Assistant Professor of Higher Education & Student Affairs - Community College Leadership (27891)

Position Details

Position Information

Working Position Title Assistant Professor of Higher Education & Student Affairs - Community College Leadership (27891) Classification Title Assistant Professor Position Number 00027891 Posting Date 09/29/2026 Closing Date Priority Review Date 11/01/2026 Business Unit Description Faculty Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time FTE 1.00 Position Status Regular FLSA Exempt Job Code 2000 Union Representation Union Union Code UFA - United Faculty Alliance Unit/Department Counseling, Adult & Higher Ed College/Unit College of Education Dean Division Academic Division Location GA 200 Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page Department of Counseling and Higher Education

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

The Department of Counseling and Higher Education (CAHE) at Northern Illinois University is seeking qualified applicants for the anticipated position of Assistant Professor of Higher Education with expertise in Community Colleges. This is a tenure-track position within the Higher Education and Student Affairs program. The CAHE department is one of five units in the College of Education and offers both master's and doctoral degrees in Counseling and Higher Education.

With approximately 16,000 students, NIU is one of the largest public universities in the state of Illinois. NIU strives to improve outcomes for all students by identifying and removing barriers that disproportionately hinder the academic achievement and student experience of historically and currently underserved populations.

The Department of Counseling and Higher Education is committed to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for all of our students, staff, and faculty. NIU's geographical reach extends beyond its main DeKalb campus (65 miles west of downtown Chicago, 60 miles from the O'Hare International Airport, and 40 miles west of Naperville - a booming community with one of the best school systems in the nation.) to satellite campuses in Naperville, Rockford, Hoffman Estates, and Chicago as well as to students online.

Position Summary

The qualified candidate for this position is expected to teach graduate courses in Community College Leadership program and Higher Education and Student Affairs programs both on and off campus, with an emphasis in Community College Leadership and Higher Education Administration. This position is a regular, tenure-track position with a competitive salary based on experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach 3 courses per semester in the Student Affairs and Higher Education graduate program (across multiple modalities, including in-person, online synchronous and asynchronous, and hybrid)
• Engage in relevant research and scholarship in community college/higher education, or related areas
• Actively engage in professional mentoring of graduate students
• Serve on dissertation committees
• Participate in departmental, college, and university-level committees

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in Higher Education or a closely related field by the time of appointment
• Evidence of professional experience as a practitioner and/or educator in a community college setting
• Demonstrated commitment to racial and cultural diversity
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Evidence of an active research agenda focused on community colleges and/or community college students

Additional Requirements

N/A

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful university teaching experience, preferably at the graduate level
• Professional experience in a higher education environment
• Evidence of successful teaching across multiple modalities
• Graduate student mentoring and advising experience
• Expertise in quantitative methods, public policy, finance, administration/leadership, mixed methods, and/or organizational theory
• Record of publications, grants, and conference presentations
• Involvement in state, regional, and/or national professional associations

Physical Demands Summary

For physical demands and requirements please see human resources policies and protocols.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date 08/16/2027 Anticipated Appointment End Date Percent of Staff Year 0.75 Standard Hours Per Week 37.50 Salary Starting at $70,000 for 9 months. Faculty compensation is governed by the UFA CBA. NIU offers a robust benefits package. Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range Starting at $3,888.89 per pay period. Faculty compensation is governed by the UFA CBA. NIU offers a robust benefits package. Earn Type Salary

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

For full consideration, prospective applicants should visit Assistant Professor of Higher Education and Student Affairs - Community College Leadership to create an application profile and submit the following materials by November 1, 2026:

• Cover letter addressing qualifications for the position, a brief description of your teaching philosophy and summary of your research agenda
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information for three professional references
• Unofficial transcripts (official required upon appointment)

Preference will be given to applications received by November 1, 2026, though applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

For questions or to express interest, please contact search co-chairs Dr. Carrie Kortegast (ckortegast@niu.edu) or Dr. Quortne Hutchings (qhutchings@niu.edu).

Special Instructions Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/97497 Is Background Check Required Yes EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Director of Civil Rights Office, Title IX Coordinator

Health Services 2nd floor

CivilRights@niu.edu

815-753-0455

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person's disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu.

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• List of at least 3 Professional References
• Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).