Academic Specialist in Computer Science

Union County College is a public comprehensive community college providing quality, affordable, accessible educational programs that serve the greater Union County region. It is the oldest of New Jerseys 19 Associate Degree Colleges, serving both career-minded and transfer-oriented students since 1933. The College enrolls almost 30,000 credit, non-credit and continuing education students and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Many programs lead to the Associate in Arts, Science and Applied Science degrees.

Campus: All

General Description:

Under the direction of the Academic Deans, the Academic Specialist is a twelve (12) month contracted full-time position. Academic Specialists will perform administrative responsibilities in Academic Affairs and student service that focus on student success initiatives and the College's educational goals and priorities. Academic Specialists will also be permitted to teach academic subjects, evaluate staff including faculty and adjunct faculty, carry out administrative projects and programs, and advise students. Using predictive and learning analytics, Academic Specialists support the primary institutional mission of student success.

Characteristics, Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides classroom instruction up to 12 hours per week.
• Delivers instructional approaches that engage students and support student success.
• Designs, prepares, and develops instructional materials.
• Carries out administrative tasks and programs as assigned by Supervisor.
• Interviews and evaluates staff, including faculty and adjunct faculty for purposes including, but not limited to, hiring, retention, non-renewals and/or discipline.
• Provides assistance with hiring adjunct faculty, evaluating faculty and staffing.
• Maintains accurate student records.
• Uses data and analytics to improve student retention and completion outcomes.
• Advises students throughout their educational life cycle and provides discipline specific information.
• Supports students through tutoring and mentoring activities.
• Supports student learning outside of class by maintaining office hours.
• Develops and assesses courses under the supervision of the Dean.
• Demonstrates knowledge of modern technology and its use in the classroom.
• Assists with curriculum & assessment projects, division reports including, revisions, changes or updates
• Assists the Dean with budget activities, including the Perkins grant.
• Writes grants and participates in the administration of grant activities.
• Provides strong advocacy for the program/s.
• Participates in all commencement events.
• Represents the College at conferences and seminars, as needed.
• Participates in the College governance process.
• Exhibits regular, prompt attendance as an essential job responsibility.
• Conducts meetings as necessary for the effective functioning of the program, including any committee meetings.
• Provide administrative support to the STEM Division Office.
• Other duties as assigned.

Specialized Job Duties:

• Regularly assesses computer science courses and programs to ensure that curriculum is up-to-date and innovative in this evolving field.
• Demonstrates competency in various programming languages and identify new languages and technologies to support computer programs.
• Develops partnerships with industry experts to provide real-world experiences for students.
• Coordinate student activities to support grant initiatives and the goals of the division.
• Spearhead innovative STEM projects that support undergraduate research in the computer science field.
• Track and examine student data to improve student retention and completion outcomes.
• Can teach upper level computer and cyber courses

Education Requirements:

Master's degree in computer science, computer programming or closely related field required.

Experience:

Experience working with a diverse population preferred.

Competencies and Skills Required:

Experience working with a diverse population preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• This position's duties are normally performed in a typical interior/residence work environment, based on the activity scheduled.
• Some physical effort required; however, the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Some travel is required.