Instructor/Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

Job ID: 305822 About Us Georgia Highlands College (GHC) is a state college within the University System of Georgia, serving more than 6,000 students across Northwest Georgia and surrounding communities. Founded in 1970 as Floyd Junior College, GHC offers associate and bachelor's degrees across a broad range of academic disciplines, with flexible learning options available at five instructional locations and online. As a growing institution, GHC is committed to innovation, student success, and strengthening the communities it serves. GHC is also committed to creating a workplace where employees can grow professionally and make a meaningful impact. Faculty and staff work collaboratively in a dynamic environment that values professional development, employee wellness, innovation, and continuous improvement. Employees have the opportunity to contribute to student achievement, community impact, and the future of higher education in the region. Department Information About the Criminal Justice Program at Georgia Highlands College Georgia Highlands College's Criminal Justice program is housed in the Division of Education and Criminal Justice within the School of Business and Professional Studies. It gives students an affordable, flexible way to start or advance a career in criminal justice. Students can begin with the Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice, a 64-credit hour pathway they can complete on campus, fully online or in a mix of both. It covers the core of the discipline and prepares students to transfer into bachelor's programs in criminal justice, organizational leadership and related fields. GHC also offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice that students complete entirely online, with upper-level courses delivered through the University System of Georgia's eMajor collaborative. This four-year option is a good fit for working adults and current practitioners who want to move up in their careers without stepping away from work or family. Courses run in an 8-week format. Students build strong skills in writing, critical thinking, behavioral science and data analysis. Graduates go on to careers with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, the courts, corrections and crime prevention, and to graduate school or law school. Faculty in the program bring together academic expertise and real-world professional experience, and they're committed to student success at one of the nation's top community colleges. GHC was named a top 10 finalist for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Job Summary The full-time Criminal Justice faculty member's primary responsibilities are preparing for and delivering excellent instruction in criminal justice and related courses, providing academic advising to students in the Criminal Justice pathway, and contributing to the college, the Division of Education & Criminal Justice, and the community through ongoing service. Responsibilities Support and carry out the college's mission, values, and strategic priorities in compliance with the mandates and regulations of the University System of Georgia and all associated accrediting agencies Teach 30 credit hours or equivalent per year as assigned (day, evening or weekend) at one or more of the Georgia Highlands College locations and/or online. Dual Enrollment and studio classes may require additional locations Teach courses across the Criminal Justice curriculum (e.g., introduction to criminal justice, criminology, policing, corrections, courts, criminal law, and juvenile justice) as assigned, and assist with the preparation of materials and exams as needed Maintain timely and proper communication with students, faculty, and staff of the college via phone, email, and other electronic means Manage courses through systematic use of appropriate syllabi and accurate, professional records of students' class performance, attendance and grades Announce and keep regular office hours in accordance with college policy Adopt and implement common course objectives as prescribed by the division and the discipline Regularly review and update instructional materials based on new information, research, or discoveries in the discipline or in pedagogical approaches to teaching in the discipline Integrate current research, case law, technology, and professional practice in criminal justice into instruction, and incorporate applied learning opportunities such as case studies, simulations, guest speakers, and agency visits Engage in the evaluation and revision of division/school curricula; ensure assessment activities are conducted in a timely manner Participate in regular training for advising of students; advise students in a manner consistent with college policy and NACADA best practices Advise Criminal Justice students on course selection, transfer pathways within the University System of Georgia, and career opportunities in law enforcement, courts, corrections, and related fields Participate in extended work of the college through acceptance and pursuit of assignments to committees of the college or faculty, student organizations, and division or school-specific work Attend division and school meetings, full faculty meetings, town hall meetings, required training, and graduation Demonstrate meaningful service to the community and to the profession Develop and maintain partnerships with local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies to support guest lectures, internships, and career opportunities for students Support recruitment, retention, and growth of the Criminal Justice program, and serve as an advisor to criminal justice-related student organizations as needed Pursue continued professional development in teaching areas, technological applications for the classroom, and innovations and enhancements in teaching and learning Abide by the Common Expectations of the Faculty This position may have direct supervision for student work positions. Perform other duties as assigned Required Qualifications Master's degree in criminal justice, criminology, or a closely related field, OR a master's degree in any field with a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in criminal justice or criminology (consistent with SACSCOC faculty credentialing guidelines). Educational requirement is determined by the faculty level. Preferred Qualifications Professional experience in law enforcement, courts, corrections, or another criminal justice setting College-level teaching experience, including online and/or hybrid instruction Experience with D2L or another learning management system Doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) or J.D. preferred but not required Commitment to student success, advising, and teaching in an access institution setting Proposed Salary This is an exempt position with a hiring range of $45,000 to $50,000. Required Documents to Attach Please attach your unofficial transcripts. Official transcripts will be required upon hire. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Knowledge of Board of Regents policies Knowledge of University System of Georgia policies Knowledge of institutional policies and procedures Knowledge of course scheduling procedures Knowledge of college human resource policies Knowledge of the structure, functions, and current issues of the American criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections Knowledge of criminological theory, research methods, and ethical standards in criminal justice Skill in the preparation of clear and accurate reports Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions Skill in oral and written communication Skill in technology skills appropriate to the job duties Ability to use D2L Ability to demonstrate competence and high-quality teaching of courses in required discipline Ability to create and maintain a collegial environment that promotes student learning Ability to communicate effectively Ability to work with a diverse population Ability to connect theory to practice and prepare students for careers and further study in criminal justice Contact Information For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources by email at jobs@highlands.edu For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251.2644, or email support@usg.edu . USG Core Values The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct . Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 . Institutional Values Georgia Highlands College (GHC) is committed to fostering a culture grounded in integrity, excellence, accountability, and respect. As a member of the University System of Georgia, GHC embraces these core values while advancing its commitment to student success, access, inclusion, collaboration, innovation, and service to the communities it serves. Employees are expected to demonstrate these values through their work, interactions with students and colleagues, decision-making, and commitment to the mission and success of Georgia Highlands College. Conditions of Employment Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Georgia Highlands College, as determined by Georgia Highlands College in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request. Equal Employment Opportunity Georgia Highlands College provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Accommodations Georgia Highlands College (GHC) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified applicants with disabilities who require an accommodation to participate in the application, interview, or selection process. Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation should contact the Office of Human Resources at jobs@highlands.edu , or call 706-802-5483, as early as possible in the recruitment process to discuss their accommodation needs. Clery Disclosure This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) under the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act. A Campus Security Authority is an individual or group designated by the institution who has certain responsibilities for reporting allegations of Clery-reportable crimes of which they become aware. Employees designated as CSAs are required to complete applicable Clery training and follow Georgia Highlands College procedures for reporting crimes and incidents covered by the Clery Act.