Associate Director of Artists & Alumni Relations

Position: Associate Director of Artists at Work & Alumni Relations

Associate Director of Artists at Work & Alumni Relations

Location:

Portland, Maine

About Maine College of Art & Design Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) seeks a collaborative, student- and alumni-centered Associate Director of Artists at Work & Alumni Relations to join the Artists at Work team.

Located in the heart of Portland’s vibrant Arts District, MECA&D is a nationally recognized college of art and design that fosters a diverse, inclusive, and creative learning community. Artists at Work plays a central role in preparing students and alumni for meaningful, sustainable careers by providing career readiness programming, professional development resources, and experiential learning opportunities that support artistic practice and lifelong success.

Position Summary Reporting to the Director of Artists at Work, the Associate Director of Artists at Work & Alumni Relations supports students and alumni as they navigate career development, professional practice, and post-graduate pathways. This role provides individualized advising, designs and delivers career readiness programming, cultivates relationships with employers and community partners, and oversees alumni engagement initiatives, including grants, residencies, exhibitions, and signature events.

The Associate Director collaborates closely with faculty, staff, alumni, and external partners to ensure that career resources and opportunities are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to evolving practices in the arts and creative industries.

Key Responsibilities Career Advising & Programming Advise and coach students and alumni on professional development topics, including résumés, cover letters, interviewing, portfolio presentation, networking, and job or internship search strategies.

Design, implement, and assess career readiness programs, workshops, and services aligned with learning outcomes and industry standards.

Create and deliver workshops and presentations using current technologies and platforms.

Develop and maintain online career resources, digital tools, and informational materials that support career exploration and professional preparation.

Employer, Alumni & Community Engagement Cultivate and maintain relationships with employers, alumni, artists, and community partners to expand access to internships, employment opportunities, residencies, grants, and fellowships.

Coordinate employer engagement and recruitment activities, including career fairs, portfolio reviews, information sessions, and networking events.

Support career exploration activities such as job shadowing, informational interviews, panels, and community-based learning experiences.

Alumni Relations & Events Oversee alumni services, including residency, grant, and exhibition opportunities.

Manage alumni programming and communications, including newsletters, exhibitions, and events.

Plan, organize, and execute signature events, including the Holiday Sale and the Collect Art Sale.

Collect, analyze, and maintain data related to alumni career pathways, employment outcomes, and industry trends to inform planning and assessment.

Collaboration & Institutional Support Collaborate with faculty and staff to integrate career readiness concepts into curricular and co-curricular experiences.

Contribute to marketing and communications efforts related to Artists at Work programming through print, digital, and web-based content.

Serve on the Career Ready Committee and support strategic initiatives in collaboration with the Director of Artists at Work.

What We’re Looking For Qualifications / Experience / Skills & Abilities Bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience required.

Three (3) or more years of relevant professional experience.

Experience working in higher education, arts administration, career services, or a related field.

Experience in planning and facilitating programs, workshops, or events.

Demonstrated experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities.

Familiarity with employment trends and career pathways within the arts, creative industries, or adjacent fields.

Background in visual arts or design…