Chairperson, Design, Construction & Trades

Columbus State Community College is seeking a dynamic, collaborative, and student-centered leader to serve as the Chairperson of Design, Construction & Trades. In this pivotal role, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for a portfolio of high-demand programs across traditional trades and emerging technologies, including geographic information systems, sustainable building, carpentry, electrical trades, plumbing, welding, HVAC, landscaping, and more. Reporting to the Dean of Business, Engineering & Tech, the Chair advances the College’s mission by developing a long-term vision for the department, guiding faculty development, and fostering student success. This role also plays a key part in building and sustaining strong partnerships with industry, community organizations, and academic stakeholders. The Chairperson ensures program excellence through innovative curriculum development, accreditation and compliance oversight, strategic enrollment initiatives, and effective resource management, preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce. Operational Leadership Constructs and coordinates the academic course schedule according to student and program needs; seeks input from faculty and advisors; facilitates the faculty course selection process; and assigns faculty to courses. Monitors course registrations and adjusts schedules and assignments in conjunction with the Dean and the Office of Academic Affairs. Prepares reports including enrollment analysis, strategic planning initiatives, departmental accomplishments, and the status of department goals. Administers the department budget in collaboration with the Office of Academic Affairs and the Resource, Planning, and Analysis Office. Estimates expenses to implement department objectives; completes midyear budget review; reviews and approves requisitions; exercises budgetary controls and reallocates resources when necessary. Processes administrative documents/requests in a timely manner, including pay action requests, reassigned time/load forms, N-Credit and X-Credit Requests, course substitution/exception requests, fee waiver requests, Workday requests (e.g., spend authorizations, invoice reconciliation, leave requests, etc.). Promotes and supports the selection and retention of outstanding faculty and staff. Conducts annual faculty appraisals and staff evaluations. Communicates position expectations, provides direction, and resolves work problems. Recommends pay increases, promotions, and other personnel actions. Approves leave and authorizes overtime as appropriate. Provides recommendations to the Dean regarding faculty and staff vacancies and position reallocations. Administers disciplinary actions upon approval and in collaboration with the Dean and Human Resources. Maintains an active, credentialed adjunct pool. Conducts classroom and online observations of adjunct faculty when required and completes the appraisal process. Ensures new adjunct faculty are provided mentorship and guidance regarding procedures and protocols, and provides an orientation to the department and College. Advocates for departmental needs by recommending to the Dean equipment and supplies for purchase, projecting space and equipment needs for the department, and exercising general responsibility for departmental facilities and equipment in accordance with College policy. Initiates and/or monitors laboratory needs, textbooks, technology, and capital equipment orders. Works with the CSCC Apprenticeship Coordinator to support and increase enrollments for our DOL Registered Apprenticeship partners, including processing enrollments, reviewing/approving annual contracts and partner payments, assisting with intake testing for selected partners, and recruiting new apprenticeship partners. In collaboration with the College Credit Plus office, works with staff, manages, and supports the offering of embedded college-level courses to high school students. Coordinates with lead faculty to conduct classroom observations and provide appropriate orientation and team-building activities with high school faculty and facilitators to help with their integration and understanding of the department’s curriculum and learning outcomes. Works collaboratively with faculty union and college personnel to uphold the bargaining agreement. Department Leadership Supports the strategic goals of the College through all of the department’s programming decisions; in collaboration with the Dean, leads faculty and staff through the process of establishing and maintaining a long-term vision for the department that is consistent with the College’s mission. Serves as a liaison between the department and other units of the institution and ensures departmental compliance with College and accrediting agencies’ policies, procedures and regulations. Guides, executes, and reports the department’s strategic planning process while maintaining a climate that is collegial and encourages innovative thinking through faculty and staff engagement and participation. The Chairperson articulates the goals of the department and the division, both within and beyond the department, and carries forward the department’s requests in pursuit of these goals. Actively leads departmental enrollment management strategy in conjunction with faculty, advisors, and other campus resources through the use of data analysis, recruitment plans, enrollment growth strategies, and retention programs. Support Student Success Leads and supports student success initiatives within the department. Responds to students’ needs and inquiries. Meets with students regarding grade disputes or other issues. Mediates and provides solutions to student-faculty conflicts. College & Community Relations Collaborates with the Offices of College Credit Plus, Distance Education and Instructional Services (DEIS), Workforce Innovation, Delaware Campus, and Regional Learning Centers, and other departments regarding a variety of subjects, which could include course schedules, staffing, faculty credentialing, projects, faculty professional development, and other initiatives. Serves as a liaison with other institutions of higher learning, industry leaders, professional organizations, and the public. Participates in community engagement opportunities, including but not limited to attending Admissions recruiting events both on and off campus, serving on advisory boards for regional career‑tech centers, high schools, and trade associations, attending outreach events sponsored by external agencies, and designing/offering credit and non‑credit programming to support the needs of the community. Faculty Support Leads department faculty in a wide range of new and ongoing academic and administrative matters. Fosters collegiality among faculty and supports their professional development. Maintains communication and collaboration with the faculty regarding department, division, and College strategic and academic initiatives. Supports the faculty tenure and promotion process. Curriculum, Accreditation, & Assessment Process Refers students to appropriate college resources. Leads faculty and academic advisors through the evaluation and approval of prerequisites and helps to maintain the transferability of the curriculum. Culture of Respect Fosters and maintains a safe environment of respect and inclusion for faculty, staff, students, and members of the community. Other Duties & Responsibilities Other duties as required. Manages multiple assignments of varying complexity and meets tight timelines and deadlines, with the ability to adapt to changing needs of the College and business partners. Ensures College name and image is perceived positively by external as well as internal audience. Attends all required departmental meetings and training sessions. Minimum Education and Experience Required Bachelor’s Degree. Five (5) years of progressive leadership experience and experience in construction, trades, and civil engineering. An appropriate combination of education, training, coursework and experience may qualify a candidate. Licenses and Certifications State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License or demonstrable ability to gain access to work site(s). Working Conditions Typical office environment. Regular exposure to moderate noise typical to business offices. CSCC has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description does not represent in any way a contract of employment. Full time 40 hours per week #J-18808-Ljbffr Dormont Manufacturing Co