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

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.
Delivers instructional approaches that engage students and support student success.
Provides classroom instruction up to 12 hours per week.
Supports student learning outside of class by maintaining office hours.
Designs, prepares and develops instructional materials.
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.
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.
Provides administrative support to the STEM Division Office.
Other duties as assigned.

Specialized Job Duties:

Regularly assesses game design courses and programs to ensure that curriculum is up-to-date and innovative in this evolving field.
Demonstrates competency in various game design, game animation and eSports games and identifies new languages and technologies to support the programs.
Develops partnerships with industry experts to provide real-world experiences for students.
Coordinate student activities to support grant initiatives and the goals of the division.
Spearhead innovative STEM projects that support undergraduate research in the game design field.
Track and examine student data to improve student retention and completion outcomes.

Education Requirements

Master’s degree in computer game design, game animation, computer science, computer programming, or closely related field required.

Experience

Experience working with a diverse population preferred

Competencies and Skills Required

Understanding of and commitment to the mission of a comprehensive community college.
Commitment to student success.
Participatory leadership style; demonstrated creativity and flexibility in problem solving.
Demonstrated commitment to academic excellence.
Sensitivity to the educational and personal goals of a diverse student population.
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

Union County College 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.

Union County College 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.

Terms of Employment

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 in accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:14-7.