Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC), located in Hickory, North Carolina, is a public two-year institution founded in 1960 as part of the North Carolina Community College System. Serving Catawba County and surrounding areas, CVCC enrolls over 4,000 students annually and offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in fields like nursing, information technology, business, and industrial technologies. The college's scenic campus overlooks the Catawba Valley, providing a welcoming environment for education and employment.
Jobs at Catawba Valley Community College span faculty, staff, and administrative roles, emphasizing teaching excellence, student success, and community engagement. With a student body that is diverse and often first-generation college attendees, positions focus on accessible education and workforce development. The college prioritizes hiring professionals passionate about community colleges, where the emphasis is on practical skills and open-access learning rather than four-year research universities.
CVCC's employment opportunities reflect its mission to deliver high-quality, affordable education. Faculty roles involve classroom instruction, curriculum development, and advising, while staff positions support operations like library services and student affairs. The college's growth in programs like aviation and mechatronics has increased demand for specialized instructors.
Community College: A two-year public institution offering associate degrees, transfer programs to four-year universities, and vocational training, often with lower tuition and open admissions policies. CVCC exemplifies this model, preparing students for local industries in the Piedmont region.
Adjunct Instructor: Part-time faculty hired per course, typically holding a master's degree, responsible for teaching without full benefits.
Full-Time Faculty: Permanent positions with tenure tracks, involving teaching, committee work, and professional development.
Workforce Development: Programs at CVCC focused on short-term training for jobs in manufacturing, healthcare, and IT, aligning job openings with regional employer needs.
CVCC offers diverse roles suited to its community college focus. Common positions include:
For a full breakdown of university job types, explore our dedicated resource. Community college jobs like these often emphasize teaching over research, making them ideal for educators seeking direct student impact. Visit community college jobs for similar listings.
Academic qualifications for jobs at CVCC vary by role but adhere to Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) standards. Full-time faculty typically need a master's degree with at least 18 graduate hours in the teaching discipline. For example, nursing instructors require a BSN and RN licensure, with MSN preferred. PhD holders may find advantages in leadership roles, though not always mandatory in community colleges.
Administrative positions often require a bachelor's degree minimum, with master's preferred for deans or directors. Support roles like IT specialists may prioritize certifications (e.g., CompTIA A+) over degrees. CVCC values practical credentials, reflecting its workforce focus.
Unlike research universities, CVCC prioritizes applied expertise over pure research. Faculty jobs emphasize pedagogical research, such as improving student retention in STEM programs. Expertise in areas like cybersecurity or advanced manufacturing is sought for curriculum-aligned roles. Grant-funded projects through the college's foundation occasionally require research skills for program evaluation. Check research jobs for broader opportunities.
Preferred experience includes 2-5 years of teaching in community colleges or K-12, industry experience for vocational roles (e.g., 5 years in HVAC for technology instructors), and publications or presentations at conferences like the League for Innovation. Leadership in accreditation processes or online teaching with tools like Canvas is a plus. CVCC favors candidates with proven student engagement records.
These skills ensure success in CVCC's dynamic environment. Explore higher ed career advice for development tips.
The application process begins on the NC Works Online portal or CVCC's NeoGov system. Steps include:
Tips: Customize applications to CVCC's strategic plan emphasizing equity. Use keywords from postings. Network via LinkedIn or college events. Prepare for questions on student-centered teaching. Apply early as positions fill quickly.
CVCC's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategic Plan (2020-2025) promotes underrepresented hiring through the Minority Male Leadership Initiative and Women in STEM programs. The college hosts cultural celebrations and partners with Hispanic-serving organizations. Title IX compliance and ADA accommodations are robust, with employee resource groups fostering belonging. In 2023, 35% of new hires were from diverse backgrounds.
CVCC supports balance with 24 paid holidays, generous PTO, and flexible hours. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers counseling, tuition reimbursement up to $3,000/year, and wellness challenges. Campus life features a fitness center, walking trails, and events like Fall Festival. Proximity to Hickory's arts scene and Blue Ridge Mountains enhances living. Remote/hybrid options exist for some roles, promoting sustainability.
Jobs at Catawba Valley Community College offer rewarding careers in a supportive setting. Explore more on higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job to connect with talent.
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