Human Resources

Registrar

College of the Atlantic (COA) seeks an experienced professional to serve as its Registrar. COA has three ten-week terms and maintains a narrative evaluation system. The Registrar reports to the Provost and supervises the assistant registrar and work-study students. Responsibilities include planning, delivery, and ongoing assessment of the trimester registration process (including classroom and course scheduling); maintenance of the integrity, accuracy, and security of student academic records; transfer credit evaluation; collection and processing of student grades and narrative evaluations; maintenance of the degree audit system; verification of enrollment and graduation records; preparation of internal and external reports; and the implementation and maintenance of procedures that ensure consistent enforcement of academic policies. The registrar serves on college committees and works closely with other offices and the academic deans on projects relating to institutional priorities. The ideal candidate will be able to enforce college regulations while working collaboratively with students, staff, and faculty in a positive and collegial manner.

Qualifications: An earned Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 4 years of professional leadership experience in a Registrar’s Office or equivalent is required. The successful candidate must be detail-oriented and enjoy creative problem-solving. To that end, the preferred candidate must demonstrate excellent computer (including database) skills, have effective interpersonal and communication skills, understand and use student records systems, and foster a commitment to delivering excellent service to students, faculty, staff and other constituents.

Applications, including cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references, should be sent to registrarsearch@coa.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. College of the Atlantic is committed to academic excellence, cultural diversity, and multicultural education. COA is an AA/EEO employer. Applications are especially encouraged from persons who would enhance the diversity of the College.

JOB DESCRIPTION     FLSA: Exempt
Position Title:  Registrar       Department:  Academic Services    Reports To:  Provost

GENERAL SUMMARY:

College of the Atlantic seeks a Registrar to join the leadership team of the academic division of the College.  The Registrar works collaboratively with faculty and administrative colleagues to manage all activities related to student records and registration, and contributes to campus-wide decision-making about curricula.  The Registrar reports to the Provost and is a partner in the development and execution of curricular and course enrollment policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
•    Ensures the accuracy, integrity and security of student academic records
•    Oversees all administrative functions of the Registrar’s Office, including processing and maintenance of enrollment records, course registration, grades, transfer of credit, transcripts and other audits and reports as required
•    Interprets and applies all College academic policies and regulations related to Registrar services
•    Manages registration process and scheduling of all courses
•    Maintains and updates the College’s online and print course listings
•    Oversees the degree audit, certification and issuance of diplomas
•    Provides academic and student data as required to state and federal agencies and surveys (IPEDS, National Student Clearinghouse, Common Data Set, etc.) to faculty and other academic offices, including admissions, enrollment management, financial aid and institutional research
•    Ensures compliance with FERPA and other federal, state and accreditation regulations.
•    Serves on Academic Affairs Committee, Review and Appeals, and as needed on other College-wide committees, and works closely with other offices and the academic deans on projects relating to institutional priorities
•    Develops and manages Registrar’s Office budget
•    Certifies student completions to the Board of Trustees
•    Verifies enrollment documents for insurances, scholarships, discounts and travel
•    Serves as liaison to the Armed Forces and Veteran’s Administration during in-house visits

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

•    Actively participates in the COA community by attending meetings such as the All College meeting, staff and trustee meetings. Participates in student advising and sponsorship of student projects as appropriate
•    Serves on assigned committees
•    Performs other related duties as required

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE/TRAINING REQUIRED:

•    Bachelor’s Degree; minimum of 4 years of professional-level and leadership experience in Registrar’s Office or equivalent
•    Strong leadership and managerial skills, including direct supervision of staff
•    Detail-oriented, ability to problem solve and collaborate with others
•    Demonstrated effective interpersonal and communication skills, collegiality
•    Excellent analytical, data management and organizational skills, including the ability to effectively use and implement technology; experience working with electronic student records system
•    Demonstrated commitment to delivering excellent service to students, faculty, staff and other constituents
•    An understanding of higher education and a commitment to the mission and values of the College of the Atlantic
•    Sensitive to and awareness of different cultures, as well as, the ability to interact successfully with college-age students and their families

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Assistant Registrar, Temporary Employees, Work-Study Students

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical surroundings are generally pleasant and comfortable with minimal exposure to injury or other hazards.  Minimal physical effort required; normally seated with the freedom of movement on a regular basis handling of materials and supplies.  May spend extended periods at the computer, on the telephone, or operating other office machines, requiring eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job.  The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

Head of Grounds

The Buildings and Grounds Department is seeking applications for a Head of Grounds position. This is a full time, year-round position that is responsible for all aspects of maintaining and improving campus grounds. Benefits include, but are not limited to, tuition relief for employee and dependents, health, dental, and life insurances, retirement, vacation, and more. Applications, including cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references, should be sent to mdority@coa.edu.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. College of the Atlantic is committed to academic excellence, cultural diversity, and multicultural education. COA is an AA/EEO employer. Applications are especially encouraged from persons who would enhance the diversity of the College.

JOB DESCRIPTION         FLSA: Non-Exempt
Position Title:    Head of Grounds        Department:    Buildings & Grounds
Reports To:    Assistant Director of Building & Grounds    
                        
GENERAL SUMMARY:

Operating under broad guidelines from the Assistant Director of Building & Grounds and in accordance with established policies and procedures, the incumbent is responsible for all aspects of ground maintenance, repair, and improvement and under the Director of Campus Planning, Building & Grounds, and Public Safety the safety of all grounds during unusual circumstances.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

•    Oversees and participates in the general maintenance of, and improvements to, existing lawns, pedestrian and vehicular circulation, tree care and management, snow removal, and shrubbery care and pruning in areas not directly bordering or in formal gardens.
•    Assists the head gardener with formal garden repairs to hardscapes if possible. This work may also be instructed by, or supervised by the director of Campus Planning, Building, and Public Safety, or designate.
•    Supervises the day-to-day activities of assigned work-study students, and temporary summer help including scheduling, training, and performance evaluation.
•    Organizes and conducts snow and ice removal from pedestrian pathways.
•    Tracks and maintains the inventory of all grounds equipment and supplies.
•    Assists Campus Planning and the Building Committee with the planting of new trees, and the planning of grounds related improvements.
•    Active member of the Campus Planning Building Committee Landscape subcommittee.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
•    Actively participates in the COA community by attending meetings such as the All College Meeting, staff or trustee meetings as appropriate.  
•    Responds to police and fire-related issues during regular operating hours.
•    Assists in other Buildings and Grounds areas, not related to grounds when needed.
•    Performs other related duties as required.

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE/TRAINING REQUIRED:
A high school diploma or equivalent with 3 to 5 years of related experience, with some supervisory experience is required.
Familiarity with landscaping, gardening, grounds maintenance and related equipment
Sensitive to and awareness of different cultures, as well as, the ability to interact successfully with college-age students and their families

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
Work-Study Students and Temporary Employees

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Continuous walking, standing, stooping, pushing, and pulling. Ability to lift, carry, and position objects utilizing proper body mechanics and techniques.  Utilizes proper sanitary precautions when handling trash, garbage, and other potential biohazards. Moderate exposure to injury or other hazards. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job.  The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

Administrative Dean/CFO

Overview
Founded in 1969, College of the Atlantic was the first college in the United States to focus on the
relationship between humans and the environment. COA enriches the liberal arts tradition
through a distinctive educational philosophy—human ecology. A human ecological perspective
integrates knowledge from all academic disciplines and from personal experience to
investigate—and ultimately improve—the relationships between human beings and our social
and natural communities. The human ecological perspective guides all aspects of education,
research, activism, and interactions among the college’s students, faculty, staff, and trustees.

The faculty, students, trustees, staff, and alumni of College of the Atlantic envision a world
where people value creativity, intellectual achievement, and the diversity of nature and human
cultures. With respect and compassion, individuals will construct meaningful lives for
themselves, gain appreciation for the relationships among all forms of life, and safeguard the
heritage of future generations.  More than forty years later, our 350 students, 35 faculty, and 75 staff members still share that original focus on engaged learning and community, and more than ever we believe that an interdisciplinary, human ecological perspective is critical to addressing the world’s most pressing problems.

Responsibilities
Operating in close collaboration with the President and President’s Cabinet, the Administrative Dean is responsible for maximizing the goals and mission of the college by efficiently managing the college’s finances, physical plant, infrastructure, and talent. The Administrative Dean will examine historical and current finances to build predictive models and use those models to help guide decision making across all aspects of the college. The Administrative Dean is also the point person for developing, projecting, and updating forward-looking budgets and helping manage the complexities of our bottom line.

Specific duties include:
•    Working with the Controller, President, Cabinet, and other staff to develop and monitor the college’s operational budget and funds allocation
•    Managing an “Out Years” group of staff and trustees to help predict future budgetary implications of present-day decision making
•    Reporting progress against budgets and developing financial strategies with the Finance Committee of the College’s Board of Directors
•    Chairing the Personnel Committee, which steers all personnel policies including hiring procedures, terminations, benefits, and other Human Resources decision making
•    Managing a team of direct reports which currently include the Controller, the Director of Buildings, Grounds and Public Safety, and the Director of IT, and may include other centers like dining services, the EEOC coordinator, and the Title IX Coordinator
•    Serving as a liaison with COA’s outside counsel
•    Serving as liaison with the Board’s Investment Committee and outside advisors

Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated track record of:
•    Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to thrive in and support a collaborative team
•    Leadership in non-profit budgeting, financial analysis, and financial planning, with hands-on skills and attention to detail and a willingness to “roll up the sleeves”- the work requires both strategic thinking and granular initiatives
•    Both written and oral communication skills and the ability to use spreadsheets and data to understand, predict and explain the connection between financial numbers and human qualities
•    Understanding of the human resources function within an organization and experience as a talent leader and collaborator

The candidate will also have:
•    The ability to manage up, down, and laterally and to foster a successful work environment for all team members
•    General knowledge of investments, employment practices and law, cash management, and employee benefits (particularly health insurance)
•    An ability and interest in finding and using “scrappy” solutions and means of assessment and comfort “wearing many hats” in a small, collegial environment
•    An interest in developing an appreciation for the mission, history, and values of the college
•    A strong work ethic and a sense of humor
•    An interest in using their talents to support students and student learning
•    A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and evidence of intellectual curiosity

Please submit a cover letter and resume to: ddeforest@coa.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

College of the Atlantic is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive
hiring, and dedicated to diversity on its staff, faculty, student body, and other stakeholders. We
actively seek the candidacy of all identities, ethnicities, experiences, orientations, and
communities.

 

Open Literature and Writing Position

College of the Atlantic (COA) seeks a full-time, tenure-track equivalent faculty member to teach literature and writing (Ph.D. required). All students at COA design their own transdisciplinary degree within our single major of human ecology. A few students will go on to further literary or writing study; most will use literature as a means of gaining insight into the complexities of human experience, cultures, relations to the natural world, and ways of living. Students also use literature and writing courses to develop critical thinking and writing skills. As such, the college is looking for a faculty member with deep but also broad background, skills, and knowledge who is capable of engaging with multiple literary genres and eager to collaborate with faculty in other disciplines. As part of the college’s commitment to the practice of human ecology, candidates should be interested in teaching literature and writing to students working on projects across disciplinary boundaries.

At COA we believe there is core value to grounding students in a variety of literary languages, traditions, and genres because these provide fundamental means of understanding diverse cultures, languages, and language practices. Candidates for this position must have demonstrated excellence and enthusiasm for teaching first-year writing and literature. Requirements include experience in teaching writing and evidence of scholarship or ability and enthusiasm to teach in at least three of the following:

•    Comparative and world literatures
•    Indigenous literatures
•    Subaltern literatures (queer, postcolonial, feminist)
•    Anglophone literatures beyond the US and UK
•    Creative writing (poetry, fiction, drama, creative nonfiction)

College of the Atlantic is committed to increasing diversity, fostering inclusion, and achieving equity in all aspects of its work. We especially encourage candidates who demonstrate how their teaching, service, and research would contribute to making the college more inclusive, equitable, and diverse. We are particularly interested in an individual’s record working with students, colleagues, and communities who identify with the experiences of those historically excluded, under-represented or marginalized in higher education. The search committee welcomes applications from those historically under-represented in higher education.

Please send letter of interest, cv, statement of teaching philosophy to include your approach to and experience with teaching diverse learners, and descriptions of five courses you would be prepared to teach, along with the names of three references in one pdf document to litwritingsearch@coa.edu. Review of applications will begin March 23, 2020, and continue until the position is filled. Appointment by the fall term of 2020 or winter 2021 is highly desirable.

April 10, 2020:  Update on timing for College of the Atlantic Literature/Writing Search

The search committee for Literature/Writing at College of the Atlantic notes that due to disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, we have begun reading applications on April 6, 2020 and will continue considering applications until the position is filled. Our campus is closed for spring term, and we will not complete the search until we can arrange full campus visits (Fall 2020 or later).
 
Thank you to all candidates for your patience during these rapidly changing times.

 

Pre-Doctoral Fellow in Educational Studies

 
College of the Atlantic (COA) seeks a pre-doctoral Teaching Fellow in Educational Studies who has completed their coursework toward a Ph.D. or Ed.D. in education or a related field and who can demonstrate the ability to teach effectively in at least three of the following areas: Experiential Education, Intercultural Education, Indigenous Education, Anti-racist Education, Social Justice Education, Education for Sustainable Peace, Climate Change Education, Contemplative Education, Educational Change, and/or Comparative Education. The successful candidate will be able to teach inter- or transdisciplinary courses at the introductory and intermediate levels that contribute to COA’s undergraduate and graduate programs in human ecology.

College of the Atlantic is committed to increasing diversity, fostering inclusion, and achieving equity in all aspects of its work. We especially encourage candidates who demonstrate how their teaching, service, and research would contribute to making the College more inclusive, equitable, and diverse. We are particularly interested in an individual’s record working with students, colleagues, and communities who identify with the experiences of those historically excluded, under-represented or marginalized in higher education. The search committee welcomes applications from those historically under-represented in higher education.

In addition to teaching one course for each of three ten-week terms, the successful candidate would be expected to actively work toward completion of their dissertation. This position may be renewed for one year. Compensation is $20,000, with housing from September 1, 2020-June 15, 2021, and mentorship toward successful teaching and dissertation completion as needed.

Required:
 All but dissertation in Education or related field and demonstrated teaching excellence.
 
COA is an interdisciplinary, non-departmental college of 35 faculty; the 350 students design their own major in human ecology (BA, MPhil). The average class size is 13. Our educational approach integrates knowledge from all academic disciplines and seeks to understand and improve the relationships between humans and their built, natural, and cultural environments.

How to apply:
Interested candidates should send a cover letter, teaching statement, CV, and three descriptions of proposed courses (see COA webpage for current course descriptions). The cover letter should address qualifications with an emphasis on experience with teaching and potential to contribute to a college community seeking to directly address the combined legacies of exclusion, under-representation, and marginalization in higher education. It would also be helpful to know where you saw the job ad. The CV should include contact information for three professional references, one of which should be from the dissertation committee chair. A teaching statement should describe the ethical principles and evidence-based practices you practice and model in your teaching. The proposed course descriptions should be about a paragraph each including learning objectives, teaching methods, assessments, level (introductory, introductory/intermediate, or intermediate), and prerequisites, if any.  For full consideration, completed applications should be received by January 30. Review of applicants will begin on February 1. Finalists will be invited for an on campus interview, job talk, and mock class in April of 2020. Please submit a PDF with all of the above materials in a single file to predoc@coa.edu. The anticipated start date for the hire is September 1, 2020. Questions may be directed to predoc@coa.edu.

 

 

 

Teaching Staff: Director of Energy Education and Management

College of the Atlantic (COA) seeks a full-time permanent teaching staff position to direct energy education and management at the college. In collaboration with faculty and staff, this position provides interdisciplinary educational opportunities for students in energy, sustainability, and related areas through classes, the Community Energy Center, and independent projects.

 The director provides leadership and expertise in all matters related to energy, moving the college toward greater use of renewable energy, decreasing overall energy use, and expanding educational opportunities for students in energy and related areas as we move towards our goal of being a fossil-fuel free campus by 2030. The director collects, analyzes, and tracks data and maintains records concerning COA’s energy consumption, purchase, and generation and performs cost-benefit analyses of current and proposed energy initiatives.  This work occurs on campus, including our farms and our island field stations, as well as collaborative work with the broader community.  The director’s time is divided roughly equally between teaching and administration.

We seek someone with strong technical skills and experience in energy who can help our students make connections to other areas, including sustainable food systems, climate change, community planning, and green business. The successful candidate will also help students think across temporal and spatial scales, connecting local energy projects with broader political and policy issues.

College of the Atlantic is committed to inclusive excellence.  We strive toward an open and diverse community that fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized or underrepresented in higher education.  

COA is an interdisciplinary college of approximately 350 students and 35 faculty. Faculty are not organized via departments, and all students design their own major in human ecology. The average class size is 12.  Our educational approach integrates knowledge from all academic disciplines and seeks to understand and improve the relationships between humans and their built, natural, and social-cultural environments. COA is a leader in sustainability in higher education. We have been named the greenest college in the US three times by the Princeton Review and have topped the Sierra Club’s list of cool schools twice. In 2013, COA became the first college in the nation to fully divest from fossil fuels.  In 2019 COA signed onto the Break Free From Plastic Campus Pledge — the first college in the US to do so — committing us to eliminate all single-use disposable plastics from campus by 2025.  COA students are active in local and state environmental politics and have participated in all UNFCCC Conferences of the Parties (negotiating sessions) since 2005.

Essential Job Functions:

• Teach at least two courses yearly on renewable energy, energy conservation, and energy systems.  At least one course will be a practicum involving students in projects that work on energy, building systems, and sustainability.  In addition, the director will organize and direct independent studies and senior projects related to energy.
• Oversee the Community Energy Center (CEC). Direct students in projects at the CEC during the academic year and during the summer at the college, including our farms and islands, and in local communities.
• Provide campus-wide leadership to meet the college’s commitments in our Energy Framework, including our goal to be fossil fuel-free by 2030.
• Collect, analyze, and track data and maintain records concerning COA’s energy consumption, purchase, and generation and perform cost-benefit analyses of current and proposed energy initiatives. 
• Direct work on any CEC grants, such as the Rural Energy Development Agency (REDA) grant.
• In collaboration with faculty and administrators, pursue grants for energy and sustainability projects on and off campus.
• Participate in collaborative work on energy and sustainability with the Island Institute through the Fund for Maine Islands.
• Oversee completion of sustainability and energy-related components of STARS and other internal and external reports and surveys.
• Attend weekly meetings and act as a staff liaison to the student-led Campus Committee on Sustainability (CCS).

Work collaboratively with Campus Planning and Building Committee and the Director of Campus Planning and Buildings to analyze proposed campus projects from a sustainability perspective.

Qualifications:
A Master’s degree in engineering, environmental science, or another field related to renewable energy or energy conservation is strongly preferred, although we will consider candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and significant experience.  Teaching experience at the college level is strongly preferred. We are open to candidates with experience in any area of energy, including building science, community-based solar energy, and microgrids.

Applications will be considered until the position is filled, but for full consideration, please submit materials no later than Friday, October 25. To apply, please submit a current CV and a cover letter discussing your interest in and qualifications for the position to the address
energy-search@coa.edu.