls and on campus. The role includes regular interaction with students through mentoring, advising, and day-to-day engagement and requires flexibility to support evening and weekend programs, student needs, and College operations.
The Assistant Director is cross-trained with other Student Life staff to ensure operational continuity across office management, student employee supervision, and housing support.
Key Responsibilities
Housing and Student Life Operations (50%)
Provide day-to-day leadership and operational oversight for residential life and housing operations for assigned residence halls. Maintain a significant on-campus presence by residing in a College-furnished residence hall apartment and participating in a 24/7 on-call rotation for the residential community (approximately 500 students).
Support housing operations for current students, new students, Pre-College, and summer programs, including housing applications and contracts; room assignments and changes; room inspections; key and FOB inventory and processes; floor plan development; and accurate data entry and verification within the College’s housing management systems (e.g., Jenzabar).
Coordinate building turnover and room readiness in partnership with Facilities and monitor residence hall and room conditions, furniture inventory, and shared spaces.
Support the consistent interpretation and enforcement of College policies and procedures, serving as a student conduct hearing officer for assigned first-level cases. Assist with institutional response to public health and safety requirements as needed.
Maintain accurate housing rosters, reports, and inventory records, and communicate housing-related changes to the Business Office and other campus partners.
Support administrative operations of the Student Life Office, including management of communications, calendars, social media, shared digital files, data systems, and front-facing office functions.
Provide timely responses to student and parent inquiries and refer individuals to appropriate campus resources. Support the Dean of Student Life with student retention-related initiatives and operational needs.
Participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation for the residential community, providing crisis response, decision-making, and supervision of Resident Assistants during on-call periods.
Student Engagement and Retention (35%)
Provide mentoring and coaching support to assigned students and contribute to student retention efforts through direct outreach and intervention in collaboration with the Dean of Student Life and the START team.
Support oversight of student retention-related software, reporting, and assessment efforts.
Support Student Life and College-wide programs and initiatives and represent Student Life on College committees, at staff meetings, and at key institutional events such as Open Houses, Admitted Student Days, Family Weekend, and Commencement.
Work collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff to foster environments of belonging, mutual trust, and respect, and contribute to a campus culture that supports student engagement, persistence, and success.
Operations and Administrative Support (15%)
Support the Dean of Student Life with projects, programs, events, communications, and data-related initiatives.
Assist with data collection, reporting, and analysis to inform Student Life planning and decision-making.
Provide general operational support to the Student Life Office as assigned to ensure effective day-to-day functioning.
Provide responsibility and oversight for Pre-College Student Life functions.
What We’re Looking For - Qualifications / Experience / Skills & Abilities
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, or a related field preferred.
Two or more years of professional experience in student engagement, student affairs, or program development, with preference for residence life or resident assistant experience.
Supervisory experience preferred.
Experience in crisis intervention and student support preferred.
A solid foundation in student development theory is preferred.
Demonstrated experience building inclusive and welcoming campus environments.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced, student-centered environment.
Ability to adapt work schedules to a year-round academic calendar, including evening, weekend, and on-call responsibilities.
Ability to perform the essential physical and operational functions of the role, including lifting up to 25 pounds; responding to urgent and emergency situations across campus buildings; navigating stairs and walking between buildings; conducting visual inspections; completing incident reports; and operating College vehicles in accordance with policy, with or without reasonable accommodation.
What We Offer
This is a full-time position with a starting salary of $50,250.00 annually. Benefits include healthcare, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; flexible spending accounts; a 403(b) plan with a 5% employer match; generous paid time off; and more.
This position also offers on-campus housing and a campus meal plan.
Ready to Apply?
To apply, please submit the following as a single PDF to employment@meca.edu:
A cover letter describing your interest and alignment with the position;
A current résumé or CV;
A list of three to five professional references, including at least one former supervisor.
Recognizing that no candidate will possess all the relevant skills and experience, we encourage you to apply if you align with many of the qualifications and interests in this role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Maine College of Art & Design is committed to fully including all qualified individuals. If a reasonable accommodation is required to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other employment benefits, please contact Human Resources at hr@meca.edu.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Maine College of Art & Design is committed to fostering a welcoming and respectful environment where all individuals have the opportunity to succeed based on their talents, qualifications, and achievements. We uphold the principles of fairness, merit, and equal opportunity in our academic and professional community.
Maine College of Art & Design complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, ancestry, religion, genetic predisposition, familial status, receipt of a final protection order, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This commitment applies to all aspects of the College’s educational programs, admissions, employment, financial aid, and other institutionally administered programs.
All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply, and selection decisions are made based on individual merit and institutional needs.