Associate Chairperson, Natural Sciences

Job Description

Classification Title: Associate Chairperson, Natural Sciences
Salary: $80,431.00 Annually (12-month position)

Department: Natural Sciences

Pay Grade: CHC

Reports To: Chairperson, Natural Sciences

FLSA Status: Exempt

Unit: Administrative

Opening Date: 10/28/2026

Closing Date: 11/25/2026 11:59 p.m.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

The Associate Chair supports the Department Chair in leading high-quality, student-centered programs across the Natural Sciences. The ideal candidate brings a strong record of effective teaching and academic service in a community college setting; experience in curriculum and assessment; collaborative leadership; commitment to equity, access, and inclusion; and excellent interpersonal and communication skills. This is a 12-month position with a work schedule that may include limited evening/weekend obligations to meet program needs and support student services/events.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions:

1. In collaboration with the Chair, recruits, hires, onboards, mentors, and evaluates adjunct faculty; coordinates adjunct assignments and professional development aligned to departmental needs and student outcomes.

1. Supports supervision and workflow of department support staff, laboratory technicians, and student workers in coordination with the Chair and relevant offices.

1. Co-leads term scheduling (lecture, lab, and remote/online modalities), ensuring efficient room/lab utilization, compliance with contact-hour policies, and student pathway progress.

1. Supports curriculum management: new course/program proposals, revisions, modality changes, and alignment with transfer partners and workforce needs.

1. Coordinates course and program assessment cycles (learning outcomes, common exams/rubrics, data review), and documents continuous-improvement actions consistent with institutional and accreditation standards.

1. Provides student-facing services: academic advising within discipline pathways; reviews of substitutions and program changes; participation in orientation and recruitment events.

1. Helps resolve student concerns, grade appeals, and student-faculty conflicts using fair, consistent, policy-aligned processes; escalate appropriately.

1. Promotes engagement opportunities (tutoring, undergraduate research experiences, learning communities, internships, STEM clubs) and refers students to campus resources.

1. In partnership with lab managers/technicians, oversees laboratory readiness, inventory, and procurement (supplies, chemicals, equipment); helps manage capital requests and replacement plans.

1. Supports compliance with safety and regulatory standards (e.g., chemical hygiene, hazard communication, waste management, PPE training, and accessible learning materials/experiences).

1. Coordinates lab-specific faculty development on pedagogy, safety, and technology.

1. Assists the Chair with developing and monitoring operating and capital budgets; tracks expenditures and aligns resources to strategic priorities.

1. Contributes to grant development and implementation (e.g., STEM success, equipment, undergraduate research, dual-enrollment support), including data collection and reporting.

1. Strengthens external relationships (K-12 partners, 4-year transfer institutions, advisory boards, community organizations) to enhance recruitment, transfer, and workforce pathways.

1. Represents the department on division/college committees (e.g., Division Council, curriculum, assessment, academic integrity, accessibility) and contributes to policy and process improvements.

1. Supports departmental strategic planning, goal setting, and annual reporting with evidence-based metrics and performs other duties as assigned that advance departmental and college goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in a discipline within the Department
• Two (2) years' teaching experience at the college level
• One (1) year of administrative or supervisory experience
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Skill in using small office equipment and computers

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctoral degree
• Three (3) years' experience teaching at the college level

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

SCHEDULE:Monday - Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., may include limited evening/weekend obligations to meet program needs and support student services/events

RETIREMENT:Pension Eligible

NJ First Act

Any Middlesex College employee hired after September 1, 2011 will have to meet the New Jersey residency law requirement.