Under the direction of the Academic Deans, the Academic Specialist is a twelve (12) month contracted full-time position. Academic Specialists will perform administrative responsibilities in Academic Affairs and student service that focus on student success initiatives and the College’s educational goals and priorities. Academic Specialists will also be permitted to teach academic subjects, evaluate staff including faculty and adjunct faculty, carry out administrative projects and programs, and advise students. Using predictive and learning analytics, Academic Specialists support the primary institutional mission of student success.
Characteristics, Duties, and Responsibilities
- Provides classroom instruction up to 12 hours per week.
- Delivers instructional approaches that engage students and support student success.
- Designs, prepares, and develops instructional materials.
- Carries out administrative tasks and programs as assigned by Supervisor.
- Interviews and evaluates staff, including faculty and adjunct faculty for purposes including, but not limited to, hiring, retention, non-renewals and/or discipline.
- Provides assistance with hiring adjunct faculty, evaluating faculty and staffing.
- Maintains accurate student records.
- Uses data and analytics to improve student retention and completion outcomes.
- Advises students throughout their educational life cycle and provides discipline specific information.
- Supports students through tutoring and mentoring activities.
- Supports student learning outside of class by maintaining office hours.
- Develops and assesses courses under the supervision of the Dean.
- Demonstrates knowledge of modern technology and its use in the classroom.
- Assists with curriculum & assessment projects, division reports including, revisions, changes or updates
- Assists the Dean with budget activities, including the Perkins grant.
- Writes grants and participates in the administration of grant activities.
- Provides strong advocacy for the program/s.
- Participates in all commencement events.
- Represents the College at conferences and seminars, as needed.
- Participates in the College governance process.
- Exhibits regular, prompt attendance as an essential job responsibility.
- Conducts meetings as necessary for the effective functioning of the program, including any committee meetings.
- Provide administrative support to the STEM Division Office.
- Other duties as assigned.
Specialized Job Duties:- Develop and deliver comprehensive lesson plans and training materials that align with current automotive technology standards and industry advancements
- Provide hands-on training in automotive diagnostics, repair, and maintenance, ensuring students are prepared for ASE industry certifications
- Supervise and mentor students during laboratory and shop activities to ensure the safe and proper application of technical skills
- Ensure automotive tools and equipment remain in safe, calibrated, and operational condition
- Integrate field trips and guest speakers to connect classroom instruction with industry practice
- Cultivate industry and institutional partnerships to enhance the curriculum and provide students with professional networking and learning opportunities.
- Stay current with emerging automotive technologies and instructional best practices
- Regularly assesses automotive technology courses and program to ensure that curriculum is up-to-date and innovative in this evolving field.
- Coordinate student activities to support grant initiatives and the goals of the division.
- Track and examine student data to improve student retention and completion outcomes.
Education Requirements
An associate’s degree and current ASE certifications, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience that demonstrates the required core competencies.
Experience
Experience working in the automotive industry.
Competencies and Skills Required
- Understanding of and commitment to the mission of a comprehensive community college.
- Commitment to student success.
- Knowledge of AI-integrated vehicle systems, including the calibration and troubleshooting of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and predictive maintenance technologies.
- Proficiency in utilizing industry-standard automotive diagnostic tools.
- Comprehensive knowledge of modern automotive systems, including internal combustion engines, drivetrain components, and electronic control modules.
- Experience with emerging vehicle technologies, such as hybrid/electric powertrains, advanced driver assistance systems, and integrated telematics.
- Participatory leadership style.
- Demonstrated creativity and flexibility in problem solving.
- Demonstrated commitment to academic excellence.
- Sensitivity to the individual educational and personal goals of all students.
- Demonstrated ability to utilize diverse teaching methods to accommodate various learning styles.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Strong interpersonal, administrative, and organizational skills.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- This position’s duties are normally performed in a typical interior/residence work environment, based on the activity scheduled.
- Some physical effort required; however, the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
- No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
- Some travel is required.
Additional Information
UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination, as required by state and/or federal law, in all programs and activities, including employment and access to its career and technical programs.
UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ is an EEO/AAP Employer/Protected Veteran/Disabled
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Disclaimer: This job description outlines the general nature and key features performed by various positions that share the same job classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of all employees assigned to the job. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or re-assign duties to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodations or other business reasons.
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We offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time faculty and staff which includes Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits. We also offer twenty vacation days, ten paid holidays, and a ten-week summer work schedule which allows the college to close on Fridays. Other additional benefits include gym privileges, tuition remission for credit and non-credit courses at UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ, and tuition reimbursement for an approved degree program at an accredited college or university.
Terms of Employment
Full Time. Flexible schedule to meet College needs. Some evening, weekends, and extended hours will be required. Ability and willingness to travel on short notice to all on and off-campus sites as needed by the College. Employee must establish primary residency in New Jersey within one year of appointment unless an exemption applies.