Director of Admissions

Maine College of Art (MECA) seeks an inspirational leader who is passionate about supporting equitable admissions practices to serve as Director of Admissions. Reporting to the Executive Vice President, the Director of Admissions will be responsible to direct and oversee all aspects of student recruitment for the BFA, MFA, MAT and Salt Institute for Documentary Studies programs including development of a coordinated recruitment and communication plan for prospective students and influencers. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience with progressive enrollment management practices and will play a central role in building partnerships with art educators at high schools, colleges, and community-based visual arts programs. The successful candidate will have previous admissions experience; an understanding of financial aid practices; proven organizational, mentoring, motivational and communication skills; strong planning, implementation, and supervisory skills; and experience with a CRM platform. This position requires schedule flexibility in order to attend evening and weekend events as needed. 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. All employees are expected to actively support these values.

To achieve success in the role of Admissions Director, it will require:

Using research based strategies and tactics to develop and implement a strategic recruitment plan that meets targeted enrollment goals and attracts an exemplary, diverse student body; Identifying and building upon a key network of public and private secondary schools and two-year community colleges to visit in support of enrollment goals;

Managing the Admissions team and working in collaboration with the Directors of the BFA, MFA, MAT and Salt programs to develop recruitment strategies;  Establishing the review process of all applications conducted by the counselors and taking ownership for all admission decisions. In order to ensure student success, the role will need to work in close coordination with the Executive Vice President, the Vice President of Academic Affairs & Dean of the College, as well as faculty; Building a strong data and measurement function that leverages the use of technology;  Sharing communications plan for each constituent group;  Collaborating with the Director of Financial Aid to set merit award packaging strategy;  Development of an annual presentation for various constituents from the Admissions staff to prospective students, art teachers, and guidance counselors about MECA’s programs and the Portland community; Representing MECA at college days, fairs, portfolio days, professional meetings of NACAC, NEACAC, NPDA, and NASAD; Counseling prospective students, conducting personal interviews and portfolio reviews; Collaborating with the Director of Marketing & Communication and the Designer to produce the fall recruitment materials and publications;  Managing the yearly Admissions budget, and monitoring expenses to stay within approved budget; Actively supporting MECA’s commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity; Preparing and presenting frequent reports for the administration.

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 425 students, the majority of whom are in the undergraduate program. About 1,000 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 Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The College’s accreditation status with both agencies was renewed in 2016.

MECA’s seven-year strategic (2020-2027) plan builds on our historic positioning in Portland’s arts district, a shared strategic vision, and proven ability to embrace change. 

Strategic Plan Priorities

1. Broaden Our Reach: Online and Distance Learning

Charge: MECA will develop a strategy to effectively enter the online and distance learning marketplace in order to expand our audience of learners and generate additional revenue streams.

Charge: MECA’s commitment to Social Change, Racial Justice, and Inclusion will inform all aspects of the College. We believe placing these values at the forefront of our work cultivates artists who are true agents of change and connects our community to the world in meaningful ways.

Charge: MECA will cultivate the highest standards in teaching and learning in art, design, and media, and will be recognized for its students’ cultural contributions. The College will be known as an educational leader in the programs it offers, creating and continually improving a relevant, culturally inclusive, and distinctive curriculum that enables students to reach their potential in an ever-changing world.

Recognizing a rapidly evolving and increasingly challenging higher education landscape, the College will create additional programs and educational pathways to attract learners beyond its traditional region and age group: this includes professional, mid-career and continuing learners.

Charge: Maine College Art (MECA) will develop a new Living and Learning Center that reflects the College’s mission to provide students with the resources and support necessary to pursue their education successfully. Building on MECA’s historic role as the creative anchor of Portland, the new Center will expand MECA’s footprint and identity within Portland and will provide a destination and hub for community activity and engagement.

Charge: An essential principle of our Strategic Plan is to ensure MECA’s long-term financial sustainability. As informed by data and other qualitative metrics, we will identify a financial framework and a series of revenue-focused strategic priorities in support of sustainable results and MECA’s overall fiscal plan.

The successful candidate will be a high energy leader and inspirational manager who enjoys processes and strategy and is also comfortable in a collaborative and diverse community. The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree and 7+ years of relevant and progressive experience. Experience in marketing, sales, communications, customer service, student recruitment, application evaluation, and financial aid decision making are all applicable to the role. The position requires maturity and stability sufficient for a demanding position. 

A passion for visual arts and/or art history background is an asset as is previous supervisory experience. The candidate must be able to demonstrate strong knowledge of current recruitment practices in higher education and trends for high schools, community colleges, and other colleges and universities. Other demonstrative knowledge, skills and abilities include, communication (written/verbal), administrative, interpersonal, organizational, leadership and empathic listening skills. 

Technical skills required for the role include a deep experience with a CRM (constituent relationship management) system, ideally Slate. Other applications include Google Suite and Adobe.

A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including health, dental, vacation, sick and retirement benefits.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and will continue to be considered until the position is filled. Digital applications are required. In one PDF file not to exceed 25MB, please include: 

(1) an application letter that describes how the candidate’s experience, accomplishments and qualifications intersect with the position; 

(2) a resumé; 

(3) a diversity statement; and 

(4) the names and contact information of four references. 

Attach the PDF to an email and send to employment@meca.edu. Place “Director of Admissions: [Your Name]” in the Subject line. 

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. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, and supporting an inclusive and equitable community. Maine College of Art does not discriminate on the basis of gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, HIV status, race, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, or military/veteran’s status in its educational programs, admissions policies, employment policies, financial aid, or other College administered programs. Candidates from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.