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College of Marin, often abbreviated as COM, stands as a cornerstone of higher education in Marin County, California. Located in the picturesque town of Kentfield, this public community college serves over 5,000 students annually through its two campuses: the main Kentfield campus nestled among redwoods and the Indian Valley Campus in Novato. Established to provide accessible education, COM focuses on associate degrees, certificates, and transfer pathways to four-year universities like the University of California and California State University systems.
Jobs at College of Marin attract educators and professionals passionate about community college environments. These roles emphasize teaching excellence, student support, and program innovation rather than extensive research. With Marin County's affluent yet diverse population, the college bridges local needs with global perspectives, offering positions in high-demand fields like healthcare, technology, and liberal arts.
Founded in 1926 as Marin Junior College, College of Marin has evolved into a vital institution amid California's community college movement. It gained its current name in 1976 and has since expanded to meet regional demands, including during World War II when it trained veterans and in the 1960s with the Master Plan for Higher Education. Today, its mission centers on student success through equity, innovation, and lifelong learning.
This rich history shapes jobs at College of Marin, prioritizing faculty who understand transfer education and vocational training. The college's commitment to open access means roles often involve supporting first-generation students and diverse backgrounds.
COM offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs across six divisions: Career & Industry, Creative Arts, Health Sciences, Humanities & Social Sciences, Math, Science & Engineering, and Student Support Services. Standouts include the registered nursing program, automotive technology, and fine arts, which frequently post faculty openings.
Faculty jobs at College of Marin align with these areas, requiring expertise in curriculum development for transfer and workforce preparation. For instance, business instructors teach entrepreneurship courses tailored to the Bay Area's startup culture.
Career opportunities span community college jobs, from full-time tenure-track faculty to part-time adjuncts. Administrative positions include deans, directors, and HR specialists, while classified staff handle counseling, maintenance, and IT. Explore university job types for details on roles like lecturer jobs or professor jobs.
Recent postings highlight adjunct instructors in English and math, reflecting enrollment trends. Full-time positions offer tenure after probation, with union representation via the Marin Faculty Association.
For faculty jobs at College of Marin, the minimum is a master's degree in the discipline or 24 semester units plus a bachelor's and relevant experience (the "plus 24" rule under California Education Code). Tenure-track roles prefer a PhD in the relevant field, especially for sciences and humanities. Administrative jobs require advanced degrees like an EdD or MBA.
Teaching credentials from the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office are essential for instructors. Examples include M.A. in Biology for life sciences faculty or M.F.A. for art professors.
While community colleges prioritize teaching, faculty at COM engage in scholarly activities like program assessment and grant-funded projects. Expertise in student equity, online pedagogy (post-COVID), and STEM retention is valued. For health sciences, clinical research or industry partnerships enhance candidacy.
Preferred areas include environmental science, given Marin's ecology focus, and digital media for creative arts.
Candidates with 2-5 years of college-level teaching, publications in peer-reviewed journals, or grants (e.g., Title V for Hispanic-serving potential) stand out. Experience with diverse populations, online platforms like Canvas, and accreditation processes is key. For staff, prior higher ed administration boosts prospects.
Essential skills include strong communication, cultural competency, data-driven instruction, and technology integration. Faculty need curriculum design abilities and student advising expertise. Soft skills like collaboration with K-12 partners and grant writing are prized.
Applications go through the COM Human Resources website or platforms like AcademicJobs.com. Required: cover letter addressing qualifications, resume/CV, transcripts, teaching philosophy, and diversity statement. Interviews involve demos and committee panels.
Tips: Tailor materials to COM's equity goals; use free resume template; highlight Bay Area experience. Network at California Community College events. Deadlines are strict—apply early.
College of Marin champions diversity via its Equal Employment Opportunity Plan, Basic Skills Initiative, and Student Equity Plan. Examples include hiring goals for underrepresented groups, bias training, and affinity groups like the Black Faculty/Staff Association. The college tracks disaggregated data to close achievement gaps, fostering inclusive hiring.
In 2023, initiatives expanded Latinx support and LGBTQ+ resources, reflecting Marin's demographics.
Employees enjoy 10-month contracts for faculty (summers off), flexible hours, and generous leave. Benefits cover medical, dental, vision, and retirement. Campus life features hiking trails, art galleries, theater, and wellness centers. Proximity to San Francisco offers cultural access, while Kentfield's quiet setting aids balance.
Professional development includes conferences and sabbaticals. Marin County's high quality of life—beaches, farms—enhances appeal.
Community College: A two-year public institution offering affordable associate degrees, certificates, and transfer courses, like College of Marin.
Tenure-Track: A faculty path leading to permanent employment after evaluation, with academic freedom.
Adjunct Professor: Part-time instructor without benefits, common entry to full-time roles.
CalSTRS: California State Teachers' Retirement System, providing pensions for educators.
COM offers impact on local communities, professional growth, and Bay Area lifestyle. With low student-faculty ratios (around 20:1), teaching is rewarding. Link to employer branding secrets for insights on thriving in higher ed.
In summary, pursuing higher ed jobs or university jobs at COM means joining a supportive institution. Check higher ed career advice, post a job if recruiting, or explore recruitment tools on AcademicJobs.com.
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