California Baptist University (CBU), located in Riverside, California, stands as a prominent private Christian institution dedicated to integrating academic excellence with faith-based education. Established in 1950, CBU has grown into a comprehensive university serving over 11,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Its 160-acre campus in sunny Southern California provides a dynamic setting for academic careers, where jobs at California Baptist University blend rigorous scholarship with spiritual growth. Faculty and staff contribute to a community focused on transforming lives through Christ-centered higher education.
Riverside's location offers professionals access to urban amenities, proximity to Los Angeles, and outdoor recreation in nearby mountains, enhancing the appeal of CBU positions. Whether pursuing tenure-track roles or administrative opportunities, careers here emphasize service, innovation, and community impact.
Founded as California Baptist College by the Southern Baptist Convention, CBU transitioned to university status in 1998, expanding its offerings amid California's booming higher education landscape. This evolution reflects a commitment to holistic development, influencing job descriptions that prioritize candidates who align with its mission: "to teach with purpose" and produce graduates who lead with integrity.
Key milestones include the launch of its College of Engineering in 2012 and robust online programs, creating diverse job openings in emerging fields. Understanding this history helps applicants tailor resumes to CBU's values, such as biblical integration in curricula, which is central to faculty evaluations.
Jobs at California Baptist University span faculty, staff, and leadership roles. Faculty positions dominate, including full-time professors in departments like nursing, business administration, kinesiology, and computer science. Adjunct instructors fill part-time teaching needs, while research associates support grants in health sciences.
Administrative jobs cover areas like student affairs, HR (human resources), and facilities. For a deeper dive into university job types, including tenure-track versus non-tenure, explore available categories. Executive roles, such as deans, require strategic vision aligned with CBU's growth.
For faculty jobs at California Baptist University, a doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, or equivalent terminal degree) in the relevant discipline is standard. For example, nursing faculty need a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), while business roles favor a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration). Master's degrees suffice for some adjunct or staff positions, but advanced credentials boost competitiveness.
Teaching experience, often 3-5 years at college level, is essential, demonstrated through syllabi development or student evaluations. CBU also requires a statement of Christian faith, affirming evangelical beliefs, as employment aligns with its Baptist heritage.
CBU prioritizes applied research addressing real-world issues through a Christian lens. Expertise in areas like sustainable engineering, public health, or digital media is sought. Faculty in the School of Behavioral Sciences focus on mental health interventions, while engineering roles emphasize biomedical innovations.
Interdisciplinary projects, such as faith-integrated psychology studies, are common. Successful candidates often have records in peer-reviewed journals or conferences, contributing to CBU's rising research profile.
Preferred experience includes publications (e.g., 5+ peer-reviewed articles), grant funding from bodies like the National Science Foundation, and curriculum design. Online teaching proficiency is valued given CBU's digital expansion.
Key skills encompass strong communication, mentorship, and cultural competency. Technical abilities like data analysis software for researchers or learning management systems (e.g., Canvas) for instructors are crucial. Soft skills, such as collaborative teamwork in faith communities, set candidates apart.
Tenure-track: A pathway to permanent employment after probationary review based on teaching, research, and service. Adjunct professor: Part-time instructor hired per course, without benefits or tenure. Terminal degree: Highest academic qualification in a field, like PhD. Faith statement: Personal testimony of beliefs required for alignment with CBU's mission.
The application process for jobs at California Baptist University begins online via their careers portal. Submit a CV, cover letter, transcripts, three references, and faith statement. Interviews involve teaching demos and theological discussions.
Actionable tips:
CBU actively advances diversity through the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, hosting events like Unity Week and scholarships for underrepresented students. Recruitment targets minority faculty via partnerships with organizations like the Black College Alliance.
Employee affinity groups support Latinx, Asian, and first-generation professionals. Training on cultural humility ensures inclusive classrooms, reflecting Riverside's diverse population (over 70% minority). These efforts create equitable opportunities for all applicants.
CBU fosters work-life balance with flexible scheduling, sabbaticals after tenure, and family leave exceeding state minimums. Wellness centers offer counseling, fitness classes, and chaplain services for spiritual health.
Campus life buzzes with chapel services, intramural sports, and cultural festivals. Riverside's mild climate (average 280 sunny days) invites hiking in Box Springs Mountain Reserve or exploring historic Mission Inn. Proximity to beaches and Disneyland aids recharge. Faculty enjoy tuition discounts for dependents, strengthening community ties.
Professional development includes workshops and employer branding insights for growth.
Competitive packages feature medical/dental/vision, 403(b) matching up to 8%, and 20+ vacation days. Tuition remission covers 90% for employees' children at CBU.
CBU's low student-faculty ratio (17:1) allows meaningful impact, ideal for mission-driven careers. Growing enrollment signals stability and advancement.
Jobs at California Baptist University offer a unique blend of faith, scholarship, and community in Riverside. From faculty to admin roles, opportunities abound for qualified professionals. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, and post a job on AcademicJobs.com to advance your path.
View all University Jobs
Post and Connect – the new way of promoting your higher ed jobs
