Claremont McKenna College (CMC), located in Claremont, California, is a premier liberal arts college renowned for its emphasis on leadership, economics, and government. Founded in 1946 as Claremont Men's College, it transitioned to coeducational status in 1976 and now serves approximately 1,400 undergraduate students. As one of the five undergraduate Claremont Colleges, CMC benefits from a unique consortium model that allows cross-registration and shared facilities with institutions like Pomona College and Scripps College. This collaborative environment fosters interdisciplinary learning and research opportunities.
The college's curriculum centers on the social sciences, with strengths in fields such as international relations, philosophy, politics, and public affairs. Institutes like the Kravis Leadership Institute and the Roberts Environmental Institute underscore CMC's commitment to preparing students—and its faculty and staff—for impactful careers in policy, business, and beyond. For those seeking jobs at Claremont McKenna College, the institution offers a dynamic setting where academic rigor meets practical application, often in a picturesque campus nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, just 35 miles east of Los Angeles.
Jobs at Claremont McKenna College span faculty positions, administrative roles, and support staff, all contributing to its mission of developing principled leaders. The college's small size ensures close-knit departments, where employees engage directly with students and innovative programs.
Careers at CMC are diverse, reflecting its focus on undergraduate education and leadership development. Common openings include tenure-track professors, visiting lecturers, research associates, and administrative positions in admissions, advancement, and student affairs. Faculty jobs emphasize teaching loads of five courses per year alongside research, often involving mentorship through the college's signature senior thesis program.
Administrative roles might involve directing centers like the Lowe Institute of Political Economy, which analyzes economic policy. Staff positions in facilities, IT, or HR support the campus's operations. For a deeper dive into university job types, including specifics on faculty versus staff distinctions, visit our comprehensive guide. Explore broader higher ed faculty jobs or administration jobs for comparative insights.
To ensure clarity for those new to higher education terminology, here are key terms related to jobs at Claremont McKenna College:
Securing faculty jobs at Claremont McKenna College generally demands advanced degrees. A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in the relevant discipline—such as economics, government, or philosophy—is standard for tenure-track roles. For example, an assistant professor in finance might need a doctorate from a top program with a focus on behavioral economics, aligning with CMC's strengths.
Visiting positions or lecturers may accept a master's degree plus exceptional experience, but the bar remains high. Administrative leadership roles, like dean of faculty, often require a PhD alongside proven management skills. Data from recent hires shows over 95% of new faculty hold doctorates from elite institutions.
CMC prioritizes research that bridges theory and practice. Expertise in areas like computational social science, international security, or sustainable finance is highly valued. The Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum hosts scholars for lectures, so interdisciplinary work thrives. Faculty often secure grants from bodies like the National Science Foundation, contributing to centers such as the Smith Institute for International Economics.
Candidates with publications in top journals (e.g., American Economic Review) or policy experience stand out. Environmental researchers benefit from the Roberts Institute's focus on climate economics.
Employers at CMC seek candidates with 3-5 years of postdoctoral or teaching experience for assistant professor roles. Publications (at least 2-3 peer-reviewed articles), grant funding history, and conference presentations are preferred. For admin jobs, prior roles in higher ed fundraising or student advising are assets. Recent examples include hires with Fulbright scholarships or White House fellowships, emphasizing real-world impact.
Essential skills include strong communication for seminar-style teaching, data analysis proficiency (e.g., Stata, R), and leadership for mentoring. Cultural competencies like fostering inclusive discussions are critical. CMC values emotional intelligence, ethical reasoning, and adaptability in its consortium setting.
The application process begins on CMC's careers page or platforms like Interfolio. Submit a CV, cover letter highlighting leadership fit, teaching statement, research agenda, and three references. Interviews involve campus visits with job talks.
Tips: Customize your cover letter to CMC's motto, "Crescere Oportet Mutatis Mutandis" (to grow, one must change accordingly). Network via conferences or alumni events. Proofread rigorously; seek feedback on your academic CV. Apply early—deadlines are often November for fall hires. For resume help, use our free resume template.
CMC actively advances diversity through the President's Task Force on Inclusive Excellence, targeting underrepresented faculty hires. Programs like the Posse Foundation bring diverse scholars, and the Office of Institutional Diversity supports affinity groups. In 2023, 25% of new hires were from underrepresented minorities, exceeding national averages. Partnerships with HBCUs and first-gen initiatives enrich the community.
CMC promotes balance with a 9-month faculty contract option, sabbaticals every seventh year, and family leave policies. Wellness includes yoga studios, counseling, and hiking trails nearby. Campus life buzzes with Athenaeum dinners, athletics (Scorpions compete in SCIAC), and LA access for cultural outings. The consortium amplifies social options—over 300 clubs across colleges. Employees enjoy subsidized housing and professional development funds.
Promotion to associate/full professor involves peer review of scholarship and teaching. Admin tracks offer leadership pipelines. Professional growth includes conferences and higher ed career advice. Salaries average $120K for assistant professors, competitive for liberal arts.
Recent trends show rising demand for AI ethics experts. Check professor salaries for benchmarks.
Jobs at Claremont McKenna College offer a unique blend of intellectual challenge and leadership impact in sunny California. Whether pursuing higher ed jobs, refining skills via higher ed career advice, searching university jobs, or employers posting openings with post a job, AcademicJobs.com connects you. Stay informed on employer branding secrets and prepare with our winning academic CV guide.
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