Astronomy, Adjunct Instructor

NC Community Colleges; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 83,000; Part time

Job summary

NC Community Colleges is seeking an Adjunct Faculty in Astronomy to deliver accessible, high-quality instruction across classrooms, labs, and online settings. The role emphasizes equitable access, ongoing professional development, and alignment with program outcomes.

You will contribute to curriculum development and participate in institutional effectiveness processes while maintaining strict confidentiality and ethical standards.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Astronomy or related field with 18 graduate hours in Astronomy.
• At least one year of teaching or relevant work experience.
• Experience with distance learning and LMS platforms preferred.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion in learning environments.

Responsibilities

• Deliver accessible, high-quality instruction and promote student understanding of course outcomes.
• Instruct 13 or fewer contact hours per semester; prepare objectives, assignments, assessments, and materials; develop syllabi; align with course outcomes.
• Create an inclusive learning environment with Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
• Respond to student communications promptly and maintain accurate documentation of attendance and grades.
• Contribute to curriculum development and program outcomes; participate in program reviews and college initiatives.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

MS Office

Planning & Organization

Time management

Independent work

Ethics & confidentiality

Equity & inclusion

Education

Master’s degree in Astronomy

18 graduate hours in Astronomy

Tools

Moodle LMS

Ellucian Self-Service Portal

Video conferencing (Teams/Zoom)

Student success software

Job description

The Adjunct Faculty, Astronomy is responsible for delivering accessible and high-quality learning experiences in settings such as classrooms, laboratories, clinical environments, and distance learning. The faculty member facilitates the learning process to promote student success. They actively pursue professional development opportunities to integrate innovative and effective teaching and learning practices within their disciplines. They engage in the institutional effectiveness process and college- and state-wide initiatives, including program review, outcome assessment, and data analysis to continuously improve outcomes and complete necessary course documentation promptly and accurately. The faculty member contributes to developing student and program learning outcomes, courses, and programs. Additionally, the Adjunct Faculty, Astronomy, is committed to maintaining high ethical standards, ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive data while actively promoting an inclusive learning environment that respects diversity.

** Salary will commensurate with education.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Plan and deliver accessible, high-quality instruction that enhances learning and promotes students’ understanding of course outcomes.
Instruct 13 or fewer contact hours per semester, in either curriculum, non-curriculum, or business and industry; prepare objectives, assignments, assessments, instructional and supplemental materials, grading standards, and attendance policies; develop, maintain, and refresh course syllabi; ensure the learning experiences align with program and student learning outcomes for the course.
Create an inclusive learning environment ensuring all students have equitable access to education by utilizing teaching inclusion frameworks, including Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
Respond to students’ electronic communications appropriately and promptly.
Maintain and complete accurate documentation of student attendance and grades as indicated by institutional policy and procedures and submit required course documentation accurately and timely.
Facilitate students’ understanding of the importance of transferable (soft) skills and their crucial role in achieving college and workplace success.
Contribute to curriculum development by creating new courses and updating existing course content and student learning outcomes; offer recommendations for course textbooks, supplies, software, and equipment; provide valuable input into developing the program’s course sequence and schedule.
Engage in the institutional effectiveness process and college- and state-wide initiatives, such as program review, grants, the College’s Strategic Plan, NC Guided Pathways, and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Demonstrate proficiency in student learning outcomes assessment, including aligning learning experiences with desired outcomes, conducting assessments to measure these outcomes, and analyzing resulting data to enhance student learning.
Foster a collaborative and team-based work environment, demonstrating a strong commitment willing to follow tasks through to completion.
Collaborate with other divisions and departments to align comprehensive credit and non-credit courses and programs where appropriate.
Pursue and engage in professional development activities each academic year, including required and recommended employee training offered by the College, research, and remain current in professional literature by participating in professional organizations, taking classes, and attending conferences and workshops, as appropriate, to integrate innovative and effective teaching and learning practices within the disciplines while safeguarding the accessibility and quality of the learning experience.
Champion the College’s retention, progression, completion, and inclusion initiatives, ensuring social and economic success for all learners.
Support the College’s mission, vision, and core values by adhering to all policies and procedures.

Related Responsibilities:

Participate in college-wide, divisional, and departmental meetings; contribute to advisory and standing committees and focus groups on formulating recommendations concerning educational pathways, courses, policies, and procedures.
Engage in the College’s recruitment effort by reviewing and providing recommendations for program publications, the College’s website, social media, marketing materials, and other community relations activities and events to enhance the College’s outreach efforts.
Assist with the inventory management of programmatic or course equipment and assume responsibility for labs and other facilities designated primarily for the assigned program or course.
May attend the College’s graduation ceremony and support other student and institutional activities and functions.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education and Experience Requirements

Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, in settings with people from diverse backgrounds, educational levels, and age groups while exhibiting the ability to maintain the confidentiality of communications.
Cultivate and sustain collaborative relationships with colleagues, students, and community stakeholders.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word and Excel, relevant computer applications, and Internet platforms.
Display skills in planning, organizing, and implementing new initiatives, programs, and services; certify quality through tracking and assessment while effectively managing time and resources, meeting deadlines, and paying attention to details.
Perform complex tasks, prioritize multiple projects, manage interruptions, and demonstrate the ability to work independently without supervision.
Knowledge and practical ability in student/career and workforce development while understanding the significance of fostering a learner-centered environment.
Comprehensive knowledge of the entire student experience, encompassing coaching, mentoring, academic/career advising, student/career services, and academic progression and completion.
Practice high ethical standards and preserve confidentiality when dealing with sensitive data and information.
Demonstrate a commitment to equity and inclusion within the learning environment and the workplace.

Required Education and Experience:

Master’s degree in Astronomy or a related field with 18 graduate hours in Astronomy from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution.
(It depends on the discipline area, but you can use this statement to make it easier. Just change what you need.)
At least one year of relevant teaching and/or work experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Master’s degree in Astronomy or a related field with 18 graduate hours in Astronomy from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution.
At least one year of community college teaching experience.
At least one year of experience teaching distance learning using video conferencing tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Collaborate, etc.
At least one year of experience using the Moodle Learning Management System (LMS) or another similar LMS.
At least one year of experience working the Ellucian Self-Service Student Portal or another similar student registration portal.
At least one year of experience using student success software.
Completion of the Applying the Quality Matter Rubric course, Quality Matters Teaching Online Certificate, or other course development certification.

Additional Information

The Adjunct Faculty, Astronomy, will primarily work indoors in an office or learning environment with moderate noise levels, free from outdoor elements. They will collaborate closely with colleagues and occasionally work online or during irregular hours. They are responsible for maintaining cleanliness, ensuring equipment and supplies are well-maintained, functional, and adhering to OSHA standards to provide a safe work environment.Physical Effort:

The Adjunct Faculty, Astronomy, must maintain physical condition for their duties, including standing, walking, sitting, moderate lifting, manual dexterity, equipment operation, and computer screen exposure. They may occasionally handle up to 15 pounds. They must have good audio-visual perception for observations, reading, writing, equipment operation, and communication. The Adjunct Faculty, Astronomy, should demonstrate intellectual capabilities, numerical proficiency, and confidentiality to make informed decisions while evaluating programs, services, and personal effectiveness.

Schedule:

This position may require the adjunct faculty member to be present on campus or at a medical, business, and industry location for teaching, learning, or administrative responsibilities in accordance with the College’s Curriculum Faculty Workload Policy.

Travel:

Local travel between campuses, medical, businesses, and industry locations may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The College provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation or status as a covered veteran in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. (Policy 3.1.1)