Black Hawk College (BHC), located in Moline, Illinois, stands as a cornerstone of higher education in the Quad Cities region. As a comprehensive community college, it provides a variety of jobs that appeal to educators, administrators, and support staff passionate about student success. Jobs at Black Hawk College typically include faculty positions such as adjunct instructors, full-time professors in specialized fields, and staff roles in areas like information technology and career services. These opportunities emphasize hands-on teaching, program innovation, and community engagement rather than large-scale research, aligning with the mission of preparing students for transfer to four-year universities or direct workforce entry.
The college serves approximately 5,000 students annually across its Moline and Kewanee campuses, as well as online platforms. This diverse student body, drawn from nine northwestern Illinois counties, creates a dynamic environment where employees contribute to associate degrees, certificates, and vocational training. Whether you're eyeing community college jobs or seeking to advance in higher education, Black Hawk College offers stable employment with competitive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development support.
In recent years, particularly around 2026, demand has grown for instructors in high-demand fields like nursing, computer science, and industrial technology, reflecting regional economic needs in manufacturing and healthcare along the Mississippi River corridor.
Established in 1946 as Black Hawk Junior College, the institution has evolved significantly to meet the educational demands of its community. Initially focused on post-World War II veterans pursuing higher education, it expanded in the 1960s with the construction of its main Quad-Cities Campus in Moline. By the 1970s, it adopted its current name and added the Kewanee Campus to broaden access in rural areas. Today, Black Hawk College celebrates over 75 years of service, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and known for affordable tuition and high transfer rates to universities like the University of Illinois.
This rich history informs its job landscape, prioritizing faculty and staff who understand the unique role of community colleges in workforce development. Historical commitment to open access means jobs often involve supporting non-traditional students, first-generation learners, and adult career changers, fostering a rewarding career path for those dedicated to inclusive education.
Black Hawk College offers over 100 programs, divided into transfer degrees for university-bound students and career/technical education for immediate employment. Key areas include health professions (nursing, radiologic technology), business, engineering technology, and liberal arts. These programs drive job postings; for instance, nursing instructors are frequently needed due to program expansions and local hospital partnerships.
Faculty jobs often align with departments like Allied Health, where instructors develop curricula blending classroom theory with clinical practice. Staff positions support these through advising, lab coordination, and online learning platforms. Understanding these programs is crucial for applicants, as roles emphasize practical skills training over theoretical research.
For insights into diverse higher ed faculty jobs, Black Hawk exemplifies community-focused education.
Job categories at Black Hawk College span teaching, administration, and support services. Faculty positions include full-time tenure-track roles, adjunct (part-time) instructors, and program coordinators. Adjunct faculty teach specific courses, often evenings or online, ideal for those balancing multiple commitments. Full-time roles offer job security and involvement in curriculum committees.
Staff jobs cover IT support, career services specialists, and maintenance. Recent openings (as of 2026) highlight adjunct nursing instructors, computer instructors, and IT managers, per employment listings. Explore university job types for a broader view of positions like these. Administrative roles, such as directors in student services, require leadership in fostering student retention.
Salaries vary: adjuncts earn per course (around $600-$800 per credit hour), while full-time faculty start at $50,000-$70,000 annually, depending on experience and field.
Academic qualifications form the foundation for employment at Black Hawk College. For teaching faculty, a minimum master's degree in the discipline (e.g., Master of Science in Nursing for nursing instructors) is standard, per Higher Learning Commission guidelines for community colleges. Doctoral degrees (PhD or EdD) enhance competitiveness for full-time positions, especially in transfer programs like biology or English.
Vocational instructors may qualify with a bachelor's degree plus industry certifications, such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) for IT roles. Administrative staff typically need bachelor's degrees in relevant fields like human resources or education, with advanced degrees preferred for leadership.
Transcripts from accredited institutions are mandatory, and ongoing professional development (e.g., 15 hours annually) ensures qualifications remain current.
While Black Hawk College prioritizes teaching over research, certain roles involve applied projects, like grant-funded workforce initiatives in advanced manufacturing. Preferred experience includes 3-5 years of college-level teaching, curriculum development, or industry practice. Publications are beneficial but secondary to pedagogical expertise; grants or program accreditation experience stands out for health sciences.
Essential skills encompass:
Soft skills like adaptability and collaboration are vital in this team-oriented environment. For career advice, see how to write a winning academic CV.
The application process begins on the Black Hawk College careers portal. Submit an online form with resume, cover letter, transcripts, teaching philosophy statement, and three references. Screening involves credential review, followed by interviews (often teaching demonstrations) and background checks.
Actionable tips:
Applications are accepted year-round for adjuncts, with full-time postings aligned to academic cycles.
Black Hawk College actively advances diversity through its Equity and Inclusion Office, offering unconscious bias training, employee resource groups, and targeted recruitment for underrepresented groups. Initiatives include partnerships with local organizations for Hispanic and Black student support, reflected in hiring practices that value diverse perspectives. Annual diversity reports track progress, with goals for faculty representation mirroring student demographics (over 40% students of color). Inclusive policies extend to accommodations, mentorship for new hires from varied backgrounds, and celebrations like Hispanic Heritage Month events, creating an equitable workplace.
Moline, Illinois, in the Quad Cities metropolitan area, provides an affordable, vibrant setting with riverfront parks, cultural festivals, and proximity to Davenport, Iowa. Black Hawk College's campus features modern labs, a fitness center, and cafeteria, supporting wellness.
Work-life balance is prioritized via flexible scheduling (especially adjuncts), generous leave policies, tuition waivers for employees' dependents, and EAP (Employee Assistance Programs) for mental health. Faculty enjoy summers for recharge or professional growth, while staff benefit from 12-month stability with optional flex hours. Campus life includes staff socials, volunteer opportunities, and inter-campus collaboration, fostering community amid a supportive, low-stress atmosphere compared to research universities.
To aid understanding, here are essential terms related to jobs at Black Hawk College:
In summary, jobs at Black Hawk College offer meaningful impact in a welcoming environment. Whether faculty teaching future nurses or staff enhancing student services, opportunities abound. For more, browse higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or consider posting a job if recruiting. Start your journey today in Moline, Illinois.
