SUNY Buffalo State University, located in Buffalo, New York, is a public institution within the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Founded in 1871 as the first institution to train teachers in New York State, it has evolved into a comprehensive college serving around 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The campus spans 121 acres in an urban setting, offering programs in over 70 majors across schools of arts and humanities, education, natural and social sciences, and applied science and technology. Known for its strong emphasis on hands-on learning and community engagement, SUNY Buffalo State prepares professionals for careers in education, design, business, and more. For those seeking jobs at SUNY Buffalo State, the university provides diverse opportunities in teaching, research, and administration, contributing to its mission of accessible higher education.
The institution's location in Buffalo, a city rich in cultural history and revitalizing economy, enhances job appeal with proximity to arts districts, professional sports, and natural attractions like Niagara Falls. Employees benefit from New York's vibrant academic landscape while enjoying a lower cost of living compared to larger metros.
SUNY Buffalo State began as a normal school focused on teacher preparation, reflecting New York's commitment to public education. Over the decades, it expanded to include bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs, renaming to Buffalo State College in 1946 and adopting its current name in 2020 to align with SUNY branding. Key milestones include establishing the first four-year teacher education program in the U.S. and pioneering metal smithing and jewelry design degrees. Today, its mission centers on student-centered learning, equity, and regional impact, making it an attractive employer for dedicated academics.
This history shapes jobs at SUNY Buffalo State, prioritizing innovative teaching and community partnerships. Faculty often participate in initiatives like the Burchfield Penney Art Center collaborations, blending art with education.
The university excels in teacher education, fine arts, criminal justice, and hospitality. Schools include Education (with programs in childhood education and special education), Arts and Humanities (fashion, music, theater), Natural and Social Sciences (biology, psychology, social work), and Engineering Technology (electrical engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology). Graduate offerings cover adult education, public administration, and forensic science.
Jobs at SUNY Buffalo State align with these strengths, with high demand for faculty in education and design fields. Explore university job types for details on roles like lecturer or professor positions.
Career opportunities span faculty, staff, and administrative positions. Faculty jobs include tenure-track professors, adjunct instructors, and lecturers. Staff roles cover student services, facilities, and IT. Administrative positions like department chairs or deans require leadership experience. Current openings often feature assistant professor roles in teacher education or research assistant jobs in sciences. Check higher ed faculty jobs and professor jobs for listings.
The university posts openings on its careers site, emphasizing roles supporting its strategic plan for student success and equity. Popular positions include those in the School of Education, given Buffalo's diverse student population.
Jobs at SUNY Buffalo State demand specific qualifications tailored to roles. Required academic qualifications typically include a PhD or EdD for tenure-track faculty in relevant fields like education or sciences. Master's degrees suffice for some lecturer positions.
Research focus or expertise needed varies: education roles emphasize pedagogy and curriculum development; arts positions require studio practice; sciences seek lab experience. Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications, grant funding from NSF or SUNY grants, and teaching diverse students.
Skills and competencies: Strong communication, cultural competence, data analysis for assessment, and proficiency in tools like Canvas LMS. For administrative jobs, see administration jobs.
Tenure-track: A faculty path leading to permanent employment after review, involving teaching, research, and service.
Adjunct professor: Part-time instructor without tenure benefits.
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy): Highest academic degree, signifying expertise through original research.
Postdoc: Postdoctoral fellowship for recent PhD graduates to gain research experience.
The application process for jobs at SUNY Buffalo State involves online submission via the SUNY HR portal or university careers page. Steps include:
Tips: Customize documents to SUNY Buffalo State's mission. Highlight Buffalo experience or urban education interest. Network via conferences. Follow up post-submission. For branding insights, read employer branding secrets. Use free resume template and free cover letter template.
SUNY Buffalo State prioritizes diversity through the Office of Equity and Campus Diversity, offering training, the Inclusive Excellence Faculty Development Series, and recruitment for underrepresented groups. Examples include the Black Student Union support faculty roles and partnerships with Hispanic Serving Institution initiatives. The university's strategic plan commits to inclusive hiring, with metrics tracking diverse hires. Affinity groups for women in STEM and LGBTQ+ faculty foster belonging.
Work-life balance is supported by generous PTO, parental leave, EAP counseling, and gym access. Faculty enjoy sabbaticals and flexible teaching loads. Campus life buzzes with events at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, sports at the Sports Arena, and proximity to Buffalo's Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Canalside, and pro teams like the Bills. Buffalo's four seasons, affordable housing, and food scene (wings, beef on weck) enrich life. Commute-friendly with public transit and proximity to Canada.
Employee testimonials highlight collaborative departments and student impact. Wellness programs include yoga and mental health days.
Competitive salaries ($70K-$120K for assistant professors), union benefits via United University Professions, and growth opportunities make it appealing. Contribute to Buffalo's revival through engaged scholarship.
Ready for higher ed careers? Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com. Interested in lecturer paths? Check become a university lecturer.
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