Maine College of Art & Design (MECA), located in the heart of Portland, Maine, is a premier institution for visual arts education. Founded in 1882 as the Portland School of Art for Women, it has evolved into a coeducational college offering Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in majors like Illustration, Graphic Design, Animation & Game Art, Ceramics, Metalsmithing & Jewelry, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Wood/Furniture Design, as well as a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Studio Art. Jobs at Maine College of Art attract creative professionals passionate about art education and innovation in a supportive coastal environment.
The college employs around 100 faculty and staff, with opportunities spanning teaching, administration, and technical support. Faculty roles emphasize studio practice and mentoring, while staff positions support operations in a dynamic arts district. Portland's vibrant scene, with galleries and cultural events, enhances the appeal of MECA careers.
Maine College of Art traces its roots to 1882 when it opened as one of the first art schools for women in the U.S. It became coeducational in 1960 and gained candidacy for regional accreditation in 1990, achieving full accreditation in 1996. Today, MECA serves about 500 students, fostering a tight-knit community where faculty often wear multiple hats—teaching, exhibiting, and collaborating on interdisciplinary projects.
Employment at MECA has grown with its programs. In the 2000s, expansion of digital media majors increased demand for tech-savvy instructors. Recent hires focus on sustainable art practices and diversity in curriculum, reflecting Portland's eco-conscious culture. The college's small size means jobs offer direct impact, from shaping BFA theses to curating student shows at the Institute of Contemporary Art at MECA (ICA).
Careers at MECA include full-time faculty, adjunct professors, department chairs, admissions counselors, registrars, studio technicians, and development officers. Faculty teach 12-16 credits per semester, often in hands-on studios. Administrative roles handle enrollment (rising 10% post-pandemic) and fundraising for scholarships. For a full list of university job types, explore our resource.
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BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts): A professional undergraduate degree emphasizing studio practice, typically 120 credits over 4 years, culminating in a senior thesis exhibition.
MFA (Master of Fine Arts): A terminal graduate degree for artists, involving advanced studio work, critiques, and a public thesis show, usually 60 credits over 2 years.
Portfolio: A curated collection of an artist's work, essential for art faculty applications at MECA, showcasing 15-25 pieces with descriptions.
Studio Technician: Staff who maintain equipment like kilns, 3D printers, and darkrooms, ensuring safe creative spaces.
For tenure-track faculty, an MFA is required in the discipline, such as Illustration or Sculpture. Visiting artists need significant professional exhibition history. Administrative roles like Dean of Faculty require an MFA/PhD plus leadership experience. Adjunct lecturer jobs demand teaching credentials and a robust portfolio. PhD holders in art history may lead interdisciplinary courses.
MECA prioritizes contemporary practices: sustainable materials in Ceramics, digital storytelling in Animation. Faculty research involves exhibitions (e.g., at ICA or Maine Museum of Art) and publications. Expertise in community-engaged art or social practice is valued, aligning with Portland's public art scene.
Candidates with 3+ years teaching, solo exhibitions, residencies (e.g., Haystack Mountain School), or grants from NEA (National Endowment for the Arts) stand out. Publications in Google Scholar-indexed journals or curatorial experience boost applications. For staff, prior work at art nonprofits is ideal.
Key skills include proficiency in Adobe Suite, Rhino for 3D modeling, mentoring diverse students, and grant writing. Soft skills: collaboration, critique facilitation, cultural sensitivity. Technical roles need safety training for hazardous materials.
Apply via MECA's portal at meca.edu/about/employment. Submit cover letter addressing position, CV, 20-piece portfolio (PDF/link), statement of teaching philosophy, and 3 references. Interviews include demos.
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MECA's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice (DEIJ) Committee drives change. Initiatives include the Access to Art scholarship for BIPOC/low-income students, faculty hires from underrepresented groups (30% increase since 2018), and Land Acknowledgment events recognizing Wabanaki heritage. Annual audits ensure equitable hiring.
MECA promotes balance with 4-day teaching weeks, sabbaticals after 6 years, and wellness programs amid Portland's trails and seafood scene. Campus features 24/7 studios, free shuttles, and events like First Friday Art Walks. Faculty enjoy tuition remission for dependents and proximity to Bar Harbor for inspiration.
Jobs at Maine College of Art offer a unique blend of creative freedom and community impact in Portland, Maine. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com to connect with opportunities like those at MECA.
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