Title
Interim Assistant Director, Residential Life & First-Year Experience
Department
Residential & Student Life
Job Summary
The Interim Assistant Director, Residential Life & First-Year Experience will provide mentorship, programming and overall support for the First Year Experience specifically through the Office of Residential Life, but additionally by partnering with offices across the Division of Student Affairs.
With a focus on Residential Life, this position will provide administrative and educational support for student staff in collaboration with the Associate Director of Residential Life. This role focuses on administrative tasks and direct student mentorship, including support of the residential life student staff (communications, accountability, logistics), and coaching and mediation support for students in conflict. The Assistant Director will assist in the recruitment, training, supervision, and ongoing development of student staff, and other departmental initiatives as needed. This position plays a strong role in articulating the institutional value of diversity, fostering an equitable and inclusive community, and promoting the health and well-being of individual students.
This is a ten month fixed-term appointment, from August 1, 2026 to May 30, 2027.
The hiring range for this position is expected to be: $50,000 – $52,000.
BENEFITS AND PERKS
- A variety of health insurance plans (Medical, Vision, Dental)
- Generous Retirement Plan – 401(a) and 403(b)
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Paid Time Off: 20 days of vacation per calendar year, 12 days of personal/sick time
- Paid Holidays and Special Days Off: https://www.bowdoin.edu/hr/our-workplace/college-holidays-and-special-days-off.html
- Paid Parental Leave (Available after one year of service)
- Household access to many of the College’s facilities including the gym and pool
- Free fitness and wellness classes!
- And more: https://www.bowdoin.edu/hr/benefits-perks/index.html
Education/Skills Requirements
A Bachelor’s degree is required. Applicants must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to set and balance multiple priorities. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong interest in working closely with undergraduates, and can work both independently and as part of a team. The ability to thrive in a dynamic student-centered environment and a good sense of humor are key.
Experience Requirements and/or Equivalents
This in an entry-level position with a minimum of one year experience working with teen/college students. 1-3 years experience preferred.
Ideal candidates will be able to demonstrate the following:
- Student-centered and collaborative approach to work in student affairs.
- Sound judgment and ability to manage sensitive situations with discretion.
- Ability to balance multiple responsibilities and prioritize effectively.
- Strong facilitation and training skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication, with special attention to detail and tone.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in this posting to be considered for hire.
Standard Work Days and Hours
Standard administrative hours are 8:30am – 5:00pm. This is an 10-month, 40-hour-per-week, salaried position during the academic year. The schedule will include regular (though limited) evening and weekend hours to support student staff, training, opening/closing periods, and other residential life responsibilities. The dates of engagement are August 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.
In case of weather or other emergency, this position is non-essential.
We regret that 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 but not limited to: criminal records, educational verifications, driving records (when job-related), and/or credit history (when job related)
About Bowdoin
Bowdoin embraces diversity in all forms, and the College is home to talented students, faculty and staff—with a variety of racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds; religious beliefs; and gender identities, among other factors.
We encourage applications from candidates committed to the support of an inclusive campus community and those who will enrich and contribute to the College’s multifaceted diversity. We value a community in which individuals of all backgrounds are warmly welcomed and encouraged to succeed.
Founded in 1794, Bowdoin has maintained its commitment to the liberal arts for well over 200 years. Bowdoin’s reputation as a preeminent liberal arts college rests on the excellence of its faculty, students, and staff; intimate size; strong sense of community; and connections to the people, history, and natural beauty of Maine.
Bowdoin’s campus is situated in a beautiful natural setting. Located in Brunswick, Maine, a town of approximately 20,000, the College is a short drive from the Maine coast, twenty-five miles from Portland and 120 miles from Boston.
Employment Category
Full Time Academic Year
Background Check Package Requirements
Faculty/Administrative
Is driving a vehicle (e.g. Bowdoin vehicle or off road vehicle, rental car, personal car) an essential function of this job?
No
Is a pre-placement physical required for this position?
No
Applications Accepted Until
Type of Posting
Internal/External
Special Instructions to Applicants
If selected as a finalist, you will be required to submit information for three references, including name, email address, phone number and how you know the reference.
EEO Information
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.
