Department Chair, Mechatronics Technology

College of Western Idaho; Nampa (ID); On-site; USD 93,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

College of Western Idaho in Nampa, Idaho, is seeking a dynamic Department Chair for Mechatronics Technology to lead faculty, strengthen industry partnerships, and advance programs in industrial automation, mechatronics, and engineering technology. The role combines instructional responsibilities with strategic leadership to ensure program quality and relevance.

You will oversee curriculum design, budgeting, staffing, and student success initiatives, while maintaining a teaching load and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related discipline or higher education experience deemed equivalent by the hiring manager.
• Industry experience in industrial automation, mechatronics, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor manufacturing, engineering technology, or related field.
• Three years of teaching at the post-secondary level, with experience mentoring or developing personnel in technical environments.
• Two years of supervisory experience.
• Experience building relationships with post-secondary institutions to expand access and strengthen pathways.
• Demonstrated leadership, collaboration, and budgeting skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and operational oversight for the department.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets and course fee adjustments.
• Coordinate scheduling, staffing, and recruitment for faculty and staff.
• Conduct teaching observations and set expectations for professional growth.
• Maintain teaching load and deliver high-quality instruction aligned with workforce needs.
• Foster industry partnerships and coordinate advisory committees and accreditation support.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Curriculum design

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Master's degree

Job description

Get started on your future at CWI, and join us in empowering lives and our community.

Department Chair, Mechatronics Technology

Dean, School of Industry, Engineering, Trades

Position Status:

Full-Time

Posted Pay Range:

$92,500.00 - $115,624.00

Are you a technical industry professional and educator ready to lead, mentor, and shape the future of workforce education? 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.

In this role, you’ll guide departmental operations, support faculty development, oversee curriculum and program quality, and build partnerships that connect students with in-demand career opportunities. You’ll also maintain a teaching assignment, keeping you connected to students and the technical skills that drive industry forward.

Why CWI?

At the College of Western Idaho (CWI), you will work in a dynamic, collaborative environment where problem-solving and innovation are valued, and your contributions directly enhance the efficiency of the institution.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide Departmental Leadership and Operational Oversight

• Lead departmental planning, operations, and decision-making in collaboration with the School Leadership Team, ensuring alignment with CWI's academic and workforce priorities.
• Develop and manage departmental operating budgets, review and recommend course fee adjustments, and maintain accurate departmental records.
• Coordinate course scheduling and faculty assignments, oversee staffing needs, and manage recruitment and hiring processes for departmental faculty and staff.
• Facilitate timely performance management, conduct teaching observations and evaluations of full-time faculty, and establish clear expectations for accountability and professional growth.
• Address student concerns related to course access, transfer questions, instructional issues, and exceptions to academic requirements.

Advance Instructional Excellence and Faculty Development

• Maintain an assigned teaching load and deliver high-quality instruction that supports student learning and workforce readiness.
• Provide guidance, mentoring, and professional development opportunities for full-time and adjunct faculty, including the development of an adjunct faculty mentoring and onboarding program.
• Oversee curriculum design, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement to ensure programs remain relevant to evolving technical and industry requirements.
• Support faculty in adopting effective instructional practices, including problem-based learning, blended learning, online instruction, and distance learning technologies.

Strengthen Industry Partnerships and Expand Educational Opportunities

• Build and maintain relationships with employers, industry organizations, workforce development agencies, and postsecondary institutions to strengthen academic pathways and workforce opportunities.
• Coordinate outreach and research to identify opportunities for new degree programs, certificates, collaborative educational initiatives, and grant-supported projects.
• Engage employers and industry representatives in program advisory committees to ensure curriculum and training reflect current and emerging workforce needs.
• Oversee Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) coordination, documentation, meeting minutes, and required reporting to ICTE.
• Coordinate Technical Skills Assessment reporting and support faculty throughout accreditation and program review processes.

Foster Collaboration, Communication, and Continuous Improvement

• Participate actively in the School Leadership Team and facilitate regular departmental meetings that encourage collaboration, information sharing, and timely resolution of issues.
• Provide clear direction and maintain open communication with faculty and staff regarding departmental priorities, operational needs, and institutional expectations.
• Support dual credit coordination, assessment activities, and departmental facilities needs to maintain effective program delivery.
• Model CWI's values through professional conduct, sound judgment, collaborative leadership, and a commitment to student and employee success.
• Complete other related responsibilities as assigned, consistent with a balanced workload and departmental priorities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in related discipline or Higher education experience deemed equivalent or commensurate by 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 teaching experience in a variety of courses at the post-secondary level, and 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 experience building effective teams, making sound decisions, fostering accountability, developing others, and achieving organizational goals. Demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively, build trust, and lead through collaboration 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, teaching with an array of distance learning technologies, teaching in blended learning formats, and online teaching.

Additional Instructions for Applicants:

• All candidates must reside in Idaho.
• Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• For more information on health insurance, including coverage details and plan summaries, visit www.OGI.Idaho.gov
• Retirement plans with employer contribution of over 11%
• Eleven paid holidays per year (faculty may vary)

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other applicable legally protected status.

Interested?

We invite and welcome all applicants and look forward to receiving your application! Keep in mind, your qualifications and expertise need not precisely match the job description to be considered for this role.