Career opportunities at COA

Position Overview

College of the Atlantic seeks a full-time faculty member in chemistry to teach a wide range of courses to undergraduate students within our single interdisciplinary degree in human ecology. We seek a colleague who is actively interested in teaching and collaborating across disciplinary boundaries. The new faculty member will have curricular and creative control over the design of foundational and topical chemistry instruction for students at a variety of skill levels. Candidates at any career stage are welcome to apply. Candidates must have prior teaching experience and a PhD in chemistry or a related field by the anticipated start date of September 1, 2027. This is a full‑time (10-month), permanent, benefits eligible position.

The successful candidate will teach sequences in general chemistry, organic chemistry, and environmental chemistry. We are also interested in courses on: materials science, chemistry of food, green chemistry, biochemistry, geochemistry, and/or other courses that explore the intersections of chemistry with the human experience as well as the wider academic domains of the sciences, arts, and humanities. The teaching load is five courses across three 10-week trimesters (e.g., 1-2-2). Other responsibilities include mentoring and advising students, supervising senior capstone projects and independent studies, and contributing to college governance. Candidates for this position will also be expected to direct the management of chemistry teaching facilities alongside colleagues and work-study students or teaching assistants.

All COA students design individualized, interdisciplinary degrees within our Bachelor of Arts in Human Ecology. We seek a colleague who is interested in collaborating on teaching and research projects across disciplines in order to offer challenging and engaging opportunities for students with a wide range of interests. We invite imaginative thinking about how candidates might use the college’s flexible curricular structure to offer collaborative, experimental, experiential, or travel courses. COA faculty have the opportunity to develop curricular and co-curricular projects connected to the resources available on campus and in the surrounding area, including the Dorr Museum of Natural History, the college waterfront, the school’s fleet of boats, Beech Hill and Peggy Rockefeller farms, and the Cox Protectorate; the college’s field stations located on Great Duck Island, Mount Desert Rock, and in Willimantic, Maine; as well as the college’s proximity to and relationship with Acadia National Park, the Jackson Laboratory, Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, and other local and regional communities and institutions.

Compensation

Annual salary range is $75,000 to $105,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits package includes health, dental, and life insurance, retirement, vacation, short- and long-term disability, and College of the Atlantic tuition relief for employee and dependents.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials here, combined as a single PDF file, in the following order:

• A cover letter describing their interest in and unique qualifications for this position
• A curriculum vitae including contact information for three professional references
• A teaching statement that describes the following: a) specific examples of their teaching experience and pedagogical approaches, b) how they engage undergraduates as student researchers both inside and outside the classroom, and c) how their experience will inform their teaching and advising at COA
• Brief course descriptions (course titles and one-paragraph descriptions, not syllabi) for three potential course offerings that would complement and extend the COA curriculum

Application review will begin on November 1, with successful candidates expected to visit campus for interviews in Jan-Feb 2027. Questions about the search can be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Sarah Hall at [email protected].

Summary

The Director of Internships and Career Development leads and coordinates the College’s internship program, career development services, and community service graduation requirement. Reporting to the Provost, the Director of Internships and Career Development works closely with students, faculty, alumni, employers, and community partners to create meaningful experiential learning opportunities that connect academic study with professional development. The Director provides individualized guidance and programming that support students in exploring career pathways, securing internships, and preparing for life after COA, while advancing the College’s mission and human ecological approach to education.

Essential Job Functions

Internship Program Administration

• Manage all aspects of the internship program, a degree requirement for all students.
• Assist students with internship searches, placement preparation, and completion of required documentation.
• Provide guidance, information, and support throughout internship experiences.
• Maintain communication with internship supervisors and employers during student placements.
• Assist students in reflecting on and documenting internship experiences.
• Prepare narrative evaluations of internships for student transcripts.
• Manage internship-related databases, records, and reporting.

Career Development and Employer Engagement

• Develop and coordinate career development programming.
• Provide career resources, guidance, and individualized support.
• Coordinate resume and application material development assistance.
• Organize career workshops, presentations, and alumni speaker events.
• Facilitate networking opportunities and connections with prospective employers.
• Build and maintain relationships with employers across a wide range of industries to expand internship, employment, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Supervise, train, and mentor student employees and Federal Work-Study students supporting Office of Internships & Career Development functions.

Academic and Student Support

• In collaboration with faculty, communicate graduate school opportunities and funding resources, including scholarship and fellowship programs.
• Manage documentation and verification of the college’s community service degree requirement.

Career Outcomes and Institutional Assessment

• Collaborate with the Director of Alumni Relations to coordinate the Alumni mentorship program and the annual First Destination Survey, including survey administration, outreach efforts to maximize participation, and the collection, analysis, and reporting of graduate outcomes data.
• Collaborate with Alumni Relations and other campus partners to maintain accurate records of graduates’ educational and professional pathways.
• Prepare and present reports on post-graduation outcomes for institutional planning, accreditation, and external communications, and use outcomes data to assess and strengthen career development programs and services.

Qualifications

Career Development is a one-person department, necessitating the ability of the Director to self-motivate and work independently and strategically.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Knowledge of and/or experience in career development.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively and independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and collaboration skills.
• Understanding of higher education and commitment to the mission and values of College of the Atlantic.
• Demonstrated effectiveness working with people from diverse backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with faculty and connect academic learning with internships, study abroad, and community engagement experiences.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with employers and external organizations.
• Attention to detail and ability to clearly communicate information about requirements and opportunities with clarity and accuracy.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Career Counseling, Student Affairs, or a related field.
• Experience developing and delivering career readiness programming.
• Experience using databases, reporting systems, and student success tracking tools.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace.

Working conditions / physical demands

The statements below describe the general working conditions and physical/mental demands typically associated with positions at the college. They are not intended to cover every situation or to imply that all duties are required for every role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Work will typically occur in an office setting; some work may occur in outdoor campus areas, on other college facilities, and online.
• Typical physical demands include:
  • Extended periods of computer use, including keyboard and mouse.
  • Remaining seated or standing for extended periods while working at a computer or in meetings.
  • Navigating a multi-story campus, including using stairs in buildings without elevators.
  • Lifting or moving items up to 10 pounds.
• Work during weekends and evenings will at times be required.

Compensation

Annual salary range is $66,00 – $71,000, commensurate with experience.
Benefits package includes health, dental, and life insurance, retirement, vacation, short- and long-term disability, and College of the Atlantic tuition relief for employee and dependents.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials to the search chair, Kourtney Collum, using this link: a cover letter describing their interest in, and qualifications for, this position; a resume; and contact information for three professional references. Application review will begin November 16 and continue until the position is filled.

Summary

The Academic Affairs Coordinator provides administrative support to the Office of the Provost and the faculty. This position works closely with the Provost, faculty, students, academic administrators, and staff to support the effective functioning of the College’s academic programs and related governance systems.

Essential Responsibilities

Faculty Support and Academic Operations

• Coordinate collection, organization, and retention of syllabi and course evaluations.
• Coordinate faculty meetings, retreats, and other faculty events, including scheduling, preparation of materials, and recording and distribution of minutes.
• Procure books, equipment, and supplies for faculty and academic affairs operations.
• Oversee faculty purchasing processes, including bookkeeping and administration of Academic Services credit cards, gas cards, Amazon Business, and WB Mason accounts; maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with institutional procedures.
• Coordinate faculty travel arrangements, conference registrations, and related logistics.

Faculty Personnel Administration

• Track faculty review, sabbatical, and leave schedules.
• Support faculty review and contract renewal processes.
• Coordinate annual faculty workload reports and review notifications, collect and organize review materials, and maintain personnel files, ensuring confidentiality and accuracy in all faculty personnel matters.

Search Coordination

• Provide administrative support for faculty and staff searches.
• Prepare and post announcements for faculty and staff positions through appropriate recruitment channels.
• Assist the Director of Academic Services with search logistics, including coordinating candidate communications; scheduling interviews; and arranging candidate travel, lodging, meals, campus presentations, and meeting schedules.

Student Academic Support

• Administer degree requirements for student-directed studies including human ecology essays, senior projects, and residencies, including management of communications, collection, review, and approval.
• Chair the Review & Appeals Committee, supporting the review and processing of student academic proposals and appeals.
• Support student orientation and other academic transition programs.
• Assist with the annual review and publication of the Academic Handbook.

Transportation & Vehicle Coordination

• Coordinate transportation resources to support field courses, academic programs, Student Life activities, special events, and other College activities.
• Manage the College’s vehicle reservation system, including bookings, vehicle assignments, distribution of keys and fuel cards, and user support.
• Serve as the primary liaison with Buildings & Grounds regarding fleet availability, maintenance needs, safety concerns, and operational issues.
• Maintain vehicle reservation records and communicate transportation policies and procedures to users.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written, interpersonal, and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience coordinating meetings, events, and complex administrative processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, databases, and other office technologies.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a collegial environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education or an academic environment.
• Familiarity with faculty governance, faculty personnel processes, or academic administration.
• Experience supporting hiring processes and search committees.
• Student advising or student services experience.

Working conditions / physical demands

The statements below describe the general working conditions and physical/mental demands typically associated with positions at the college. They are not intended to cover every situation or to imply that all duties are required for every role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Work will typically occur in an office setting; some work may occur in outdoor campus areas, on other college facilities, and online.
• Typical physical demands include:
  • Extended periods of computer use, including keyboard and mouse.
  • Remaining seated or standing for extended periods while working at a computer or in meetings.
  • Navigating a multi-story campus, including using stairs in buildings without elevators.
  • Lifting or moving items up to 10 pounds.

Compensation

The compensation range is $26 to $28/hour, commensurate with experience.
Benefits package includes health, dental, and life insurance, retirement, vacation, short- and long-term disability, and College of the Atlantic tuition relief for employee and dependents.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials to the search chair, Kourtney Collum, using this link: a cover letter describing their interest in, and qualifications for, this position; a resume; and contact information for three professional references. Application review will begin November 16 and continue until the position is filled.