About Maine College of Art & Design
Maine College of Art & Design seeks a mission-driven professional to serve as the Student Success Coach for Online Learning. This position plays a pivotal role in supporting online graduate students from their first inquiry through to graduation, ensuring they feel connected, engaged, and empowered to achieve their academic and professional goals.
MECA&D is committed to cultivating an inclusive environment where creativity,
collaboration, and critical inquiry flourish. Located in the heart of Portland’s vibrant Arts District, the College provides a dynamic and supportive space for artists, designers, and educators who are passionate about shaping culture through visual expression. By joining MECA&D, you will directly contribute to the success of graduate students, building a foundation that helps them persist, thrive, and graduate with confidence.
Position Overview
The Student Success Coach – Online Learning provides holistic, proactive support for online graduate students, serving as their primary point of contact throughout their academic journey. The Coach helps students navigate college systems, overcome barriers, and access resources that foster persistence and achievement.
This position also contributes to recruitment efforts, orientation programs, and ongoing engagement initiatives, ensuring MECA&D’s online learners are set up for long-term success.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the dedicated support coach for online graduate students from
inquiry through graduation. - Develop individualized student success plans, monitor progress, and provide proactive outreach.
- Respond to prospective student inquiries and support the application process.
- Facilitate online informational sessions, orientations, and onboarding
programs. - Collaborate with faculty and staff to address academic or personal
challenges impacting student success. - Track and analyze student data to identify trends and implement retention
strategies. - Maintain accurate records of student interactions and outreach in student
information and CRM systems. - Assist in creating and reviewing communications and marketing materials
for online programs. - Support and execute communication plans to engage current online
students. - Research best practices in online student engagement and contribute to
continuous improvement initiatives. - Develop resources, workshops, and programming that foster online student connection and community.
What We’re Looking For
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Education, Business, Higher Education, Art, or related field preferred.
- Additional training or certification in academic advising, coaching, student
affairs, or online education is a plus. - Minimum of 2 years of experience in student success, advising, coaching, or related student support services.
- Experience working with online or adult learners in higher education
preferred. - Experience with Learning Management Systems (e.g., Canvas), Customer
Relationship Management systems (e.g., Slate), and student information
systems. - Experience developing workshops, orientation programs, or student
engagement initiatives preferred. - Experience analyzing and reporting student data to inform retention
strategies preferred.
Skills & Abilities
- Strong understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by
online and graduate students. - Proficiency in data management and analysis using tools such as Excel or
Google Sheets. - Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
- Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
- Skilled at building relationships across diverse backgrounds.
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and equity-centered
environment aligned with MECA&D’s mission.
What We Offer
This is a full-time, exempt position. The starting salary range is $50,000 – $58,000 annually, with consideration for experience. Benefits include healthcare, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, a 403(b) plan with a 5% employer match, generous paid time off, faculty & staff meal plan, and more.
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 listed qualifications, we
encourage you to apply if you bring many of the skills and experiences described.
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.
MECA&D complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding
non-discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, ancestry, religion, genetic information, familial status, receipt of a protection order, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law.