Durham Technical Community College, commonly known as Durham Tech, stands as a cornerstone of higher education in Durham, North Carolina. Located in the heart of the Research Triangle, this institution serves a diverse student body from Durham and surrounding counties, offering accessible pathways to careers and further education. With a focus on workforce development, Durham Tech provides associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates that align closely with regional employer needs. Jobs at Durham Technical Community College attract professionals passionate about teaching, administration, and student success in a community college setting.
The college enrolls over 16,000 students annually across credit and non-credit programs, emphasizing practical skills in fields like health sciences, information technology, and advanced manufacturing. Its strategic location near Duke University and North Carolina Central University enhances transfer opportunities, making it a vital hub for aspiring educators and staff seeking meaningful roles in higher education.
Established in 1961, Durham Technical Community College traces its roots to the Durham College of Engineering founded in 1953. It has grown significantly, expanding from a single building to multiple campuses including the Main Campus, Northern Durham Center, and Southpoint Center. Key milestones include the launch of its first associate degree programs in the 1960s and accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Today, Durham Tech embodies the community college mission of open access and affordability, with tuition rates among the lowest in North Carolina.
This evolution reflects broader trends in American higher education, where community colleges like Durham Tech bridge the gap between high school and baccalaureate degrees. Historical investments in facilities, such as the state-of-the-art Health & Wellness Center opened in recent years, underscore its commitment to modern learning environments, creating stable job opportunities for faculty and staff.
Durham Tech offers more than 40 associate degree programs and numerous certificates tailored to high-demand industries. Popular departments include Allied Health, where programs like Nursing and Radiography prepare graduates for immediate employment; Business Administration, focusing on entrepreneurship and management; and Information Technology with specializations in cybersecurity and networking.
Other standout areas encompass Engineering Technologies, Culinary Arts, and Biotechnology, benefiting from the Research Triangle's biotech boom. These programs often feature hands-on labs and industry partnerships, meaning jobs at Durham Technical Community College frequently involve curriculum development aligned with real-world applications. For those interested in broader higher ed options, Durham Tech facilitates seamless transfers to universities via pathways like the North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement.
Career opportunities at Durham Tech span teaching, administrative, and support roles. Faculty positions include full-time instructors who teach 15-18 credit hours per semester, develop courses, and advise students. Adjunct instructors, or part-time faculty, fill flexible teaching slots, ideal for those balancing multiple commitments. Administrative jobs cover areas like student services, enrollment management, and HR, while technical staff roles support labs and IT infrastructure.
Common openings include Nursing Instructors (requiring RN licensure), IT Specialists, and Academic Advisors. Community colleges like Durham Tech prioritize practical teaching over research, distinguishing them from four-year institutions. To learn more about university job types or specific community college jobs, explore these resources. Salaries are competitive, with full-time faculty averaging around $60,000-$70,000 annually, per North Carolina community college data.
Understanding key terms enhances clarity when pursuing jobs at Durham Technical Community College:
For faculty jobs at Durham Tech, a master's degree in the teaching field is typically required, per Southern Association standards; doctoral degrees are preferred for department heads or advanced programs like those in health sciences. While research is minimal compared to universities, expertise in applied projects—such as grant-funded workforce initiatives—is valued.
Preferred experience includes 2-5 years of college-level teaching, industry professional background (e.g., nursing practice for clinical instructors), and publications or presentations in vocational fields. Essential skills encompass strong communication for diverse classrooms, proficiency in learning management systems like Canvas, cultural competency, and data-driven advising. Technical roles demand certifications like CompTIA for IT positions.
To apply for jobs at Durham Technical Community College, visit their careers page on durhamtech.edu, create an account, and submit a tailored application including resume, cover letter, transcripts, and references. The process involves screening, interviews (often with teaching demos), and background checks. Postings are active year-round, peaking before fall semesters.
Actionable tips: Customize documents to highlight community college experience; use metrics like 'improved student retention by 15%'; prepare for behavioral interviews. Leverage how to write a winning academic CV. Network via LinkedIn or local events. For resume help, check our free resume template.
Durham Tech prioritizes equity through its Equity Plan, addressing disparities in access and success. Initiatives include the Multicultural Achievement Program (MAP) supporting underrepresented students, bias training for staff, and employee resource groups. In 2023, 45% of faculty identified as diverse, above state averages. Partnerships with organizations like the Urban League enhance recruitment of minority talent. These efforts create an inclusive workplace where jobs at Durham Technical Community College contribute to social mobility in a majority-minority region.
Durham Tech fosters work-life balance with 10 paid holidays, generous sick leave, and optional flex hours for non-teaching staff. Faculty benefit from a 40-week contract, allowing summers for professional pursuits. Wellness programs include gym access, EAP counseling, and childcare partnerships. Campus life buzzes with events like cultural festivals, faculty mixers, and proximity to Durham's vibrant arts scene—home to the American Tobacco Campus and Duke performances.
Modern facilities like the Cogdell Learning Center offer collaborative spaces, while the surrounding Research Triangle provides hiking trails and family-friendly amenities. Employees report high satisfaction, with low turnover reflecting a supportive culture.
Durham Tech invests in growth via the Professional Development Center, offering workshops on pedagogy, leadership, and technology. Tuition waivers for employees pursuing advanced degrees, plus funding for conferences, propel careers. Many start as adjuncts and advance to full-time or deanships. Explore employer branding secrets for insights into thriving in higher ed.
Pursuing jobs at Durham Technical Community College means joining a dynamic institution shaping the Research Triangle's future. With competitive benefits, impactful teaching, and growth opportunities, it's ideal for dedicated professionals. For more, browse higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post your opening via recruitment services on AcademicJobs.com.
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