Department Director Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

About Us
Founded in 1852, GSC is a member of the University System of Georgia. The college has a distinctive legacy of excellent scholarship and service. GSC offers nearly 30 degrees, which includes multiple associate and baccalaureate pathways for students. With an enrollment of over 3,100 students, GSC offers an intimate academic setting with state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories. In this setting, students receive individualized attention that only a small college with dedicated faculty and staff can provide.
Job Summary
This position is responsible for directing the operations of the Department of STEM within the School of Nursing, Health Science, and STEM. This role is responsible for growing high-quality, competitive academic programs that meet the workforce needs. Additional responsibilities include; fostering student success, supporting faculty excellence, and aligning departmental initiatives with institutional priorities.
Responsibilities
Academic Leadership & Program Development (20%)

• Assists the Dean in the development and maintenance of curriculum and courses representative of the discipline and supportive of the educational objectives of the college.
• Coordinates the articulation of department mission and goals; coordinates department committees to promote programs and student success.
• Aligns departmental goals with institutional priorities.
• Develops semester course and laboratory schedules.
• Focuses on curriculum quality, teaching, and overall academic direction.
• Ensures programs align with college educational objectives.
• Works with administration and faculty to develop ways to recruit new students to college and degree programs.

Faculty Management & Department Operations (36%)

• Directs day-to-day departmental operations
• Assists the Dean in evaluating, recruiting, and recommending appointments of full-time and part-time faculty.
• Assists in the development of the department budget recommendation; supplies data and statistics; administers assigned budgets.
• Recommends faculty for tenure and promotion as appropriate.
• Produces departmental reports as deemed necessary to include data and statistics for planning.
• Serves on faculty committees at the department, college or system level as appointed by the administration.
• Covers supervision, staffing, conflict management, and internal operations.
• Resolves issues between faculty and/or students
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Student Success, Enrollment & Administrative Planning (44%)

• Works with faculty to develop ways to promote equitable student retention and progression to degree completion.
• Emphasizes student outcomes, recruitment, budgeting, and data-driven decision-making.
• Monitors student success, including student retention and progression data.
• Teaches a minimum of two courses each academic term using face-to-face, hybrid, and online learning formats.
• Participates in advising of students.
• Collaborates on student recruitment initiatives

Required Qualifications
Doctoral Degree in a course of study related to the occupational field. Preference will be given to those with expertise in Engineering.
Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the division/department in order to direct and coordinate work within the division/department, usually interpreted to require three to five years of related experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Leadership experience, including oversight of personnel, programs, and strategic initiatives.
Proven experience in developing programs and securing or managing grant funding to support institutional or departmental initiatives.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Deep understanding of the diverse academic disciplines, curriculum structures, and resource needs within a comprehensive and growing STEM department.
Knowledge of accreditation requirements.
Knowledge of assessment and strategic planning strategies.
Knowledge of budget development and management principles.
Knowledge of classroom practices, teaching methodologies, assessment systems, and educational technology.
Skill in the delegation of responsibility and authority.
Skill to make timely decisions.
Skill in the operation of computers and job-related software programs.
Skill in decision making and problem solving.
Skill in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Knowledge and skills to grow programs that meet workforce needs.
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
Commitment to Excellence: Prioritize high standards in all endeavors, striving for distinction in education, research, and community engagement.
Student Success: Focus on enhancing regional workforce by effectively preparing students for successful careers, thereby ensuring a substantial return on their educational investment.
Innovation and Creativity: Encourage creative thinking and innovative solutions, driving progress and adapting to the evolving needs of our society and the wider world.
Belonging: Embrace and celebrate multiple perspectives, fostering an environment that enriches learning and promotes respect and understanding.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Gordon State College is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity. It is the policy of Gordon State College to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, ADEA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50).
For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy, please contact the Gordon State College Office of Human Resources at 678.359.5011. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources.
Background Check
Employment offer is contingent upon completing a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your employment eligibility with Gordon State College, as determined by Gordon State College in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application material and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test.
Other Information
Desired start date: January 1, 2027.
Compensation for this position includes a base salary consistent with the faculty appointment, plus a Department Chair stipend, which ceases if the individual returns to a faculty-only role.
This is a full-time, 12-month, administrative faculty position and includes a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include:

• Health insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life Insurance
• Sick Leave
• Vacation Leave
• Parental Leave
• Retirement
• Employee discounts

Clery Disclosure
This position has been identified by Federal Law (Jeanne Clery Act) as a Campus Security Authority (CSA), with significant student and campus responsibilities. CSA 's are obligated to report crimes reported to them which occurred on campus, in public areas bordering campus and in certain non-campus buildings owned or controlled (leased) by the University.