Austin Community College (ACC), located in the heart of Austin, Texas, stands as one of the largest community colleges in the United States, serving over 100,000 students annually across its 11 campuses and centers. Established to provide accessible higher education, ACC offers associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training in fields ranging from healthcare and technology to arts and business. Jobs at Austin Community College attract educators, administrators, and support staff passionate about student success in a diverse, vibrant learning environment. Whether you're seeking full-time faculty positions, part-time adjunct roles, or administrative opportunities, ACC emphasizes teaching excellence, community engagement, and innovation in higher education.
The college's commitment to open-access education means roles often focus on supporting non-traditional students, including first-generation college attendees and working adults. Positions span disciplines like nursing, computer science, welding, and liberal arts, reflecting Austin's booming tech and creative sectors. For those exploring community college jobs, ACC exemplifies the rewarding nature of these careers, blending instruction with real-world impact.
Founded in 1972, Austin Community College emerged from a voter-approved bond to address the growing need for affordable education in Travis County. Starting with a single campus, it has expanded significantly, now boasting facilities like the Highland Campus for health sciences and the Rio Grande Campus downtown. Key milestones include achieving Hispanic-Serving Institution status in 2010 and launching high-tech programs aligned with Austin's Silicon Hills economy. This growth has created steady demand for jobs at Austin Community College, evolving from basic instruction to advanced workforce development amid Texas' population boom.
ACC's history underscores its role in economic mobility, with alumni transferring to four-year universities or entering high-demand jobs. Understanding this background helps applicants tailor resumes to the college's mission of equity and excellence.
Jobs at Austin Community College vary widely to support its comprehensive mission. Full-time faculty instruct core courses, develop curricula, and advise students. Adjunct instructors provide flexible teaching in high-enrollment areas like cybersecurity and culinary arts. Administrative roles include deans, directors of student services, HR specialists, and IT support, crucial for managing multi-campus operations.
Support positions encompass counselors, librarians, and lab technicians, emphasizing student retention. Specialized jobs in continuing education cover non-credit training for industries like semiconductors, mirroring Austin's tech hub status. For a deeper dive into university job types, including those common at community colleges, our resource outlines faculty, staff, and executive categories.
To secure jobs at Austin Community College, candidates need credentials aligned with Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) standards. Full-time faculty typically require a master's degree in the discipline (e.g., Master of Science in Nursing for health roles) or 18 graduate hours in the field. Bachelor's holders with substantial professional experience qualify for vocational positions like automotive technology.
Research focus at ACC centers on applied projects, such as grant-funded workforce studies or program assessments, rather than publish-or-perish models. Preferred experience includes 3-5 years of teaching, ideally at community colleges, plus publications in teaching journals or industry certifications (e.g., CompTIA for IT).
Key skills and competencies include:
Understanding key terms enhances clarity for jobs at Austin Community College:
The application process begins on the ACC Human Resources website, where postings detail minimum qualifications. Submit a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcripts, and a statement of teaching philosophy (1-2 pages). Interviews often include teaching demonstrations and panel discussions.
Actionable tips:
ACC champions diversity, with 45% Hispanic, 12% Black, and 6% Asian students. Initiatives include the Equity and Inclusion Office, mandatory bias training, and employee resource groups for veterans and LGBTQ+ staff. The college recruits via targeted outreach and tracks hiring metrics for underrepresented groups. Examples: Dual-language programs and partnerships with HBCUs for transfers. These efforts create inclusive workplaces, vital for jobs at Austin Community College.
ACC fosters balance with 10 paid holidays, generous sick leave, and optional flex hours. Faculty enjoy summers off or light loads, plus wellness centers and EAP counseling. Campuses buzz with events like cultural festivals and food trucks, blending Austin's live music scene with professional growth. Multi-campus setup allows transfers for personal needs, and remote options for some admin roles. Employees rave about collaborative culture and proximity to Lady Bird Lake trails.
Advancement paths include faculty senate leadership, department chairs, or executive roles. Professional development funds conferences and certifications. Benefits package: Medical/dental/vision, Texas Teachers Retirement System (8% employee contribution matched), tuition waivers for dependents, and childcare assistance. Salaries competitive for Texas: $60,000+ starting faculty. See university salaries for comparisons.
In Austin's US higher ed landscape, ACC positions launch careers toward four-year colleges.
Jobs at Austin Community College offer meaningful impact in Texas higher education. Ready to apply? Browse higher ed jobs, seek higher ed career advice, explore university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. With Austin's growth, now's the time.
