The City University of New York (CUNY), founded in 1847 as the Free Academy, stands as the nation's largest urban public university system. Spanning 25 campuses across New York City's five boroughs, CUNY serves over 500,000 students from diverse backgrounds, making it a powerhouse for accessible higher education. Jobs at CUNY attract educators, researchers, and administrators passionate about urban academia and social mobility.
CUNY's employment landscape reflects its mission: providing affordable education to working-class New Yorkers. From tenure-track faculty positions to administrative roles, opportunities abound in fields like nursing, business, engineering, and liberal arts. The system's scale means consistent openings, especially at flagships like Hunter College, City College of New York (CCNY), and the Graduate Center. With a focus on equity, CUNY jobs emphasize community impact, research innovation, and teaching excellence in one of the world's most dynamic cities.
Whether you're eyeing lecturer jobs or higher ed admin positions, CUNY offers stability through public funding and strong unions like the Professional Staff Congress (PSC-CUNY). Salaries are competitive for public institutions, with benefits including tuition waivers for employees' families—a perk unique to systems like CUNY.
CUNY employs thousands across academic, research, and support roles. Faculty jobs dominate, including full-time professors, adjunct instructors, and lecturers. For a deeper dive into types of positions available, consider these common categories:
In 2023, CUNY posted over 1,000 openings, with spikes in STEM and health sciences due to New York State's workforce needs. Check higher ed jobs or university jobs for current listings.
Securing jobs at CUNY demands specific credentials tailored to public urban academia.
Most faculty positions require a PhD or terminal degree (e.g., EdD for education roles, MFA for arts) in the relevant field. For lecturer jobs, a master's plus experience suffices. Administrative roles often need a bachelor's or master's in higher ed administration or a related discipline.
CUNY prioritizes applied research addressing urban challenges. Expertise in public health (e.g., at Lehman College), environmental science (CCNY's Grove School), or data analytics for social equity is highly valued. The Graduate Center excels in interdisciplinary work like linguistics and urban studies.
Candidates with publications in peer-reviewed journals, federal grants (e.g., NSF, NIH), and teaching diverse urban students stand out. Prior experience at community colleges or minority-serving institutions boosts applications, as CUNY serves 60% underrepresented minorities.
Key skills include cultural competency, digital pedagogy (e.g., using CUNY's Blackboard), grant writing, and data-driven decision-making. Soft skills like collaboration in union environments and community engagement are essential.
Explore preparation via higher ed career advice or free resume templates.
To aid understanding, here are key terms for jobs at CUNY:
The process starts on the CUNY recruitment portal at cunyjobs.org. Steps include:
Actionable tips: Highlight urban teaching experience; reference CUNY's Open Admissions history. Use free cover letter templates. Network at PSC events. Apply early—deadlines are strict, with reviews in fall for spring hires. Tailor to diversity statements, as CUNY values inclusive pedagogy.
For lecturer roles, emphasize practical experience; see how to become a university lecturer.
CUNY pioneered open access in 1970, transforming higher ed for immigrants and first-gen students. Today, 80% of students are minority or low-income. Initiatives include:
In 2022, CUNY hired 200+ diverse faculty. This commitment fosters inclusive workplaces, aligning with New York's demographics.
CUNY balances rigorous academics with support. PSC contracts cap teaching loads at 21 credits/year for full-timers, with sabbaticals after six years. Benefits: TIAA retirement, health insurance, and child care subsidies. Flexible hybrid models persist post-COVID.
Campus life thrives in NYC: Hunter's rooftop farm, CCNY's historic Great Hall, Baruch's Zicklin business vibe. Faculty enjoy cultural perks—Lincoln Center proximity, free museum access. Wellness via EAP counseling and fitness centers. Unions advocate remote options, aiding parents. New York's energy—Central Park runs, diverse cuisine—enhances life, though commutes vary by borough.
Read about attracting talent in higher education.
CUNY jobs offer impact: shaping NYC's future amid demographic shifts. With enrollment steady despite cliffs, roles emphasize retention via data analytics. Salaries: adjuncts $80-$120/course, tenured $100k+. Growth via promotions and cross-campus moves.
Link to higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, and post a job for more opportunities.
View all University Jobs
Post and Connect – the new way of promoting your higher ed jobs
