Department Coordinator II

Job Summary

The Department Coordinator II, in the McKeen Center for the Common Good, is an essential member of the Center’s team. The coordinator provides administrative support for the five professional staff of the McKeen Center, and is responsible for providing comprehensive support and coordination for the department. This position involves handling a wide range of administrative tasks, managing departmental projects, and serving as a liaison between department members, other Bowdoin offices, and external stakeholders.

The ideal candidate possesses strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills. Responsibilities include the day‑to‑day management of the office; reception in a high‑traffic, student‑centered space; management of departmental budget and finances; event coordination; maintaining and developing the departmental website, social media, and database; development of office publications; and general public relations. The coordinator also directly oversees payroll approval of 50 student employees, the student staff working on McKeen Center communications, and plans Bowdoin and the Common Good, an end‑of‑year symposium.

The hourly range for this position is expected to be $26.85 –$28.00 per hour. Compensation is based on skills and experience.

• Manage day‑to‑day office operations and reception duties in a student‑centered environment.
• Oversee departmental budget, finances, and payroll approval for 50 student employees.
• Coordinate and manage departmental projects and events, including the annual Bowdoin & the Common Good symposium.
• Maintain and develop the departmental website, social media accounts, and database.
• Produce office publications and support general public relations initiatives.
• Serve as liaison among department members, Bowdoin offices, and external stakeholders.

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including professional telephone etiquette.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a fast‑paced, student‑centered environment.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Strong ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks with accuracy and efficiency, even under frequent interruptions.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate records and handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
• Excellent typing skills, with strong attention to grammar, spelling, and detail.
• Ability and willingness to engage and communicate effectively with a diverse range of constituents, including students, faculty, staff, and community partners.

• Familiarity with web platforms and content management systems (CMS).
• Experience supporting or participating in community engagement initiatives.

Prior administrative experience in a fast‑paced office setting, including general office management and project management, is strongly preferred. Administrative support experience in a higher education setting and experience working with students are preferred. Familiarity with liberal arts college environments and/or non‑profit organizations is also a plus.

• A variety of health insurance plans (Medical – effective date of hire, Vision, Dental)
• Generous Retirement Plan – 10.12% annual compensation contribution (Eligible after 1 year of service and age 26)
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off: 10 days of vacation (1st year), 15 days (2nd year), 12 days of personal/sick time (PTO accruals based on hours worked)
• Paid Parental Leave (available after one year of service)
• Access to many of the College’s facilities including the gym and pool (including household members)

Standard work days and hours are 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The position is scheduled for 30 hours per week (0.75 FTE) and is a non‑exempt hourly role. Bowdoin College is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions. Employment at Bowdoin College is contingent upon satisfactory completion of applicable background checks including criminal records, educational verifications, driving records (when job‑related), and/or credit history (when job‑related).

Bowdoin College complies with applicable provisions of federal and state laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination in employment, admission, or access to its educational or extracurricular programs, activities, or facilities based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry and national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, place of birth, genetic predisposition, veteran status, or against qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities on the basis of disability, or any other legally protected statuses.