Contract Length:
11 months
Reports To:
Dean, School of Industry, Engineering, Trades
Position Status:
Full-Time
Posted Pay Range:
$92,500.00 - $115,624.00
Are you a technical industry professional and educator ready to lead, mentor, and shape the future of workforce education? CWI is seeking a collaborative Department Chair, Mechatronics Technology to lead faculty, strengthen industry partnerships, and advance programs in industrial automation, mechatronics, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor manufacturing, and engineering technology.
In this role, you’ll guide departmental operations, support faculty development, oversee curriculum and program quality, and build partnerships that connect students with in-demand career opportunities. You’ll also maintain a teaching assignment, keeping you connected to students and the technical skills that drive industry forward.
Why CWI?
At the College of Western Idaho (CWI), you will work in a dynamic, collaborative environment where problem-solving and innovation are valued, and your contributions directly enhance the efficiency of the institution.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide Departmental Leadership and Operational Oversight
- Lead departmental planning, operations, and decision-making in collaboration with the School Leadership Team, ensuring alignment with CWI's academic and workforce priorities.
- Develop and manage departmental operating budgets, review and recommend course fee adjustments, and maintain accurate departmental records.
- Coordinate course scheduling and faculty assignments, oversee staffing needs, and manage recruitment and hiring processes for departmental faculty and staff.
- Facilitate timely performance management, conduct teaching observations and evaluations of full-time faculty, and establish clear expectations for accountability and professional growth.
- Address student concerns related to course access, transfer questions, instructional issues, and exceptions to academic requirements.
Advance Instructional Excellence and Faculty Development
- Maintain an assigned teaching load and deliver high-quality instruction that supports student learning and workforce readiness.
- Provide guidance, mentoring, and professional development opportunities for full-time and adjunct faculty, including the development of an adjunct faculty mentoring and onboarding program.
- Oversee curriculum design, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement to ensure programs remain relevant to evolving technical and industry requirements.
- Support faculty in adopting effective instructional practices, including problem-based learning, blended learning, online instruction, and distance learning technologies.
Strengthen Industry Partnerships and Expand Educational Opportunities
- Build and maintain relationships with employers, industry organizations, workforce development agencies, and postsecondary institutions to strengthen academic pathways and workforce opportunities.
- Coordinate outreach and research to identify opportunities for new degree programs, certificates, collaborative educational initiatives, and grant-supported projects.
- Engage employers and industry representatives in program advisory committees to ensure curriculum and training reflect current and emerging workforce needs.
- Oversee Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) coordination, documentation, meeting minutes, and required reporting to ICTE.
- Coordinate Technical Skills Assessment reporting and support faculty throughout accreditation and program review processes.
Foster Collaboration, Communication, and Continuous Improvement
- Participate actively in the School Leadership Team and facilitate regular departmental meetings that encourage collaboration, information sharing, and timely resolution of issues.
- Provide clear direction and maintain open communication with faculty and staff regarding departmental priorities, operational needs, and institutional expectations.
- Support dual credit coordination, assessment activities, and departmental facilities needs to maintain effective program delivery.
- Model CWI's values through professional conduct, sound judgment, collaborative leadership, and a commitment to student and employee success.
- Complete other related responsibilities as assigned, consistent with a balanced workload and departmental priorities.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master's degree in related discipline or Higher education experience deemed equivalent or commensurate by hiring manager.
- Industry experience and engagement in industrial automation, mechatronics, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor manufacturing, engineering technology, or a closely related technical field.
- Three years of teaching experience in a variety of courses at the post-secondary level, and experience teaching, training, mentoring, or developing personnel in a technical, workforce development, industry, or educational environment.
- Two years of supervisory experience.
- Experience building relationships with post-secondary institutions to expand student access, strengthen academic and workforce pathways, and support grant-funded and collaborative educational initiatives.
- Demonstrated leadership experience building effective teams, making sound decisions, fostering accountability, developing others, and achieving organizational goals. Demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively, build trust, and lead through collaboration in support of institutional and program priorities.
- Experience in curriculum design, implementation, and oversight.
- Demonstrated success developing and maintaining partnerships with employers, industry organizations, workforce development agencies, or advisory committees.
- Significant knowledge of or experience in a community college setting.
- Experience developing and monitoring budgets.
- Experience in problem-based learning, teaching with an array of distance learning technologies, teaching in blended learning formats, and online teaching.
Additional Instructions for Applicants:
- All candidates must reside in Idaho.
- Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Benefits:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other applicable legally protected status.
