Program Director - Chemical Engineering Technology

Motlow; Emory Valley (TN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Roane State Community College is seeking a Program Director for the Chemical Engineering Technology program. The role provides leadership, strategic direction, and oversight of curriculum, scheduling, faculty, and resources to prepare workforce-ready technicians and operators.

The position requires coordinating across campus and with external employers, with some weekend/evening commitments. It is a 12-month, on-campus role based at the Oak Ridge campus, with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience designing and evaluating curriculum to meet industry needs.
• Proven ability to lead program direction and operations.
• Strong communication with students, faculty, and external stakeholders.
• Awareness of accreditation standards (ATMAE) and program assessment.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall management of curriculum, scheduling, and program delivery.
• Coordinate with advising, admissions, and workforce development to support recruitment and retention.
• Ensure program alignment with institutional mission and regional workforce needs.
• Lead development and revision of curriculum using advisory feedback and assessment data.
• Oversee operations including class scheduling and faculty appointment processes.
• Develop and maintain employer partnerships for internships, projects, and equipment donations.
• Represent the program to internal and external constituencies.

Skills

Curriculum development

Leadership and management

Effective communication

Industry partnerships

Advisory board collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or related discipline

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or related discipline

Job description

Title: Program Director - Chemical Engineering Technology

Employee Classification:Other Administrative

Institution:Roane State Community College

Department: Applied and Innovative Technology

Campus Location: Roane State Community College

Job Summary

The Program Director for the Chemical Engineering Technology program provides leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight of an academic program designed to prepare workforce-ready chemical engineering technicians and operators. The Director ensures program quality, compliance with institutional and external standards (ex. ATMAE), faculty effectiveness, student success, and responsiveness to regional employer needs. The program has both daytime and evening/weekend cohorts, and appointment to this position will require some weekend or evening commitments. The Program Director will represent the program to internal and external constituencies and will oversee the day-to-day operations of the program, including scheduling of classes, searching/screening applications for part-time and full-time faculty positions, and maintaining the teaching laboratory. This position is a 12-month position and will be based at Roane State's Oak Ridge campus with frequent off-campus travel required.

Job Duties

• Provide overall management of curriculum, scheduling, course sequences, academic policies, and program delivery modalities (e.g., in-person, hybrid, dual-enrollment).
• Coordinate with advising, admissions, workforce development, and marketing to support recruitment, retention, and matriculation.
• Maintain program alignment with institutional mission, strategic plan, and workforce priorities.
• Lead development, revision, and continuous improvement of curriculum using employer advisory feedback, industry standards, and assessment data.
• Teach each of the five core Chemical Engineering Technology courses within each three-year period.
• Oversee student learning outcomes (SLOs), program learning outcomes (PLOs), and assessment cycles.
• Ensure compliance with ATMAE accreditation including documentation.
• Recruit, supervise, train, and evaluate full-time and/or adjunct faculty, including class/lab observations.
• Facilitate professional development related to chemical engineering technologies, software, safety, and instructional practice.
• Coordinate course scheduling, ensuring coverage, instructional quality, and academic integrity.
• Develop and maintain active employer partnerships supporting internship placements, capstone projects, and equipment/material purchases and donations.
• Convene and lead Program Advisory Committee meetings at least twice per year.
• Monitor regional labor market trends to ensure program relevance and graduate employability.
• Recruit and advise students regarding degree pathways, certifications, career opportunities, and industry expectations.
• Support job placement efforts, employer recruitment events, and co-op/internship coordination.
• Prepare and oversee annual program budget for equipment, tools, software, training materials, and lab facilities.
• Pursue grants, external funding, as well as philanthropic and in-kind support for equipment, instructors, and donations where appropriate.
• Represent the Chemical Engineering Technology to internal and external constituents.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering Technology, or related discipline, and four years of professional experience. Or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering Technology, or related discipline. Experience with curriculum development, competency-based education, or program accreditation. Effective communication, student recruitment and retention.

Preferred Qualifications

Teaching experience at the postsecondary level or equivalent training/industry instruction, preferably in chemical engineering technology or related discipline. Knowledge of the mission of community colleges as it relates to career and technical education. Experience working with employers, unions, apprenticeship programs, or workforce agencies. Experience with project/grant writing or externally funded training initiatives along with the management, documentation, and reporting related to them.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Candidate must have good oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to work with students of all ages;
• Exhibit flexibility and collegiality;
• Knowledge and commitment to teaching;
• Demonstrating safe operations in the laboratory.