Director of Academic Administration and Student Services

University of Maine • Portland, ME

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Southern Maine is seeking a student-centered Director of Academic Administration and Student Services to manage the day-to-day operations of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Dean’s Office. The Director works closely with the Dean, academic departments, faculty, staff, and student support teams to coordinate academic processes, address student-related matters, and strengthen systems that support teaching and learning. The role requires independent judgment, discretion, strong communication, and the ability to balance competing priorities.

This is a full-time, in-person position based at the Portland Campus. Candidates must reside within a 90-minute commutable distance from USM campuses. The annual salary is $58,000. The University describes its benefits as highly competitive for full-time and eligible part-time employees. Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae; finalists will be asked for contact information for three references. For full consideration, applications must be submitted by November 1, 2026. Applicants requiring visa sponsorship cannot be considered, and the successful candidate will undergo appropriate background screening.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Three to five years of administrative or operational experience in a college, university, or similarly complex organizational setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in planning, analyzing, communicating, coordinating, and managing administrative operations.
• Candidates must reside within a 90-minute commutable distance from USM campuses.
• Applicants who require visa sponsorship support cannot be considered.

Responsibilities

• Manage academic administrative operations, policies, procedures, course scheduling coordination, and catalog updates.
• Coordinate and track curriculum proposals, academic reviews, special projects, and new initiatives.
• Oversee Polymath Pathways coordination, including curricular, scheduling, and student-support needs.
• Manage graduation certifications, academic actions, student appeals, and other matters requiring Dean’s Office review.
• Provide academic approvals for standardized forms, including program and grade changes and course withdrawals.
• Respond to student questions and concerns and collaborate with advising, registration, and academic departments.
• Work with the Dean and Associate Deans to support undeclared students in exploring and declaring majors.
• Compile reports and analyze enrollment and academic data using MaineStreet and other University systems to support planning.
• Coordinate Dean’s Office communications, events, meetings, records, and operational logistics.
• Improve administrative workflows and support budget and scholarship account tracking.
• Supervise assigned staff or student workers as needed.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays, earned vacation time, and sick time.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Basic life insurance and supplemental life insurance.
• Tuition waiver program for employees and their spouse or dependent children.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Free access to the METRO system, including the Husky Line between the Portland and Gorham campuses.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director