Central Arizona College (CAC), located in Coolidge, Arizona, is a premier community college serving Pinal County and surrounding areas since its founding in 1962. Nestled in the heart of Arizona's agricultural region, CAC provides affordable education through associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs. With campuses in Coolidge, Apache Junction, and Signal Peak, it enrolls over 5,000 students annually, focusing on accessible higher education that prepares individuals for careers or university transfer.
The college's commitment to student success is evident in its small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and strong community ties. Jobs at Central Arizona College attract educators and professionals passionate about teaching in a supportive environment. Whether you're interested in faculty positions or administrative roles, opportunities here emphasize practical skills and regional impact, such as programs in nursing, welding, and agribusiness tailored to Arizona's economy.
CAC stands out for its emphasis on open-access education, making it a hub for community college jobs that blend teaching with real-world application. The institution's growth reflects Arizona's demand for skilled workers, with recent expansions in health sciences and technology.
Jobs at Central Arizona College span faculty, staff, and leadership roles designed to support its mission of student-centered learning. Full-time faculty instructors teach core courses in divisions like Arts and Sciences, Business and Technology, and Health Sciences. These positions involve curriculum development, student advising, and program assessment.
Adjunct faculty provide flexible part-time teaching, often for high-demand classes like introductory biology or computer applications. Administrative jobs include positions in student services, IT support, and HR, while executive roles like department chairs oversee academic operations. For a deeper dive into university job types, including those common at community colleges like CAC, resources are available online.
Specialized roles in vocational training, such as automotive technology or culinary arts instructors, require industry certifications alongside academic credentials. These jobs at Central Arizona College offer pathways to impact local industries in Coolidge and beyond.
To understand jobs at Central Arizona College fully, key terms include: Community college, which refers to a two-year public institution offering associate degrees and certificates, focusing on transfer and vocational paths. Adjunct faculty means part-time instructors hired per course, without full benefits. Full-time faculty are tenured or tenure-track professors responsible for ongoing teaching and service. Workforce training encompasses short-term programs for job skills, like CAC's certified nursing assistant courses.
For faculty jobs at Central Arizona College, a master's degree in the teaching field is typically required, per Higher Learning Commission standards. For example, English instructors need an M.A. in English, while nursing faculty require a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Arizona RN licensure. PhD holders gain preference in competitive fields like mathematics or sciences.
Research focus at CAC centers on applied scholarship, such as grant-funded projects for rural education or agribusiness innovation, rather than pure academic research. Preferred experience includes 3-5 years of teaching at the college level, publications in teaching pedagogy, or industry expertise—like 5+ years in healthcare for allied health roles.
Essential skills and competencies encompass strong communication, cultural competency for diverse student populations, proficiency in learning management systems like Canvas, and data-driven instruction. Competencies like grant writing aid in securing Perkins funding for vocational programs.
These align with broader higher ed jobs for faculty, emphasizing practical expertise in Arizona's context.
The application process for jobs at Central Arizona College begins with monitoring the official careers page for postings. Submit a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and teaching philosophy statement via the online portal. Background checks and references follow for finalists, with interviews often including teaching demonstrations.
Actionable tips: Customize applications to CAC's mission of equity—highlight experience with first-generation students. Network at Arizona community college conferences. Prepare for questions on inclusive teaching. Use free resume templates tailored for academia. Follow up professionally post-interview.
For more, see advice on writing a winning academic CV.
Central Arizona College prioritizes diversity through its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) plan, established in 2018. Initiatives include the Hispanic-Serving Institution designation, supporting 40% Hispanic students with culturally responsive programming. The EDI Council hosts workshops on unconscious bias and facilitates employee resource groups for women in STEM and LGBTQ+ allies.
Recruitment efforts target underrepresented minorities via partnerships with Native American tribes in Pinal County. Events like Cultural Heritage Month celebrate Arizona's multicultural fabric, fostering an inclusive workplace. These efforts enhance jobs at Central Arizona College for diverse candidates.
Work-life balance at Central Arizona College is supported by a 4/10 compressed workweek option for staff, generous PTO (up to 22 days annually), and family leave policies. Faculty benefit from sabbaticals after six years and professional development funds up to $2,000 yearly.
Campus life in Coolidge thrives with facilities like the fitness center, library, and cafeteria. Employee events include picnics, wellness challenges, and proximity to Phoenix for urban escapes (45 minutes away). The serene desert setting promotes low-stress living, ideal for Arizona educators. Sports like baseball and theater productions engage the community, enriching daily experiences.
Recent surveys show 85% employee satisfaction with balance, attributed to remote work hybrids post-pandemic.
Founded in 1962 as a response to local demand for higher education, CAC evolved from 13 faculty to over 200 employees today. Key milestones include the 1990 Signal Peak Campus opening and 2015 health sciences expansion amid Arizona's nursing shortage. The college has awarded 50,000+ degrees, boosting regional economy by $100 million annually per studies.
Jobs here contribute to this legacy, shaping future workforce in agriculture (e.g., viticulture programs) and tech amid Coolidge's growth near San Tan Valley.
CAC offers competitive salaries ($55,000-$75,000 for faculty), AZ state retirement, and tuition waivers. In Coolidge, low living costs enhance affordability. For career growth, explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post your profile on recruitment pages at AcademicJobs.com. Related insights include employer branding secrets and becoming a lecturer.
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