Job Description

The University of Maine School of Law is accepting applications for a Special Assistant for the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) The Special Assistant for the OSA is a critical role that partners closely with the Dean of Students/Associate Dean of Student Services to enhance the student experience through inclusive programming, services, and policies. OSA is dedicated to fostering an environment of holistic wellness that supports student development and encourages community, connection, and belonging. Above all else, OSA strives to instill in our students that they belong here, are capable of this work, and don’t have to navigate their legal education alone. This position is based at The Maine Center, 300 Fore Street, Portland, ME.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some evenings and weekends required. This position reports to the Dean of Student/Associate Dean of Student Services and is an integral part of a dynamic team.

Salary: The salary range is $65,000-$70,000 and is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits: The University of Maine System offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes (but is not limited to):

• 13 paid holidays plus earned vacation and sick time
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Short-term disability insurance and employer-paid long-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid basic life insurance and supplemental life insurance
• Tuition waiver program for employees and their dependents (spouse, domestic partner, and dependent children)
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution

To learn more, please review the Benefits Information Summary

Special Assistant for the Office of Student Affairs job description

Qualifications
Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of four years’ experience in education administration or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Meticulous organizational, verbal, and written communication skills with the capacity to manage multiple competing priorities, take initiative, and oversee the day-to-day operation of OSA.
• Strong interpersonal and de-escalation skills, with an empathetic approach to serve as the steadfast first point of contact for students.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain highly sensitive and confidential student service records and exercise sound judgment.
• Demonstrates kindness, respect, and empathy, with the capability to build relationships with faculty, staff, and students of all professional and personal backgrounds.
• Ability to work effectively with team members under pressure and prioritize tasks effectively when triaging student concerns and supporting complex crises.
• Strong information technology skills, including demonstrated experience with MS Office package and Google Workspaces, to manage digital platforms and department operations.
• Ability to work outside of the typical workday hours as needed for key events and programs, including Graduation and First-Year Student Orientation.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in education, social work, or related discipline.
• Experience in a law school, professional school, or other graduate-level academic environment, including event planning for professional audiences.
• Intercultural experience with a focus on maximizing effective communication and support for individuals of varying professional and personal backgrounds.
• Experience with leveraging technology and/or Artificial Intelligence to improve administrative efficiency.

How to Apply:

Materials must be submitted via “Apply Now” below. You will need to complete an application and upload the following:

1. A cover letter that describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position.
2. A resume/curriculum vitae.

Important items to know about the recruitment process:

• Review of applications will begin immediately.
• Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
• Incomplete application materials cannot be considered.
• Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide three (3) names and contact information for references.
• The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screenings.
• We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/

About the University of Maine System

The University of Maine System (UMS), established in 1968, consists of seven universities and the University of Maine School of Law, spread across various locations in Maine. UMS provides system-wide services and governance from these locations, leveraging the distinct strengths and collaborations among its institutions to advance strategic priorities for UMS and the state of Maine.

Choosing UMS means opting for a high quality of life supported by excellent benefits such as tuition waivers, robust retirement contributions, and comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability. Maine's diverse landscapes, from accessible wilderness and rugged coastline to urban centers and rural communities, offer numerous cultural activities, strong public schools, safe neighborhoods, and high-quality healthcare. Discover more about Maine's exemplary lifestyle on the Maine Office of Tourism website