Assistant Professor, Social Sciences, Economics, Tenure Track

Grand Rapids Community College; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 71,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness Program

401A with employer contribution 12%

Onsite gym

Job summary

Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, MI seeks an Assistant Professor of Economics (Tenure Track) to teach introductory and advanced economics courses, including Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics, with potential to develop additional offerings across multiple locations.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Economics required.
• PhD in Economics preferred.
• Experience teaching economics at college/university level required.
• Community College teaching experience preferred.
• Experience teaching online and hybrid classes preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics, with potential to develop additional courses.
• Teach 15 credit hours per semester.
• Develop and implement teaching methods using interactive learning and instructional technology.
• Provide leadership and mentoring for adjuncts as needed.
• Participate in department activities: meetings, curriculum development, learning outcomes assessment, textbook selection, and community outreach.
• Engage in professional development and maintain expertise in Economics.
• Complete yearly Faculty Performance Evaluations and fulfill Faculty Evaluation System responsibilities.

Skills

Written & oral communication

Organizational skills

Initiative & problem-solving

Autonomy in duties

Education

Master’s in Economics

PhD in Economics (preferred)

Job description

Assistant Professor, Social Sciences, Economics, Tenure Track

Grand Rapids Community College is seeking candidates to teach courses within the discipline of Economics. Candidates should possess an interest in serving a comprehensive community college that enrolls a diverse student body ranging from dual enrolled (Early/Middle College) high school students to traditional certificate, degree, and bachelor’s pathway transfer students and offers courses in multiple locations. GRCC faculty instruct and support students from a broad range of ages, cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. We seek applicants who are also committed to and effective in closing equity gaps; engaging in and developing innovative teaching strategies; assessing student learning outcomes; demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development; and providing service to our students, the college, and our community at large.

Faculty members are responsible to GRCC and to each other for the successful completion of departmental work as well as associated with the School of Liberal Arts and GRCC as a whole. In addition to the major position responsibilities, it is expected that faculty demonstrate outstanding communication skills, collaborate effectively, use personal initiative to overcome obstacles and work efficiently to meet deadlines. GRCC faculty members share the College's commitment to the ongoing systemic changes needed to ensure the increased recruitment, inclusion, retention, completion, and post-completion (transfer and career) outcomes of the GRCC student body’s traditional, non-traditional, and historically underserved populations. In an environment where innovation is valued, each faculty member will take responsibility to perform their work in a manner consistent with GRCC’s mission, vision, and values.

About Grand Rapids Community College

Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) was established in 1914 as Michigan’s first community college, providing affordable, accessible education to learners of all ages. GRCC offers academic pathways leading to degrees, certificates, transfer opportunities, and in-demand career skills through courses delivered across multiple campuses — downtown Grand Rapids and Holland — as well as online, hybrid, and weekend formats.

GRCC provides more than 180 degree and certificate programs, complemented by robust non-credit job training programs in healthcare, manufacturing, public sector, and IT industries. These short-term programs, developed with local employers, prepare students for high-demand fields with credentials and certifications that meet workforce needs.

Recognized nationally for excellence in transfer education and workforce development, GRCC supports thousands of students each year in achieving their goals. The college participates in Achieving the Dream and is recognized as an Achieving the Dream Leader College, reinforcing its commitment to equity-centered teaching and student success. GRCC maintains accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and holds specialized accreditations across several programs.

Locations and Facilities

• Main Campus (Downtown Grand Rapids) and DeVos Campus (Heritage Hill).
• Tassell MTEC (Michigan Technical Education Center) for workforce training.
• Lakeshore Campus, a state-of-the-art facility opened in 2021 in Holland, MI (Ottawa County).
• Early/Middle College Program sites that offer dual enrollment courses at area high schools.

Position Responsibilities

• Teach GRCC course offerings in Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics, with the possibility of developing additional courses.
• The primary focus for community college faculty is teaching. Faculty are required to teach 15 credit hours per semester.
• Develop and implement teaching methods that employ interactive learning and integrate current instructional technology.
• Provide leadership and mentoring for adjuncts as needed or requested by the department.
• Participate fully as a member of the Social Sciences Department in activities such as department meetings, curriculum development, learning outcomes assessment, evaluation and revision of existing courses, student advising, committee membership, textbook selection, community outreach, and other duties as determined by the college.
• Engage in professional development activities and maintain expertise in the field of Economics.
• Complete yearly Faculty Performance Evaluations and meet all responsibilities of the Faculty Evaluation System as detailed in the Faculty Contract.

Job Specifications

Educational Credentials

• Master’s Degree in Economics required
• PhD in Economics preferred

Work Experience

• Experience teaching economics to students at a college or university level required
• Community College teaching experience preferred
• Experience working with non-traditional students from diverse backgrounds preferred
• Ability to develop and teach online and hybrid classes preferred

Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask.
• Demonstrated initiative and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties with minimum supervision.

Physical Demands

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time.

Mental Demands

• An understanding of and appreciation for the community college philosophy and student population.
• An interest in working with diverse student populations, who represent a wide range of age, ethnicity, national origin and ability.
• High energy level with enthusiasm and interest in helping and supporting students, staff, and the general public.
• Ability to work under pressure while possessing mature judgment and flexibility in regards to interruptions and schedule changes.
• Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a pleasant and professional manner.

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website.
• Faculty work in a classroom environment in an academic setting.
• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership .
• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options , including the state retirement plan or a 401A with a 12% employer contribution.

Compensation: Master’s Degree $70,872 - $78,739 or Doctoral Degree $77,572 - $85,439. Final offers will be based on full-time college-level teaching and/or industry experience.

Benefits: Full-time

Reports to: Associate Dean of Liberal Arts

Schedule: 32 Week (Fall and Winter Semester)

Start Date: Fall 2027

Hiring Process

GRCC makes data driven hiring decisions to help mitigate bias throughout the hiring process. As part of this process, candidates will participate in reference checks and interviews.

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.