"Department Chair of Mathematics and Data Science"

Department Chair of Mathematics and Data Science

Company: Red Rocks Community College

Job Location: Lakewood, 80228

Category: Mathematics

Type: Full-Time

Salary: $86,145.00 - $103,373.00 Annually

Location: Lakewood, CO

Job Number: 01063

Division: Academic Affairs & Workforce Innovation

Department: Math and Data Science

Closing Date: 1/14/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

Summary of Position

The Department Chair of Mathematics and Data Science is an additional leadership that builds upon the faculty position description and includes responsibilities in academic leadership, program coordination, curriculum oversight, faculty and instructor supervision, and operational management. The Department Chair will provide vision and guidance to their department that supports the College's mission, student success, and continuous improvement while also representing the department within the broader instructional environment. The Department Chair will collaborate across the college to foster cross-disciplinary partnerships, develop strategic, student-centered course schedules, and provide guidance on initiatives that improve degree and course completion rates while expanding work-based learning opportunities.

The Department Chair contract is a 12-month contract requiring a minimum of 220 working days. The Chair will be required to teach at least one 3-credit course per contract year as part of base compensation. If additional workload is identified, this will be documented through the release credit process. The Department Chair position description outlines additional responsibilities beyond those of the standard faculty role. Specific responsibilities will include: recruit, mentor, and evaluate faculty and instructors; provide fiscal accountability for assigned cost centers; assist with annual comprehensive program reviews; coordinate the instructional assessment initiatives; facilitate curriculum and program development; resolve student and employee concerns, and participate in other related instructional projects that benefit students, faculty, instructors, staff and the College. A successful candidate will have knowledge of academic policies and procedures, demonstrated knowledge of teaching best practices and curriculum development.

Department Chairs are expected to maintain a consistent on-campus presence during fall, spring, and summer terms, with flexibility to work up to 20 hours per week remotely under College guidelines. Evening or weekend hours may occasionally be required. Work occurs primarily in office, classroom, or lab settings and may involve travel between the Lakewood and Arvada campuses. Chairs are expected to be available between terms to ensure continuity of departmental operations. Outside of the 220-day faculty contract dates, any time off longer than two consecutive weeks must be coordinated with the Dean to ensure coverage.

Faculty responsibilities: full-time, 9-month/166-day contract days during fall and spring semesters at 15 credits per semester. Courses may be taught using both traditional and non-traditional delivery methods, including face-to-face, online, computer-aided, distance learning, self-paced, and interdisciplinary. Faculty may need to teach at any RRCC campus and at a variety of times (days, evenings, and some weekends).

The faculty member develops and evaluates curricula, ensures alignment with community needs and regulatory requirements, documents curriculum changes based on assessments, implements retention strategies, and integrates technology into coursework. Additional responsibilities involve maintaining office hours, assisting with departmental duties, providing academic advising to students, participating in college events, serving on committees, and representing the college in the community. Professional development is a key component of the role, with opportunities for growth to support both teaching and service functions aligned with the college's goals.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively in all settings (in-person, remotely, written, and verbally) with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work from any campus (primarily at Lakewood, with occasional hours at a secondary campus)
• Ability and experience using technological tools to manage work and create reports.
• Ability to use data to inform decision making.
• Technology proficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Completion of a Bachelor's degree plus 18 graduate credit hours in Mathematics or a related field.
• Three years of full-time higher education teaching experience.
• Two years of successful administrative or leadership experience in higher education.
• Proven experience collaborating and building effective teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse population.
• Demonstrated experience with curriculum development, assessment, and budgeting.
• Demonstrated experience with conflict resolution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completed master's, Ph.D., or Ed.D. in mathematics, data science, or related field.
• Five years of full-time higher education teaching experience in Mathematics, Data Sciences, or a related field.
• Experience teaching at a community college.
• Three or more years of successful supervisory leadership experience in the two-year college environment.
• Familiarity with data reporting and/or CRM tools.

Starting Salary

The salary range for a 9-month (166-day) faculty base contract is $65,000 to $78,000 commensurate with education and experience, and this position is a 220-day contract with a converted salary range of $86,145 to $103,373. The salary for this position will be based on the faculty member's 166-day base contract, converted to reflect the final number of contract days worked (e.g., 166-day salary ÷ 166 × 220 days = Department Chair base salary). In addition, Faculty Department Chairs receive a $6,000 stipend per contract year. This stipend amount may be adjusted in future academic years as part of the annual budgeting process and is contingent upon budget availability and approval.

The projected start date for this position is August 1, 2026. This is a full-time, 12-month, FLSA exempt position.

To Apply

All applicants must submit:

1. Resume
2. Detailed letter of interest (cover letter) addressing the job announcement.
3. Unofficial transcripts