Cleveland State Community College (CSCC), located in Cleveland, Tennessee, is a vital part of the state's public higher education system. Established in 1965 as part of the Tennessee Board of Regents, CSCC serves over 4,000 students across its main campus in Cleveland, satellite locations in Athens and Chattanooga-Hamilton County, and online programs. The college focuses on accessible, affordable education through associate degrees, certificates, and technical diplomas in fields like allied health, business, engineering technology, humanities, and information technology. Jobs at Cleveland State Community College play a key role in delivering workforce-ready training and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
The institution emphasizes student success, with high completion rates in career-focused programs. Its commitment to the local community in southeast Tennessee means employment opportunities often align with regional needs, such as healthcare and manufacturing. Whether you're seeking faculty positions or administrative roles, CSCC offers a collaborative environment in a welcoming college town near the Cherokee National Forest.
Cleveland State Community College opened its doors in 1967 with a mission to provide open-access education for lifelong learning and economic development. Over the decades, it has expanded to meet Tennessee's growing demand for skilled workers, earning accolades for its dual enrollment programs and partnerships with industries. This history shapes jobs at the college, prioritizing instructors who can bridge classroom learning with practical applications.
Today, CSCC's strategic plan focuses on equity, innovation, and student achievement, creating roles in student services, academic advising, and program coordination. The college's growth, including new facilities like the James L. Barker Library and smart classrooms, supports dynamic career paths for educators and staff.
Jobs at Cleveland State Community College span teaching, support, and leadership. Faculty positions include adjunct and full-time instructors in nursing (e.g., Registered Nursing program), computer information technology, and early childhood education. Administrative jobs cover enrollment services, financial aid, and HR. For a full list of university job types, including adjunct professor jobs and community college jobs, visit our resource page.
Current openings often appear on the TBR careers site, with emphasis on STEM and healthcare due to high demand in Tennessee.
Community College: A two-year public institution offering associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs, like CSCC, focused on accessible education. Adjunct Professor: Part-time instructor hired per course, common in higher ed for flexibility. Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR): Governing body overseeing 13 community colleges including CSCC, handling hiring and policies. Dual Enrollment: Program allowing high school students to earn college credits at reduced cost, a key CSCC offering influencing faculty jobs.
For teaching roles at Cleveland State Community College, minimum qualifications align with Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) standards. Full-time faculty typically need a master's degree with 18 graduate hours in the discipline. Examples:
PhD holders gain preference for tenure-track positions. Staff roles require bachelor's degrees for professional positions, with certifications like HR credentials for administrative jobs.
While community colleges like CSCC prioritize teaching over research, faculty contribute to applied projects. Expertise in student outcomes research, grant-funded workforce training, or program assessment is valued. For instance, CSCC's Nursing program requires knowledge of simulation-based learning, and IT roles need cybersecurity certifications. Collaboration on Tennessee Reconnect (free tuition for adults) initiatives is common.
Employers seek candidates with 3-5 years of teaching or industry experience. Publications in teaching journals, grant experience (e.g., Perkins funding for career tech), and community college background stand out. Adjuncts benefit from recent professional work, like clinical experience for health sciences.
Key skills include:
CSCC values competencies in inclusive pedagogy to serve diverse students from Appalachian Tennessee.
The process starts with posting review on the TBR careers portal (jobs.tbr.edu). Submit cover letter, resume/CV, transcripts, and three references. Interviews include teaching demos for faculty.
Actionable tips:
Timeline: Postings close quickly; apply early. Background checks required.
CSCC advances diversity through the Affirmative Action Plan, targeting underrepresented hires. Initiatives include:
In 2023, 25% of faculty were from diverse backgrounds, reflecting Tennessee's demographics.
CSCC fosters balance with 37.5-hour weeks, generous PTO (20+ days/year), and tuition waivers for employees/dependents. Wellness perks include gym access, EAP counseling. Campus life features Cougar athletics, cultural events, and proximity to Chattanooga's arts scene. Faculty enjoy small classes (20:1 ratio), collaborative departments, and professional development funds ($1,500/year). The scenic Ocoee River area offers outdoor activities, making it ideal for families.
Cleveland State Community College offers rewarding careers impacting local upward mobility. With competitive benefits (health insurance, retirement via TCRS), it's a stable choice. Salaries: Instructors ~$50,000-$65,000; department heads $70,000+. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com. Check community college jobs for similar opportunities.
Related reads: Employer Branding Secrets, Become a University Lecturer.
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