The College of Charleston (CofC), located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, stands as one of the oldest public universities in the United States, founded in 1770. Nestled along the Atlantic coast in the United States, this liberal arts and sciences institution enrolls around 10,000 students, primarily undergraduates, and is renowned for its picturesque campus amid antebellum homes and cobblestone streets. Jobs at College of Charleston attract educators, researchers, and administrators passionate about undergraduate-focused teaching, interdisciplinary research, and community engagement in a culturally rich environment.
Career opportunities span faculty positions, administrative roles, and support staff, emphasizing the university's commitment to academic excellence and innovation. Whether you're eyeing tenure-track professor jobs or research assistant positions, CofC offers a blend of tradition and modernity. The university's proximity to marine ecosystems and historic sites uniquely shapes roles in fields like marine biology and historic preservation. For those seeking higher ed jobs in the Southeast, Charleston provides an ideal setting with its mild climate, vibrant festivals, and strong ties to industries like tourism, hospitality, and biotechnology.
With a student-faculty ratio of about 15:1, faculty members enjoy close mentorship opportunities, fostering impactful teaching and research. Salaries are competitive within public liberal arts colleges, often supplemented by South Carolina's public employee benefits including retirement plans and health coverage. Explore higher ed faculty jobs or professor jobs to see how CofC fits your academic aspirations.
The College of Charleston's history as a municipal college until 1897, then a state-supported institution, informs its job culture today. Its mission centers on providing a high-quality liberal arts education, promoting engaged citizenship, and advancing knowledge through research. This translates to jobs that prioritize innovative teaching methods and public scholarship.
Post-1897 expansion included graduate programs, but CofC maintains a focus on baccalaureate education. Recent initiatives like the Center for the Study of Slavery highlight interdisciplinary approaches, creating jobs for historians and social scientists. Understanding this evolution helps candidates tailor applications, demonstrating alignment with CofC's values of accessibility and excellence.
CofC's Schools of the Arts, Sciences and Mathematics, Education, Health, and Human Performance, Business, and Languages, Cultures, and World Englishes host diverse jobs. Standouts include the marine biology graduate program, leveraging Charleston's coastal location for research faculty roles, and the historic preservation program, unique in the U.S. for its hands-on approach.
Business administration and nursing programs drive demand for professional faculty. Departments like English, History, and Psychology frequently post lecturer jobs. Check lecturer jobs for entry points. The interdisciplinary nature encourages cross-departmental hires, ideal for those with multifaceted expertise.
Jobs at College of Charleston include tenure-track faculty, adjunct instructors, postdoctoral researchers, administrative staff, and executive leadership. Tenure-track positions involve teaching, research, and service, leading to permanent roles after review. Adjuncts offer flexible teaching, while postdocs focus on research. For a full breakdown, visit university job types.
Faculty jobs typically require a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or terminal degree like EdD for education roles or DMA for music. Master's degrees suffice for some lecturer or clinical positions. Administrative roles may need MBAs or relevant experience. International candidates must verify equivalency through services like WES (World Education Services).
Research assistants often hold bachelor's or master's degrees. Certifications, such as in nursing or counseling, are mandatory for specialized fields. CofC values accredited degrees from recognized institutions, aligning with regional accreditation standards.
CofC prioritizes research enhancing undergraduate learning, with expertise in coastal ecology, public history, data science, and sustainability. Marine science faculty lead projects on oyster reef restoration, funded by NSF (National Science Foundation) grants. Historic preservation experts contribute to UNESCO-related studies given Charleston's heritage status.
Emerging areas include bioinformatics and urban studies, reflecting South Carolina's growth. Successful candidates demonstrate grant-writing prowess and publications in journals like Marine Ecology Progress Series.
Preferred experience encompasses 3-5 years of teaching undergraduates, peer-reviewed publications (5+ for assistant professors), and securing external funding. Mentoring diverse students and community outreach, like partnering with local museums, stand out. Prior work at similar liberal arts colleges or in the Southeast boosts candidacy.
Administrative hires favor 5+ years in higher ed, with experience in accreditation processes like SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges).
Essential skills include strong communication for engaging lectures, adaptability in small-class settings, and digital literacy for tools like Canvas LMS (Learning Management System). Research competencies cover statistical software (R, SPSS) and ethical grant management. Soft skills like cultural competence and collaboration are vital in CofC's inclusive environment.
The process begins with online submission via CofC's employment portal or sites like higher ed jobs platforms. Required documents: CV (curriculum vitae), cover letter, teaching philosophy statement, research agenda, and three references. Interviews may include teaching demos and campus visits.
Tips: Customize materials to CofC's liberal arts focus, quantify achievements (e.g., "Mentored 50 students to 90% grad school placement"), network at conferences like SCAS (South Carolina Academy of Science), and follow up promptly. Prepare for questions on diversity contributions. Leverage free resume templates and cover letter templates for polish. Read how to write a winning academic CV for edge.
CofC's Office of Diversity and Student Life drives initiatives like the Inclusive Excellence Faculty Fellows program, training hires on equity. The MOSAIC (Mentoring, Outreach, Support, and Inclusion for CofC) supports underrepresented faculty. Annual Diversity Conferences and affinity groups for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and LGBTQ+ employees foster belonging. Recent hires reflect 25% increase in diverse faculty since 2015, per institutional reports.
CofC promotes balance with flexible schedules, sabbaticals after tenure, and family leave aligning with state policies. The wellness center offers yoga, counseling, and gym access. Campus life buzzes with events like Spoleto Festival collaborations, sailing clubs, and historic tours. Charleston's beaches (Folly, Isle of Palms) and dining scene enhance off-hours. Faculty perks include tuition remission for dependents and proximity to airports for travel. The low-stress undergrad focus allows time for personal pursuits amid Lowcountry charm.
Tenure-track: A probationary period (usually 6 years) leading to lifelong employment upon promotion, based on teaching, research, and service evaluations.
Adjunct professor: Part-time instructor hired per course, without benefits or tenure path.
Postdoc: Postdoctoral fellowship for recent PhD graduates to conduct research and publish before faculty roles.
Liberal arts college: Institution emphasizing broad undergraduate education in humanities, sciences, and social sciences over specialized vocational training.
Jobs at College of Charleston blend academic rigor with coastal allure, offering fulfilling roles in a historic setting. From faculty to admin, opportunities abound for qualified professionals. Stay updated via higher ed jobs, seek advice from higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Connect with Charleston, SC's vibrant scene while advancing your career.
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