Harper College, located in Palatine, Illinois, stands as a cornerstone of higher education in the northwest Chicago suburbs. Established to meet the growing demand for accessible education, it serves over 13,000 students annually through associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs. Jobs at Harper College span faculty, administrative, and support roles, attracting professionals passionate about community college education. Whether you're eyeing full-time teaching positions or part-time adjunct opportunities, this institution offers a dynamic environment focused on student success and innovation.
The college's commitment to affordability and transfer pathways makes it a hub for careers in higher education. Faculty jobs at Harper College often involve teaching diverse adult learners, from recent high school graduates to career changers. Administrative roles support operations in areas like enrollment, student services, and facilities. With its emphasis on practical skills, positions here blend teaching excellence with real-world application, ideal for those interested in community college jobs.
Founded in 1965, Harper College emerged from the vision of local leaders to provide open-access education amid suburban growth. Named after Dr. William Rainey Harper, the first president of the University of Chicago, it has evolved into a comprehensive community college with multiple campuses, including its main site in Palatine. Over the decades, Harper has expanded programs in nursing, engineering technology, and business, reflecting regional needs.
This history shapes its job market: early faculty hires focused on liberal arts, while today, specialized roles in healthcare and IT dominate. The college's growth, including partnerships with four-year universities for seamless transfers, creates ongoing demand for qualified educators and staff. Understanding this evolution helps job seekers appreciate the stability and progression opportunities in roles at Harper College.
Harper College offers diverse job categories tailored to its mission. Full-time faculty positions cover disciplines like biology, accounting, and computer science, requiring expertise to develop curricula and advise students. Adjunct professors provide flexible teaching loads, often evenings or online, perfect for supplementing income while gaining experience.
Administrative jobs include deans, coordinators, and HR specialists, focusing on student support and operations. Support staff roles in IT, maintenance, and counseling ensure smooth campus functioning. For a deeper dive into university job types, explore common higher ed positions. Specialized openings, such as nursing instructors amid Illinois' healthcare boom, highlight Harper's vocational strengths.
To navigate opportunities effectively, understanding terminology is essential. Adjunct professor: A part-time instructor hired per course, without full benefits or tenure. Tenure-track faculty: Full-time positions leading to permanent employment after evaluation periods, emphasizing teaching, service, and scholarship. Community college: Two-year institutions like Harper offering affordable associate degrees and transfers. FTE (Full-Time Equivalent): Measures workload, crucial for adjunct load limits. These terms appear frequently in postings for jobs at Harper College.
For teaching roles, Illinois Board of Higher Education standards mandate at least a master's degree in the teaching field or 18 graduate hours in the discipline. PhD holders gain preference for tenure-track positions, especially in sciences. Administrative jobs often require bachelor's degrees plus experience; executive roles like dean seek doctorates.
Research focus varies: nursing faculty need clinical expertise, while liberal arts emphasize pedagogy. Preferred experience includes publications, grants, or industry tenure. For example, engineering tech instructors benefit from professional certifications. Skills like curriculum design, student engagement, and technology integration (e.g., Canvas LMS) are core competencies.
| Role Type | Minimum Qualification | Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Faculty | Master's Degree | PhD, Teaching Experience |
| Adjunct | Master's Degree | Relevant Industry Work |
| Admin | Bachelor's | Master's, 5+ Years Exp |
Top candidates demonstrate student-centered teaching, cultural competency, and adaptability to diverse learners—over 40% Hispanic/Latino at Harper. Data analysis for assessment, grant writing, and online instruction skills stand out. Soft skills like collaboration and communication foster team environments.
Check how to write a winning academic CV for tailored applications. Competencies align with Harper's strategic plan, prioritizing equity and innovation.
Applications start online via Harper's NeoGov portal. Submit resume, cover letter, transcripts, and philosophy statement. Screening involves committees; interviews may include teaching demos.
Leverage free resume templates and cover letter templates. For adjuncts, availability for multiple sections boosts chances.
Harper excels in inclusivity, with a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council driving policies. Initiatives include bias training, Latinx Leadership Institute, and PRIDE Center for LGBTQ+ support. Recruitment targets underrepresented faculty via pipelines like Achieving the Dream. In 2023, 45% of students were people of color, mirrored in staff goals. These efforts create welcoming spaces, earning accolades like Excelencia in Education.
Harper promotes balance with 24 vacation days, 12 sick days, and flexible scheduling. Wellness perks include gym access, EAP counseling, and family leave. Campus life buzzes with events, arboretum trails, and proximity to Chicago—30 minutes away. Faculty enjoy sabbaticals every six years and tuition remission (100% for dependents). Palatine's suburban vibe offers safe, family-friendly living with low commute stress.
Competitive packages feature SURS retirement, comprehensive health plans, and life insurance. Professional growth via $2,500 annual development funds, conferences, and mentorship. Internal mobility supports advancement from adjunct to full-time. Explore employer branding secrets for insights into such cultures.
Jobs at Harper College combine impact, stability, and growth in a vibrant Illinois community. With strong support for higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, and pathways via university jobs, it's ideal for educators. Institutions like Harper recruit via platforms such as recruitment services. Start your journey today—check openings and prepare with post a job resources for networking.
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