Department Head of STEM

About Us

Founded in 1852, GSC is a member of the University System of Georgia. The college has a distinctive legacy of excellent scholarship and service. GSC offers nearly 30 degrees, which includes multiple associate and baccalaureate pathways for students. With an enrollment of over 3,100 students, GSC offers an intimate academic setting with state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories. In this setting, students receive individualized attention that only a small college with dedicated faculty and staff can provide.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for directing the operations of the Department of STEM within the School of Nursing, Health Science, and STEM. This role is responsible for growing high-quality, competitive academic programs that meet the workforce needs. Additional responsibilities include; fostering student success, supporting faculty excellence, and aligning departmental initiatives with institutional priorities.

Responsibilities

Academic Leadership & Program Development (20%)

• Assists the Dean in the development and maintenance of curriculum and courses representative of the discipline and supportive of the educational objectives of the college.
• Coordinates the articulation of department mission and goals; coordinates department committees to promote programs and student success.
• Aligns departmental goals with institutional priorities.
• Develops semester course and laboratory schedules.
• Focuses on curriculum quality, teaching, and overall academic direction.
• Ensures programs align with college educational objectives.
• Works with administration and faculty to develop ways to recruit new students to college and degree programs.

Faculty Management & Department Operations (36%)

• Directs day-to-day departmental operations.
• Assists the Dean in evaluating, recruiting, and recommending appointments of full-time and part-time faculty.
• Assists in the development of the department budget recommendation; supplies data and statistics; administers assigned budgets.
• Recommends faculty for tenure and promotion as appropriate.
• Produces departmental reports as deemed necessary to include data and statistics for planning.
• Serves on faculty committees at the department, college or system level as appointed by the administration.
• Covers supervision, staffing, conflict management, and internal operations.
• Resolves issues between faculty and/or students.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Student Success, Enrollment & Administrative Planning (44%)

• Works with faculty to develop ways to promote equitable student retention and progression to degree completion.
• Emphasizes student outcomes, recruitment, budgeting, and data-driven decision-making.
• Monitors student success, including student retention and progression data.
• Teaches a minimum of two courses each academic term using face-to-face, hybrid, and online learning formats.
• Participates in advising of students.
• Collaborates on student recruitment initiatives.

Required Qualifications

Doctoral Degree in a course of study related to the occupational field. Preference will be given to those with expertise in Engineering. Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the division/department in order to direct and coordinate work within the division/department, usually interpreted to require three to five years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Leadership experience, including oversight of personnel, programs, and strategic initiatives. Proven experience in developing programs and securing or managing grant funding to support institutional or departmental initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Deep understanding of the diverse academic disciplines, curriculum structures, and resource needs within a comprehensive and growing STEM department. Knowledge of accreditation requirements. Knowledge of assessment and strategic planning strategies. Knowledge of budget development and management principles. Knowledge of classroom practices, teaching methodologies, assessment systems, and educational technology. Skill in the delegation of responsibility and authority. Skill to make timely decisions. Skill in the operation of computers and job-related software programs. Skill in decision making and problem solving. Skill in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public. Skill in oral and written communication. Knowledge and skills to grow programs that meet workforce needs.

Other Information

Desired start date: January 1, 2027.

Compensation for this position includes a base salary consistent with the faculty appointment, plus a Department Chair stipend, which ceases if the individual returns to a faculty-only role. This is a full-time, 12-month, administrative faculty position and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits include:

• Health insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life Insurance
• Sick Leave
• Vacation Leave
• Parental Leave
• Retirement
• Employee discounts

Equal Employment Opportunity

Gordon State College is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity employer.

Background Check

Employment offer is contingent upon completing a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your employment eligibility with Gordon State College, as determined by Gordon State College in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application material and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test.