View Job description for Department Chair, Mechatronics Technology

College of Western Idaho • Nampa, ID

4d

About The Position

College of Western Idaho (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. The chair guides departmental operations, supports faculty development, oversees curriculum and program quality, and builds partnerships that connect students with career opportunities. The position also includes an assigned teaching load. The role is an 11-month, full-time position reporting to the Dean, School of Industry, Engineering, Trades. Candidates must reside in Idaho; employment visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• Master's degree in a related discipline, or higher education experience deemed equivalent or commensurate by the 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 post-secondary teaching experience across a variety of courses.
• 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 building effective teams, making sound decisions, fostering accountability, developing others, and achieving organizational goals.
• Ability to communicate effectively, build trust, and lead collaboratively 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, distance learning technologies, blended learning, and online teaching.
• Must reside in Idaho.

Responsibilities

• Lead departmental planning, operations, and decision-making with the School Leadership Team, aligning work with CWI academic and workforce priorities.
• Develop and manage operating budgets, review and recommend course fee adjustments, and maintain departmental records.
• Coordinate course scheduling and faculty assignments, oversee staffing needs, and manage recruitment and hiring for faculty and staff.
• Conduct performance management, teaching observations, and evaluations of full-time faculty, and establish expectations for accountability and professional growth.
• Address student concerns regarding course access, transfer questions, instructional issues, and exceptions to academic requirements.
• Maintain an assigned teaching load and deliver instruction that supports student learning and workforce readiness.
• Mentor full-time and adjunct faculty and provide professional development, including developing an adjunct faculty mentoring and onboarding program.
• Oversee curriculum design, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement to maintain relevance to technical and industry requirements.
• Support effective instructional practices, including problem-based learning, blended learning, online instruction, and distance learning technologies.
• Build and maintain relationships with employers, industry organizations, workforce development agencies, and postsecondary institutions.
• Coordinate outreach and research into new degree programs, certificates, collaborative educational initiatives, and grant-supported projects.
• Engage employers and industry representatives in program advisory committees to align curriculum and training with workforce needs.
• Oversee Technical Advisory Committee coordination, documentation, meeting minutes, and required reporting to ICTE.
• Coordinate Technical Skills Assessment reporting and support faculty with accreditation and program review processes.
• Participate in the School Leadership Team and facilitate departmental meetings that encourage collaboration and resolve issues.
• Communicate departmental priorities, operational needs, and institutional expectations to faculty and staff.
• Support dual credit coordination, assessment activities, and departmental facilities needs.
• Model CWI values through professional conduct, sound judgment, collaborative leadership, and commitment to student and employee success.
• Complete other related responsibilities as assigned, consistent with workload and departmental priorities.

Benefits

• Retirement plans with employer contribution of over 11%.
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Employer-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Eleven paid holidays per year (faculty may vary).
• Generous vacation and sick leave.
• Paid parental leave.
• Tuition discount on classes at CWI and other colleges.
• Health insurance; coverage details and plan summaries are available through the referenced state website.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager