Human Resources

Heartland Community College (HCC) is where education, community, and opportunity meet. Every employee, whether teaching in the classroom, supporting students, or keeping our campuses running smoothly, contributes to Heartland’s mission: providing accessible, equitable, innovative learning opportunities and resources that enrich our community.

Who We Are

Heartland Community College is a two-year, fully accredited institution of higher education serving a district population of over 230,000 people. The College is deeply connected to the region it serves, partnering with local organizations, employers, and community groups to expand opportunities and strengthen Central Illinois. With 70+ programs of study and 20+ student clubs and organizations, Heartland provides a supportive, values-based environment to help students get the most out of their college experience.

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At Heartland, our values guide everything we do:

  • Learners - We are learner-centered, focused on creating a personalized path to success for each individual.
  • Community - We are all partners in the success of the organization, boldly embracing current and future opportunities that will empower our students and communities to fully actualize their potential.
  • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion - We create a collegial and welcoming culture by taking collective responsibility in the creation, protection, and enhancement of an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus community.
  • Ethical Practices - We practice ethical decision-making, professionalism, transparency, and responsible stewardship of environmental, financial, and community resources to promote a sustainable future.
  • Continuous Improvements - We cultivate College quality through continuous improvement and professional development.

HCC's Strategic Plan

Learn more about the College’s Strategic Plan, including our priorities and goals.

Strategic Plan

HCC Fast Facts

Learn more about general information, employees, and revenue sources.

Fast Facts

Working at Heartland

Working at Heartland means joining a community that values student success, collaboration, and lifelong learning. We invite you to explore what it means to be part of a college that invests in its employees, celebrates diverse perspectives, and creates pathways for growth. Your next meaningful career move could start right here.

Heartland offers a supportive, collaborative workplace where employees can grow professionally while making a meaningful impact.

Information for Faculty/Staff

Benefits & Support

Explore the benefits and resources available to eligible employees to support your health, growth, and work-life balance:

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
  • Flexible spending plans for eligible healthcare and childcare expenses
  • Health Savings Account to pay for qualified healthcare expenses
  • Term life insurance
  • Optional Supplemental insurance plans
  • State Universities Retirement System (SURS) participation
  • Retirement health insurance plan (College Insurance Program)
  • Retirement savings plans
  • Generous paid time off, holidays, and summer service hours
  • Tuition waivers, tuition reimbursement, and professional development opportunities
  • Employee Assistance Program counseling and referral service for employees and dependents
  • Long-term remote work and flexible work schedules
  • Free access to the HCC Fitness and Recreation Center, HCC Library, and Bloomington-Normal Public Transit System (Connect Transit)
  • A culture that values innovation, service, and continuous improvement

A Community-Focused Campus


Heartland’s Normal, Lincoln, and Pontiac locations provide modern facilities, student-centered spaces, and a welcoming environment for employees and learners alike. View our campus tour video on the right.

Employment Opportunities

If you’re ready to contribute to a mission driven college that values people, learning, and community, we encourage you to explore current openings.

Begin your application through the Employment Opportunities portal and discover how your skills can make a difference at Heartland Community College.

Heartland uses the NEOED/School Jobs platform for all hiring. Applicants can browse openings, create an account, and submit employment application materials online.

  • Faculty Positions — Full-time and part-time teaching roles across academic and career programs
  • Staff and Professional Roles — Full-time and part-time jobs spanning areas across the College
  • Continuing Education Instructors — Short-term professional learning and personal enrichment teaching opportunities
  • Student Employment — On-campus roles for HCC students that support learning and development can be found at Student Employment Opportunities

Applicants can view all openings and apply through the Employment Opportunities portal, where job descriptions, requirements, and application instructions are posted.

Equal Opportunity and Accessibility

Heartland Community College is an Equal Opportunity Institution, providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Discrimination is prohibited under federal and state laws including ADA, Title IX, Title VII, and the Illinois Human Rights Act.

Individuals needing reasonable accommodations to participate in the application process may contact Human Resources at 309‑268‑8130 (TDD: 309‑268‑8030).

Life in Central Illinois


Heartland’s main campus is in Normal, Illinois—a vibrant, affordable community with strong schools, cultural events, and easy access to major cities.

Employees enjoy:
  • A welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere
  • Local arts, parks, and recreation
  • A growing regional economy supported by education and industry

Explore our community resources: 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I check the status of my application?
    You can check the status of your application by logging into your applicant account through our online employment system. Once logged in, you will be able to view the current status of each position you have applied for. If you have additional questions about your application, please contact the Human Resources.

  2. Can I apply for multiple positions?
    Yes. You are welcome to apply for as many positions as you are interested in and qualified for. A separate application will be required for each position.

  3. Do student positions require enrollment?
    Yes. To be eligible for student employment at Heartland Community College, students must be enrolled in:

    Fall and Spring Semesters: At least 6 credit hours during the semester of employment.
    Summer Semester: At least 3 credit hours during the semester of employment.

  4. When do employee benefits become effective?
    Benefit eligibility depends on your employment start date:

    First day of the month: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance are effective immediately.

    First business day of the month: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance are effective immediately. Life Insurance becomes effective on the first day of the following month.

    Any other day of the month: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance become effective on the first day of the following month.

  5. Who do I contact if I need accommodation?
    Heartland Community College is committed to providing equal access and reasonable accommodations.

    Prospective employees or applicants who need a reasonable accommodation during the hiring process should contact Human Resources at HumanResources@heartland.edu or (309)268-8130.

    Students seeking academic accommodations should contact Student Access and Accommodation Services (SAAS).

    Student Access and Accommodation Services (SAAS) can assist eligible students with accommodations and support services to ensure equal access to educational opportunities.

 

Contact Human Resources

Location

Office location: Community Commons Building, Room 1300

Office hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Email and Phone

General HR email: HumanResources@heartland.edu

Phone number: (309) 268-8130

Fax number: (309) 268-7983

Payroll

For Payroll (Business Office) questions:

Email: Payroll@heartland.edu

Phone: 309-268-8146

Meet the Staff

Portait of Melanie Fata

Melanie Fata

Executive Director, Human Resources

309-268-8147

Bio

Melanie Fata (MS – Communication, Illinois State University) oversees all human resources operations for the College with responsibility for day-to-day management related to employee and labor relations, talent acquisition, recruitment, compensation management, benefits administration, talent development, performance management, and applicable regulatory compliance.


With more than 20 years of experience in higher education human resources, Melanie has held HR leadership roles at Illinois State University and Illinois Central College before joining Heartland Community College in 2022 as the Director, Human Resources. Since February 2025, she has been serving as the College’s Executive Director, Human Resources, and Deputy Title IX Coordinator.


Melanie is a member of the Bloomington-Normal Human Resource Council (Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) affiliate) and the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR).

 

Click the link below to learn about HCC resources in Melanie’s area. 

Human Resources 

Portait of Brandy O'Grady

Brandy O'Grady

Director, Human Resources

Portait of Sarah Brennan

Sarah Brennan

Associate Director, Human Resources

Portait of Carla Mayes

Carla Mayes

Associate Director, Human Resources

Portait of Mary Blankenship

Mary Blankenship

Coordinator, Human Resources

Portait of Jodi Ellsworth

Jodi Ellsworth

Analyst, Human Resources

Portait of Beth Schroeder

Beth Schroeder

Analyst, Human Resources

Portait of Shelby Sweeney

Shelby Sweeney

Analyst, Human Resources