Assistant/Associate Professor of Computer Science

Description

About the Job 

Colorado Christian University is looking for an outstanding mentor who deeply desires to commit his or her skills and energy to transform students to impact the world with grace and truth. This faculty member will teach courses and develop curriculum in the Computer Science program housed within the School of Science and Engineering in the College of Undergraduate Studies. The faculty member will be responsible for teaching a 24-credit annual course load in the Computer Science program and School of Science and Engineering, developing and refining curriculum for in-seat students, serving on faculty committees, pursuing appropriate scholarly or professional activities, and actively serving the campus community. 

The ideal candidate will possess a Ph.D. in computer science or a closely related discipline or a Master’s degree with substantial relevant professional experience. CCU values a practitioner/scholar model in which its faculty members are actively engaged in their professions. For a Computer Science professor, this may mean one would be able to serve as an outside consultant, continue to run a business, or to perform contract work alongside teaching. Direct, active involvement in one’s professional community provides excellent opportunities for student engagement, scholarly work, and internships.

Workload 

12-month contract. Responsible to teach 24 units per year (typically 4 undergraduate courses per semester). 

About CCU 

Colorado Christian University is the premier interdenominational Christian university in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region, delivering world class education to thousands of students. The fully accredited, nonprofit University is located in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb of Denver. 

Colorado Christian University was founded in 1914. CCU’s motto is "grace and truth," which comes from John 1.14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (ESV)

CCU's mission is Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth. Colorado Christian University cultivates knowledge and love of God in a Christ-centered community of learners and scholars, with an enduring commitment to the integration of exemplary academics, spiritual formation, and engagement with the world. We envision graduates who think critically and creatively, lead with high ethical and professional standards, embody the character and compassion of Jesus Christ, treasure the gospel, and who thereby are prepared to impact the world in their callings. 

CCU embraces an educational model that was there at the foundation of many of the great western and American universities. It is made up of three pillars—competence, character, and Christ-centered faith. Secular universities have abandoned two of those pillars. We think this is a major oversight that eventually undermines education. Furthermore, we believe this classical educational model is both life-giving and greatly needed in our time.

A leader in higher education, CCU has been consistently ranked in the top 2 percent of colleges and universities nationwide for its core curriculum by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. CCU has had ten consecutive years of enrollment growth and has been named one of the five fastest-growing master’s granting universities by The Chronicle of Higher Education. 

CCU offers more than 200 degree program options for traditional and adult students through its two colleges--the College of Undergraduate Studies and College of Adult and Graduate Studies. More than 9,000 students attend the University on the main campus, in regional centers throughout Colorado, and online. 

What is most appealing about working at CCU? 

1. Faith-friendly: CCU’s culture is unique to higher education. Where else can you pursue academic excellence yet read the Holy Bible, pray with teammates and students at work, and work to impact our culture in support of Christian values?
2. Convictionally Christian: As a university, we have an enduring commitment to Christ, his kingdom and the truth of God’s Word.
3. Live out your calling: We are a traditional evangelical university where you can invest your God-given talents and abilities alongside coworkers and teammates, while having a profound influence on students as they deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
4. Equip students for kingdom work: You can be a part of helping students discover their callings and preparing them for positions of significant leadership in the church, business, government, education, and other professions, as a key part of our University's Strategic Priorities.

We’re looking for candidates who have: 

1. A Ph.D. in Computer Science or a closely related field strongly preferred, master's degree with substantial professional experience required. Each faculty member must be considered highly qualified as outlined by the University’s accreditation and academic standards.
2. Three or more years of successful teaching experience in a college or university preferred, with a proven track record of student learning and engagement through previous classroom evaluations by students, faculty, and administration.
3. Expertise in existing and emerging technologies in the discipline, their development, implementation and continuous improvement.
4. Ability to incorporate real-world applications and scenarios into the teaching of these technologies combined with an ever improving and innovative curriculum.
5. Superior oral, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
6. Passion for Christ-centered higher education and dedication to the integration of faith and learning in their field.
7. Deep commitment to student success.
8. Proficiency in appropriate Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and are able to use appropriate software/technology (Brightspace) in the learning environment.
9. A commitment to learning new ideas for classroom presentations and dynamic class interactions to engage student learning in a meaningful way consistent with the University’s mission.
10. A proven track record and ongoing experience in their field.

Key Job Duties 

1. Contribute to CCU’s mission: Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth. The School of Science and Engineering faculty contribute to the University’s mission beyond the classroom through activities such as committee/task force/team work, community development, or similar activities internally and externally, which enhance and advance exemplary academics, personal spiritual growth, and engagement with the world.
2. Advocate for CCU’s mission, traditional Christian beliefs, and the Strategic Priorities.
3. Teach assigned undergraduate courses within the College of Undergraduate Studies (CUS) in accord with all standard policies and procedures using a variety of best-practice teaching and learning strategies, including classroom and online technology, to enhance instruction.
4. Develop, implement, and evaluate course curriculum, teaching-learning practices, and assess student learning outcomes.
5. Engage students; maintain established office hours and be available to individual students for questions, coursework, consultations, and informal mentoring.
6. Engage in professional organization activities and scholarly work or professional practice including, but not limited to, publications and presentations commensurate with experience and academic rank.
7. Provide strategic thinking in fulfilling the goals of the College of Undergraduate Studies in support of the University’s Strategic Priorities as well as contribute effectively to the University community, ministry partners, corporate partners, and general audiences. Strong participation in faculty, committee, or other meetings is an integral part of this position.
8. Add to the development of a Christ-centered community of learners and scholars within the College of Undergraduate Studies. Continue to grow in one’s academic field, and in personal commitment to and effectiveness in the integration of Christian faith and learning.
9. Provide effective servant/shepherd leadership among faculty, staff, students, and administrators.
10. Work effectively and positively with administrators, other faculty colleagues, and support staff to establish and maintain effective positive working relationships.
11. Participate in extracurricular activities to support and encourage students, colleagues and staff.
12. Assist the dean with other duties as assigned.

Work Environment 

While performing the duties of this job, you may be required to walk, stand, sit, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, speak with clarity, and have appropriate vision and hearing capabilities. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee may work occasional irregular hours, including some nights and weekends. Regular public presentations to students, parents, and external constituents required. Colorado Christian University expects all faculty and staff to become a part of the University community by participating in activities and events that occur on the campus throughout the year, which may occur during evenings and weekends. 

What we offer our employees: 

We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages to all employees. Our benefit package includes: a tuition waiver program, excellent healthcare, generous paid time off, matching 403(b) retirement plan, and additional organizational paid benefits and voluntary benefit offerings. Faculty pay will be assigned by rank at a range of $60,000 - $75,000 annually. Pay is assigned by reviewing a combination of job-related factors that may include: internal/external pay equity, the salary structure/pay grade, or a candidate’s qualifications/experience for the job. A wage range posted is not a guarantee of a specific wage and CCU reserves the right to make pay decisions based on economic and equity considerations. CCU does not determine pay based on sex or any other protected status. Pay and benefits will be discussed in more detail as candidates progress through the interview process. 

Spiritual Requirements

1. Committed follower of Jesus Christ, who believes there is no salvation apart from faith in his atonement on the cross, by grace alone becoming "born again" thus beginning a personal relationship with Christ, the Son of God.
2. Able to effectively communicate personal faith and apply biblical principles and convictions in the workplace. Must have a strong sense of calling to the ministry of Colorado Christian University.
3. Regularly attend and be engaged in meaningful involvement in a Bible-believing evangelical local church. Knowledgeable about the Word of God and passionate about Christian education.
4. Must be a traditional evangelical Christian whose lifestyle is in consonance with sound Christian principles, is compatible with CCU’s Statement of Faith, and is in agreement with the Strategic Priorities promulgated by the University.

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Colorado Christian University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status. CCU is committed to an environment free from discrimination and harassment and calls on every member of the university community to be vigilant in deterring and reporting all violations. CCU does reserve the right to exercise preference on the basis of religion in all of its employment practices. All employees who work at CCU must demonstrate a spiritual testimony consistent with our evangelical mission and follow our lifestyle expectations.