Cuyahoga Community College, affectionately known as Tri-C, stands as Ohio's largest public two-year college system, serving the diverse needs of Cleveland and surrounding communities. Jobs at Cuyahoga Community College encompass a wide array of opportunities in teaching, administration, and support services, designed to support its mission of providing affordable, accessible education to over 50,000 students annually across multiple campuses. Whether you're seeking faculty positions, administrative roles, or staff jobs, Tri-C offers a dynamic environment where educators and professionals contribute to student success and regional workforce development.
The college's commitment to excellence in higher education makes it an attractive destination for career-minded individuals. Positions here focus on practical skills training, transfer programs to four-year universities, and community engagement, reflecting the evolving demands of the local economy in Cleveland, Ohio. With a student body that mirrors the area's rich cultural tapestry, working at Tri-C means impacting lives through innovative teaching and supportive services.
Established in 1963 through a voter-approved millage in Cuyahoga County, Cuyahoga Community College began with a vision to democratize higher education. From its humble beginnings with a single campus, it expanded to four main locations: Eastern Campus in Highland Hills, Metropolitan Campus in downtown Cleveland, Western Campus in Parma, and the Brunswick Campus. This growth paralleled Cleveland's industrial evolution, positioning Tri-C as a key player in preparing workers for manufacturing, healthcare, and technology sectors.
The mission centers on open access, student success, and economic vitality. Jobs at Cuyahoga Community College have historically emphasized community responsiveness, evolving from basic vocational training to over 160 associate degree and certificate programs. Today, employees drive initiatives like the College Now program for high school students and partnerships with universities for seamless transfer, ensuring graduates thrive in Ohio's job market.
Cuyahoga Community College offers diverse job categories tailored to its teaching-focused model. Full-time faculty positions involve developing curricula, teaching multiple courses, advising students, and participating in committees. Adjunct instructors provide flexible, part-time teaching, often sought for evening or online classes. Administrative roles include deans, department chairs, and directors overseeing operations, while support staff handle enrollment, IT, maintenance, and counseling.
Career-technical fields like nursing, IT, and advanced manufacturing dominate faculty hires, alongside liberal arts for transfer students. For a deeper dive into university job types, explore common higher ed roles. Community college jobs emphasize practical experience over research, making them ideal for industry professionals transitioning to education. Current openings often appear in high-demand areas like healthcare and skilled trades, reflecting Cleveland's economic needs.
To secure teaching jobs at Cuyahoga Community College, candidates typically need a master's degree in the relevant field or a bachelor's degree paired with substantial professional experience for technical roles. For example, nursing faculty require a master's in nursing (MSN), while business instructors need an MBA or master's in a related area. The standard is a master's with 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline, aligning with Higher Learning Commission accreditation standards.
Administrative positions vary: entry-level may accept a bachelor's, but leadership roles like dean demand a doctorate or extensive experience. Research focus is minimal compared to four-year universities; instead, expertise in applied learning and industry trends is prioritized. Preferred experience includes prior teaching, curriculum development, or grants in community education. Check how to write a winning academic CV for tailored advice.
Success in jobs at Cuyahoga Community College hinges on student-centered competencies. Essential skills include excellent communication for diverse learners, proficiency in learning management systems like Canvas, and cultural competence to serve Tri-C's multicultural population. Faculty must excel in active learning techniques, assessment design, and data-driven improvements.
Preferred traits encompass adaptability to hybrid teaching, collaboration with industry partners, and commitment to equity. For admin roles, leadership, budgeting, and strategic planning stand out. Soft skills like empathy and problem-solving enhance student retention efforts amid enrollment challenges common in higher ed.
The application process for jobs at Cuyahoga Community College starts with visiting the official careers portal at tric.careers. Create an account, search openings, and submit a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and three references. Screening involves resume review, followed by interviews, teaching demos for faculty, and background checks.
Actionable tips: Customize your application to Tri-C's mission, highlighting community impact. Use keywords from the job description like 'student success' or 'workforce development.' Network via LinkedIn or Tri-C events. Prepare for behavioral interviews focusing on diversity scenarios. Follow up politely within a week. Leverage resources like free resume template and free cover letter template from AcademicJobs.com.
Tri-C champions diversity through the Office of Equity and Inclusion, offering training on unconscious bias and inclusive pedagogy. As a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution since 2021, it prioritizes Latino recruitment and support. Programs like the Diversity Institute provide faculty development, while affinity groups foster belonging for underrepresented staff.
Recent efforts include equitable hiring practices, partnerships with minority organizations, and celebrations like Black History Month events. In 2023, Tri-C reported 45% underrepresented minority students, mirrored in hiring goals. These initiatives create a welcoming space, enhancing job satisfaction for diverse professionals.
Work-life balance at Cuyahoga Community College is supported by flexible scheduling, especially for adjuncts, and full-time benefits like 22 vacation days, 12 sick days, and tuition waivers. Employee wellness programs include gym access, mental health support, and family leave. Campuses buzz with cultural events, art exhibits, and athletic programs, enriching daily life.
Cleveland's vibrant scene—museums, Lake Erie—complements campus amenities like cafes and green spaces. Professional development via the Teaching and Learning Institute keeps skills sharp without burnout. Amid Ohio's Cleveland higher ed scene, Tri-C offers stability and community impact.
Adjunct Professor: A part-time instructor hired per course or semester, without full-time benefits, common in community colleges for flexible staffing.
Workforce Development: Programs training students for immediate employment, emphasizing certifications over degrees, key at Tri-C.
Higher Learning Commission (HLC): Regional accreditor ensuring quality standards for Tri-C's academic offerings.
Hybrid Learning: Combines in-person and online instruction, widely used at Tri-C campuses.
With competitive salaries averaging $60,000-$80,000 for faculty, robust benefits, and a mission-driven culture, Tri-C stands out. Amid national enrollment challenges in higher education, its focus on retention offers job security. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or community college jobs for more. Post your resume on AcademicJobs.com to connect with opportunities like those at Tri-C.
