The California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), located in the heart of San Francisco, California, stands as a pioneering institution in higher education dedicated to integral studies. Founded in 1968 by the philosopher Haridas Chaudhuri, CIIS has built a reputation for its unique approach to learning that bridges Eastern and Western philosophies, emphasizing consciousness, transformation, and holistic development. Unlike traditional universities, CIIS focuses on graduate-level programs in fields such as psychology, philosophy, religion, ecology, and the arts, fostering an environment where students and faculty explore the integration of personal growth with academic rigor.
Situated in San Francisco's vibrant Mission District, CIIS benefits from the city's diverse cultural landscape, which influences its curriculum and community. The university's mission attracts professionals passionate about transpersonal psychology, integral theory, and social change, making jobs at California Institute of Integral Studies appealing to those seeking meaningful work in transformative education. With a student body of around 1,500 and a commitment to small class sizes, CIIS offers an intimate setting for academic careers.
CIIS's history is rooted in the countercultural movements of the 1960s, when Chaudhuri established the institute to promote Sri Aurobindo's integral philosophy in the West. Over the decades, it has evolved into an accredited university by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, offering master's and doctoral degrees. This legacy shapes jobs at California Institute of Integral Studies, where roles often involve advancing integral education principles.
Key milestones include the launch of its first PhD program in the 1980s and expansion into online learning post-2000, reflecting adaptability. Today, CIIS's mission to cultivate transformative leaders influences hiring, prioritizing candidates who embody integral values like inclusivity and innovation. Faculty and staff contribute to groundbreaking research in areas like ecology and consciousness studies, positioning CIIS as a hub for forward-thinking higher ed jobs.
Jobs at CIIS span faculty, administrative, and support roles tailored to its niche focus. Faculty positions include core professors in departments like Integral and Transpersonal Psychology, Philosophy and Religion, and Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health. These roles involve teaching graduate seminars, conducting research, and mentoring students in low-residency or online formats.
Administrative jobs cover student services, admissions, and HR jobs, requiring knowledge of holistic student support. Research assistant jobs support projects on integral theory, while adjunct professor jobs offer flexible entry points. For a full breakdown, visit our university job types page. Common openings also include executive roles in academic affairs and community engagement, reflecting CIIS's community-oriented ethos.
Securing jobs at California Institute of Integral Studies demands specific qualifications aligned with its graduate-focused mission. Required academic qualifications typically include a PhD or terminal degree in relevant fields such as clinical psychology, philosophy, or integral studies for faculty roles. Master's degrees suffice for some administrative or lecturer positions.
Research focus or expertise needed centers on integral theory, transpersonal psychology, somatic studies, or sustainable ecology. Preferred experience encompasses peer-reviewed publications, securing research grants from bodies like the National Science Foundation, and teaching diverse adult learners. For instance, candidates with experience in mindfulness-based interventions or cross-cultural philosophy stand out.
Key skills and competencies include strong communication for seminar leading, cultural humility for San Francisco's diverse population, and proficiency in online teaching platforms. Competencies like grant writing, curriculum design, and community building are essential, as CIIS values collaborative, transformative professionals. Check how to write a winning academic CV for tailored advice.
Integral studies: An educational approach integrating multiple dimensions of human experience—cognitive, emotional, physical, and spiritual—for comprehensive personal and societal transformation.
Transpersonal psychology: A branch of psychology exploring spiritual and transcendent aspects of human experience beyond the personal ego.
Low-residency programs: Hybrid formats combining intensive on-campus sessions with online coursework, ideal for working professionals.
Somatic studies: Academic inquiry into the body-mind connection, emphasizing embodied practices in learning and therapy.
The application process for jobs at California Institute of Integral Studies begins with monitoring the official CIIS careers page and platforms like higher ed jobs listings. Submit a tailored cover letter highlighting alignment with integral philosophy, a detailed CV, teaching philosophy statement, and three references.
Interviews often include a teaching demonstration and discussions on research interests. Tips for success:
Follow up promptly, as CIIS values mindful communication. Read employer branding secrets for insights into what attracts top talent.
CIIS champions diversity through initiatives like the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, offering training on anti-oppression practices. Specific examples include the Social Equity and Justice Scholarship for underrepresented students and faculty recruitment targeting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) scholars in integral fields. Annual audits ensure equitable hiring, with affinity groups for LGBTQ+ and first-generation professionals. This commitment enhances the appeal of jobs at California Institute of Integral Studies for inclusive educators.
Work-life balance at CIIS is supported by flexible schedules, especially in low-residency programs, allowing faculty time for personal practice like meditation. Campus life thrives with events such as guest lectures by integral thinkers, yoga sessions, and retreats in nearby natural areas. San Francisco's location offers access to cultural hubs, tech innovation, and wellness communities, enriching daily life. Benefits include generous sabbaticals, professional development funds, and employee assistance for holistic health, making CIIS a nurturing environment for long-term careers.
Employees enjoy collaborative governance, with faculty input on curriculum, fostering a sense of ownership. Proximity to Golden Gate Park and the city's arts scene inspires creativity, while remote options aid balance amid Bay Area living costs.
Jobs at California Institute of Integral Studies offer more than employment—they provide a platform for impactful work in transformative education. With a focus on innovation amid challenges like enrollment trends in higher education, CIIS remains resilient. Explore higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job to connect. Ready for your next step? Visit higher ed jobs for openings.
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