Job Information
University of Maine System Director of Administration & Planning - Office of the President in Portland, Maine
The University of Southern Maine (USM) seeks an experienced and dynamic individual to serve as the Director of Administration and Planning within the Office of the President. This critical leadership role ensures the efficient operation of the President’s Office and supports the strategic initiatives that advance the university’s mission of academic excellence, student success, and community engagement.
At USM, we strive to inspire and empower. With campuses in Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston, we are a vibrant hub for learning, collaboration, and transformation. As the Director of Administration and Planning, you will play a central role in supporting the Office of the President and advancing the strategic initiatives that shape our future.
Reporting directly to the President, the Director of Administration and Planning (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NLo4iKaS4KGSt44KSwIWVyLoCb67MWA5/view?usp=sharing) serves as a trusted aide and operational leader. You will oversee the administrative functions of the President’s Office, ensuring efficiency and alignment with USM’s strategic goals. Your expertise will help the President and senior leadership navigate complex challenges, seize opportunities, and execute transformative projects.
Your Key Contributions:
Operational Excellence: Manage and execute a wide range of administrative, operational, and executive support activities for the Office of the President.
Resource Management: Oversee the scheduling for the President, daily preparation of meeting materials for the President’s meetings, and action items/projects as well as a full range of operational and logistical duties.
Planning and Analysis: Manage and/or participate in a wide range of projects which may include project planning, facilitation, report writing and analysis.
Collaboration and Engagement: Act as a liaison between the President’s Office and internal and external stakeholders, fostering transparency and trust.
Team Development: Supervise and mentor staff, cultivating a culture of innovation, accountability, and inclusivity.
Representation and Advocacy: Represents the Office of the President, to a wide variety of high-level contacts internal and external to the University including the Chancellor, University of Maine System Senior Leaders, Presidents, USM Cabinet, Board of Visitors members, as well as community, government, academic, professional society and business leaders across Maine, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Pay and Benefits: This is a full-time position with a starting annual salary up to $85,000. The University of Southern Maine provides highly competitive benefits (https://usm.maine.edu/campus-human-resource-services/benefits-and-wellness/#xd_co_f=OTZlMjgzOTAtNWZlOS00NDI4LWI0ZTMtNThjMGVjNDRkOTA3) that include generous paid time off (13 paid holidays plus earned vacation and sick time); health, dental and vision insurance; life insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; a tuition waiver program for employees and tuition discounts for spouses and eligible dependents; a 403(b)-retirement plan with 10% employer contribution; and more. To learn more, please review the Benefits Information Summary (https://usm.maine.edu/campus-human-resource-services/wp-content/uploads/sites/235/2022/07/Single-Page-Benefits-NonRep-Faculty-and-Salaried.pdf) .
Location: This position will be based primarily on the Portland campus with occasional work on our Gorham and Lewiston campuses as needed.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 7 years of related experience or master’s degree and 5 years of related experience.
Three or more years of relevant and progressively responsible administrative work experience in a college or university, or similarly complex public or private organization.
Demonstrated record of trustworthiness, discretion, and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
Organizational and operational/project management acumen.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.
Advanced skills in typical office technology and software programs and in presentation development.
Demonstrated abilities to perform complex tasks, prioritize multiple projects, and analyze, summarize and effectively present data.
Strong demonstrated administrative, analytical, computer, critical thinking, and verbal and written communication skills.
The University of Southern Maine (https://usm.maine.edu/) is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond. USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University (https://usm.maine.edu/about-our-university/) .
The University of Southern Maine embraces an inclusive campus community that values the expression of differences in ways that promote excellence in teaching, learning, personal development, and institutional success. The Office of Equity, Inclusion and Community Impact (https://usm.maine.edu/equity-inclusion-community-impact/) supports USM's DEIA- and Community Impact-focused departments, committees, groups, projects, training, and events. USM encourages women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and people from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds to apply.
We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness.
To apply, select ‘Apply Now’ button at the bottom of this page or at USM Careers (http://usm.careers.maine.edu/) and submit the following materials:
Cover Letter
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Finalist candidates will be asked to provide a list of the names and contact information for references.
We will begin reviewing candidate packages immediately.
All materials must be submitted by February 17, 2025.
Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.
At this time, the University of Southern Maine is unable to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.
Clery Act:
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. View the University’s Annual Security Report (PDF) (https://usm.maine.edu/public-safety/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report/) . If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please email (usmdeanofstudents@maine.edu) or call 207.780.4035.
EEO Statement:
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds 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, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).
