Title: Program Director - Nuclear Technology

Employee Classification: Other Professionals

Institution: Roane State Community College

Department: Applied and Innovative Technology

Campus Location: Roane State Community College

Job Summary

Roane State Community College (RSCC) invites applications from qualified candidates for the position of Program Director for its two-year Nuclear Technology Program. This opportunity is about more than managing an academic program. It is an opportunity to help prepare the workforce for a new era of nuclear energy, strengthen the connection between education and industry, and make a lasting contribution to the East Tennessee region. The combination of the region's nuclear heritage, its concentration of scientific and industrial expertise, and the growing need for skilled nuclear workers creates an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students, employers, and the local economy.
This vital role requires leadership and providing oversight for program administration, curriculum and instruction, faculty coordination, laboratory operations, and continuous improvement to ensure the delivery of high-quality, industry-relevant education and training aligned with the needs of the nuclear industry and regional workforce.

The Program Director is responsible for the day-to-day operation and ongoing development of the program, including coordinating course schedules and faculty staffing, recruiting and supervising faculty, teaching selected courses and/or laboratory sections as needed, and maintaining instructional equipment and laboratory facilities in accordance with established safety practices. The director oversees student recruitment, academic and career advising, and student success initiatives, while coordinating opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, plant tours, and employment. Additional responsibilities include assessing student learning and program outcomes, maintaining programmatic accreditation, identifying instructional and equipment needs, and supporting grant development, implementation, and reporting.
Working with nuclear industry employers, educational institutions, and community organizations, the director builds and sustains partnerships to strengthen workforce development and expand educational and career opportunities for students. The director convenes and engages the program advisory board, represents the program to internal and external stakeholders, and uses industry and community input to guide curriculum development, program improvement, and long-term planning.

The position is based at Roane State Community College’s Oak Ridge campus and requires frequent off-campus travel for industry engagement, student recruitment, and program development. As the Nuclear Technology Program may offer evening and/or weekend schedules, the Program Director must be available to teach and participate in program-related activities during evening and weekend hours, as needed.

Job Duties

1. Program Administration and Leadership

• Direct all activities associated with the Nuclear Technology Program and maintain the two-year program.
• Develop and maintain a cohesive program organization through regular team meetings.
• Coordinate class scheduling and faculty staffing.
• Identify program needs and develop strategies for ongoing program improvement and growth.
• Represent the Nuclear Technology Program to external constituents, industry partners, and other stakeholders.

2. Curriculum Development and Instruction

• Teach selected Nuclear Technology courses as needed, including evening and Saturday classes.
• Direct the level and detail of curriculum delivered in current courses.
• Select textbooks and approve instructor syllabi.
• Develop new courses and identify opportunities to enhance the curriculum.
• Conduct internal instructor training sessions to align the Nuclear Technology Program with similar programs at sister institutions.
• Collaborate with area high schools to develop dual-enrollment opportunities.

3. Faculty Recruitment, Development, and Evaluation

• Evaluate faculty applications and recommend candidates for hire.
• Observe adjunct faculty members' classroom instruction and laboratory practices.
• Provide training, guidance, and feedback to adjunct faculty to support effective teaching and consistent laboratory instruction.
• Coordinate faculty development and instructional alignment through regular team meetings and training sessions.

4. Laboratory, Equipment, and Safety Management

• Select instructional materials, equipment, and instruments required for courses and training.
• Oversee the purchase, installation, use, and proper handling of laboratory materials, equipment, and instruments.
• Identify equipment, technology, and training needs to support current and future program requirements.
• Develop recommendations for equipment purchases and training expenditures.
• Promote and demonstrate safe laboratory operations and proper equipment-handling practices.

5. Student Advising and Success

• Serve as advisor to all Nuclear Technology students.
• Advise students on course selection, degree and certificate options, internships, study skills, and other academic and career-related matters.
• Coordinate soft-skills development sessions by identifying relevant topics and arranging guest speakers.
• Coordinate plant tours and enrichment activities that enhance students' educational and professional development.
• Support student recruitment by providing program information and collaborating with admissions personnel and student success coaches.

6. Internships, Employment, and Industry Partnerships 

• Coordinate student placement in internships and employment opportunities.
• Establish and expand internship and apprenticeship opportunities for students.
• Work with industry partners to develop and strengthen employment pipelines for program graduates.
• Provide facility tours and presentations to prospective employers of program graduates.
• Build and maintain relationships with employers and industry organizations to support workforce development.

7. Program Assessment, Accreditation, and Quality Improvement

• Conduct assessments of course-level and program-level learning outcomes.
• Develop and administer a major field examination. • Ensure program compliance with applicable ATMAE accreditation standards.
• Prepare and maintain documentation required for programmatic accreditation.
• Use assessment results and feedback from industry and program stakeholders to guide program improvement.

8. Grants, Budget Development, and Resource Acquisition

• Develop recommendations for program equipment, training, and other expenditures.
• Prepare justifications for equipment and training needs to support grant applications.
• Prepare program-specific sections of new grant applications.
• Support grant implementation and fulfillment requirements through progress reports, presentations, and other required documentation.
• Identify funding opportunities that support program sustainability, development, and instructional quality.

9. Advisory Board and Community Engagement

• Convene the Nuclear Technology Program Advisory Board and conduct meetings at least twice annually.
• Recruit new advisory board members and maintain active participation from industry and community stakeholders.
• Use advisory board feedback to guide program direction, curriculum relevance, and continuous improvement.
• Deliver external presentations about the program and recruit prospective students.
• Promote the program through presentations to community organizations, such as Rotary, and employer organizations, such as ETEBA.
• Serve as a liaison between the program, prospective students, employers, educational partners, and the broader community. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Teaching or training experience in a Nuclear Technology-related field.
  
• A minimum of four years of experience in the Nuclear Technology field.
  
• Experience in project and grant writing, management, and reporting.
  
• A bachelor's degree in Nuclear Technology, Nuclear Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related discipline.
  
• Ability to work effectively with students of all ages and demonstrate flexibility and collegiality.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Nuclear Technology, Nuclear Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related discipline.
  
• Twenty or more years of experience in Nuclear Technology-related positions, particularly in a process environment.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Teaching experience in postsecondary education programs.
  
• A Professional Engineering License or a master's degree in an appropriate engineering discipline.
  
• Computer skills, including familiarity with Desire2Learn or other course management systems, design and process simulation software, and process control software. 
• Strong oral and written communication skills. 
• Knowledge of and commitment to safe laboratory operations and instruction.
  
• Knowledge of the mission of community colleges, particularly as it relates to career and technical education.
  
• Willingness to work with diverse student populations representing a wide range of ages, ethnicities, and academic abilities.
  

Special Application Instructions

Applicants must submit the following:

• A completed online application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• An unofficial transcript documenting a bachelor's degree or higher in Nuclear Engineering, Process Engineering, Nuclear Technology, or a related field.
• A detailed cover letter explaining their interest in the position and relevant qualifications.
• A curriculum vitae (CV).
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Candidates who are called for an interview must notify Human Resources in writing at least five (5) days in advance of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

The TBR does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as a protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities.