Charter Oak State College (COSC), located in New Britain, Connecticut, stands as a pioneering public liberal arts institution dedicated to adult learners. Founded in 1973, it specializes in online degree programs, competency-based education, and awarding credit for prior learning experiences. This unique approach makes it an attractive employer for professionals passionate about flexible higher education. Jobs at Charter Oak State College span faculty positions, staff roles, and administrative opportunities, all contributing to its mission of accessible education for non-traditional students.
As part of the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities (CSCU) system, COSC benefits from stable state funding and a commitment to quality. The college serves thousands of students annually through associate, bachelor's, and certificate programs in fields like business, health sciences, and liberal studies. Employment here appeals to those seeking meaningful work in higher education, with a focus on innovation in online delivery and student success. Current openings often emphasize expertise in virtual teaching and adult education support.
Jobs at Charter Oak State College are diverse, catering to academic, operational, and support needs. Faculty positions include adjunct instructors, particularly in high-demand areas such as nursing and early childhood education. For instance, adjunct faculty in nursing roles involve developing and teaching online courses, assessing student competencies, and mentoring learners with real-world experience.
Staff roles encompass academic advising, enrollment services, IT support, and program coordination. Administrative positions, like directors in early childhood education, oversee curriculum and compliance. Learn more about types of university jobs to understand how these fit into broader higher ed landscapes. Part-time adjunct roles offer flexibility, ideal for professionals balancing multiple commitments, while full-time positions provide stability within the state system.
These opportunities reflect COSC's emphasis on workforce-relevant programs, making it a hub for careers in adult higher education.
To fully grasp jobs at Charter Oak State College, key terms include:
Securing jobs at Charter Oak State College demands specific credentials tailored to the role. For faculty positions, a master's degree is typically the minimum, with a PhD preferred for full-time roles. In nursing, candidates need an active RN license and often a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Early childhood education positions require expertise in NAEYC standards and may need a bachelor's or master's in education or related fields.
Research focus varies: nursing adjuncts emphasize clinical practice and online pedagogy, while education roles highlight child development and inclusive teaching. Preferred experience includes publications in peer-reviewed journals, grant management, or prior online teaching. For staff, a bachelor's degree suffices for advising, with experience in adult learner support essential.
Skills and competencies prized at COSC include proficiency in learning management systems like Blackboard, strong communication for virtual environments, data-driven advising, and cultural competency for diverse adult students. Employers value those with 3-5 years in higher ed, particularly in competency assessment.
The application process for jobs at Charter Oak State College begins with monitoring openings on the official higher ed jobs pages at charteroak.edu/aboutus/employment.php and the CSCU HR site at ct.edu/hr/jobs. Submit a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and references via their online portal.
Actionable tips: Use free resume templates from AcademicJobs.com to showcase achievements quantitatively, like "Assessed 200+ prior learning portfolios." Network via LinkedIn with COSC staff. For adjunct roles, emphasize flexibility and subject mastery. Applications are reviewed continuously, with hiring often quick for urgent needs.
Charter Oak State College actively promotes diversity as an equal opportunity employer, explicitly encouraging applications from members of minority groups, protected classes, and underrepresented communities. Integrated into CSCU, COSC adheres to state affirmative action policies, fostering an inclusive environment reflective of its diverse student body—many first-generation or working adults from varied backgrounds.
Specific initiatives include targeted recruitment for faculty in health and education, mentorship programs for new hires from diverse groups, and professional development on equity in online education. The college celebrates cultural events and supports employee resource groups, ensuring hiring practices prioritize merit alongside diversity. This commitment enhances innovation in programs like early childhood education, where multicultural perspectives enrich curricula.
Work-life balance at Charter Oak State College is bolstered by its virtual-first model, allowing remote work for many roles—ideal for faculty teaching asynchronously. State employee benefits include comprehensive health coverage, generous paid leave (up to 22 vacation days annually), retirement plans via the Connecticut State Teachers' Retirement System, and tuition waivers for dependents.
Employee reviews on Indeed praise the supportive culture, flexible hours, and low commute stress due to New Britain's central location and online operations. Campus life, though primarily digital, features virtual team-building, professional workshops, and occasional in-person events at the New Britain headquarters. The focus on adult learners translates to empathetic policies, like family leave accommodations. Overall, COSC offers a nurturing environment promoting long-term careers in higher education.
Read more on employer branding in higher education to see how institutions like COSC attract talent.
Careers at Charter Oak State College provide pathways for advancement, from adjunct to full-time faculty or leadership. Professional development includes training in emerging edtech and pedagogy. The college's growth in online enrollment creates ongoing opportunities.
Why join? Impact adult learners' lives, enjoy state stability, and contribute to innovative education. Salaries are competitive: adjuncts earn per course (around $3,000-$5,000), full-time faculty $70,000+, per public data.
For more, explore professor salaries and how to become a lecturer.
Jobs at Charter Oak State College offer rewarding paths in higher education. Start your journey with resources on higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, and consider posting a job if you're hiring. AcademicJobs.com connects you to these opportunities seamlessly.
