California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), located in Fullerton, California, is one of the largest campuses in the California State University system, serving over 41,000 students. As a public university founded in 1957, CSUF offers a wide array of jobs in higher education, from tenure-track faculty positions to administrative roles and support staff opportunities. Jobs at California State University, Fullerton attract professionals passionate about teaching, research, and community engagement in a diverse, commuter-focused environment near Los Angeles and Orange County.
The university emphasizes student success, innovation, and inclusivity, making it an appealing employer for those seeking meaningful careers in academia. With nine colleges including business, communications, and engineering & computer science, opportunities span disciplines. Whether you're eyeing professor jobs or higher ed admin positions, CSUF provides competitive benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition waivers for employees' dependents.
CSUF began as the 20th campus in the CSU system, initially on 77 acres with a focus on teacher education. Over decades, it expanded to 240 acres, becoming a hub for arts, business, and health sciences. Employment at CSUF has evolved alongside this growth, now supporting thousands of faculty and staff. Faculty are represented by the California Faculty Association (CFA), ensuring fair wages and working conditions through collective bargaining.
Key milestones include the establishment of the College of Business and Economics in 1973 and designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) in 2002, influencing hiring practices to reflect community demographics. Today, jobs at CSUF reflect a commitment to equity, with initiatives addressing the demographic cliff in enrollment by prioritizing diverse talent.
Jobs at California State University, Fullerton encompass faculty, staff, and executive roles. Tenure-track positions involve teaching, research, and service, leading to permanent employment after review. Lecturers handle part-time or full-time teaching without tenure expectations. Administrative jobs include deans, directors, and HR roles, while staff positions cover libraries, IT, and facilities.
For a full breakdown, explore university job types. CSUF also posts higher ed faculty jobs, administration jobs, and research assistant jobs. Recent openings highlight needs in nursing, computer science, and education amid California's demand for skilled educators.
To understand jobs at CSUF, key terms include:
For faculty jobs at CSUF, a PhD or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field is standard, such as a Doctor of Education for education roles. Research focus varies by department; business seeks expertise in finance or marketing, while engineering emphasizes civil or mechanical engineering with publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Preferred experience includes 3+ years teaching undergraduates, securing grants (e.g., from NSF), and 5+ publications. Skills encompass strong communication, curriculum development, and data analysis tools like SPSS for social sciences. Competencies like cultural humility and student mentoring are vital in CSUF's diverse setting, where 55% of students are first-generation.
Staff roles may require a bachelor's and professional certifications, like SHRM for HR jobs.
The application process for jobs at California State University, Fullerton starts with monitoring the CSUF careers site and platforms like university jobs on AcademicJobs.com. Submit a cover letter, CV, teaching philosophy statement, and three letters of recommendation online.
Tips: Customize your CV to highlight CSUF alignment, such as experience with diverse students. Use free resume templates and cover letter templates. Network at conferences, prepare for teaching demos, and follow union guidelines. Deadlines are strict; apply early for fall hires.
Learn from how to write a winning academic CV.
CSUF champions diversity as an HSI and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). Initiatives include the Inclusive Excellence Action Plan, mandatory bias training, and the Maximizing Faculty Diversity grant. Examples: Mentoring programs for underrepresented faculty and the Ruby Djung Fellowship for women in STEM.
Hiring prioritizes candidates advancing equity, with search committees trained in inclusive practices. Over 50% of faculty are people of color, reflecting student demographics.
CSUF promotes work-life balance with flexible work arrangements, especially post-pandemic, and Employee Assistance Programs for mental health. Faculty enjoy sabbaticals every 6 years and summer breaks. Campus life thrives with 300+ clubs, Division I athletics (Big West Conference), and events like Titan Fest.
Fullerton offers sunny weather, proximity to Disneyland, and affordable housing compared to LA. Benefits include 24 vacation days, parental leave, and onsite childcare. Read about employer branding secrets for insights into such environments.
CSUF's location in sunny Southern California, combined with its focus on applied learning, makes it ideal for careers blending teaching and research. With enrollment challenges noted in recent reports, innovative roles emerge. Salaries competitive within CSU: assistant professors around $85,000-$95,000 annually.
Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. CSUF jobs offer impact in a dynamic, student-centered community.
View all University Jobs
Post and Connect – the new way of promoting your higher ed jobs
