Highland Community College (HCC), located in Freeport, Illinois, stands as a cornerstone of higher education in northwest Illinois. Established in 1962, this public two-year institution serves over 4,000 students annually across its main campus in Freeport and outreach centers. For those seeking jobs at Highland Community College, opportunities abound in teaching, administration, and support services, making it an attractive destination for educators passionate about community college environments. The college's commitment to affordable, accessible education translates into a dynamic workplace where faculty and staff directly impact local communities.
Jobs at Highland Community College range from adjunct instructors to full-time professors, librarians, counselors, and administrative roles. The institution emphasizes student-centered teaching, with positions often requiring a blend of academic credentials and practical experience. Whether you're interested in community college jobs or higher ed administration, HCC offers a supportive setting in a mid-sized city known for its manufacturing heritage and vibrant arts scene.
Founded as Freeport Junior College in 1962 through a partnership with Freeport High School, Highland Community College gained independence and its current name in 1967. Over the decades, it has expanded to include three campuses: the main Freeport campus, the Northwest Center in Freeport, and the Lewisburg Center. Key milestones include the launch of its nursing program in 1972, which remains one of the largest in Illinois, and the addition of online courses in the 2000s to meet growing demand.
This evolution reflects HCC's adaptability, positioning it as a leader in workforce development. Today, the college boasts modern facilities like the James E. Douglas Center for the Arts and the Kelliher Science Center, providing faculty with state-of-the-art resources. Understanding this history is essential for job seekers at Highland Community College, as it underscores the institution's focus on practical, career-oriented education.
HCC offers over 80 programs, including Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Science (AAS), and certificates in fields like nursing, automotive technology, business, criminal justice, and early childhood education. The Nursing Department, accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), frequently hires instructors due to high demand.
Other key departments include Business and Technology, Humanities, Math and Science, and Social Sciences. These programs create steady demand for faculty jobs at Highland Community College, particularly in high-enrollment areas. For example, the college's partnerships with local employers like Collins Aerospace ensure relevant curriculum, opening doors for industry-experienced professionals.
Explore university job types to see how these align with faculty and staff roles.
Career opportunities at HCC span teaching and non-teaching roles. Full-time faculty positions involve 15-18 credit hours per semester, curriculum development, and committee service. Adjunct instructors teach part-time, often evenings or online, ideal for those balancing multiple commitments.
Administrative jobs include deans, directors, HR specialists, and IT support. Support staff roles cover custodians, financial aid advisors, and lab technicians. Recent openings have included Biology Instructor, Nursing Faculty, and Enrollment Services Coordinator. Salaries are competitive for community colleges, with full-time faculty earning $55,000-$75,000 based on experience.
For remote options, check remote higher ed jobs, as HCC offers some online teaching positions. Positions like lecturer jobs or professor jobs emphasize teaching excellence over research.
To secure faculty jobs at Highland Community College, candidates typically need a master's degree in the teaching field from a regionally accredited institution; a PhD or terminal degree is preferred for full-time roles. For vocational positions, industry certifications and bachelor's degrees suffice.
Research focus is applied rather than theoretical—faculty contribute to program assessment, grant-funded projects, or community partnerships. Preferred experience includes 2-5 years of college-level teaching, publications in teaching pedagogy, or grant management. For nursing jobs, current RN licensure and clinical experience are mandatory.
Key skills and competencies:
Administrative roles require bachelor's degrees, with MBAs favored for leadership positions. Learn more via how to write a winning academic CV.
The application process for jobs at Highland Community College begins on their HR portal at highland.edu/hr. Submit a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and three references online. Screening committees review applications, followed by interviews (often teaching demos) and background checks.
Actionable tips:
Applications are accepted year-round for adjuncts, pooled for full-time. To excel, review employer branding secrets for insights into what attracts top talent.
Highland Community College prioritizes diversity through its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Council, which oversees training, hiring practices, and events like Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. The college partners with TRIO programs for underrepresented students and has increased diverse faculty hires by 20% since 2018.
Specific examples include bias training for search committees, affinity groups for women in STEM, and inclusive curriculum reviews. HCC's strategic plan emphasizes equitable access, creating a welcoming environment for jobs at Highland Community College.
Employees at HCC enjoy a 35-hour workweek for faculty, summer breaks, and professional development funds up to $2,000 annually. Benefits include Blue Cross health insurance, IPERS retirement (9.8% match), and tuition reimbursement for dependents.
Campus life in Freeport features a 120-acre setting with trails, fitness centers, and events like Scotties athletics games. The supportive culture includes mentorship programs and wellness initiatives. Proximity to Rockford and Chicago offers urban access without big-city stress, ideal for families.
Adjunct Faculty: Part-time instructors hired per course, often without full benefits, common in community colleges for flexibility.
Associate Degree: Two-year undergraduate credential for transfer or entry-level careers.
Community College: Public two-year institution offering affordable education, workforce training, and transfer paths.
Terminal Degree: Highest qualification in a field, like PhD for humanities or DNP for nursing.
HCC's low student-faculty ratio (18:1) allows meaningful impact, while growth opportunities abound through leadership tracks. Located in Freeport, enjoy affordable living (median home $140,000) and community engagement. For career advice, visit higher ed career advice.
In summary, jobs at Highland Community College offer stability, purpose, and growth. Browse higher ed jobs, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com to advance your career.
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