Dallas College stands as one of the largest community college systems in the United States, serving the diverse educational needs of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in Texas. Formed in 2019 through the consolidation of seven former independent colleges under the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD), it now operates as a unified entity dedicated to accessible higher education. With over 90,000 students across its campuses, Dallas College emphasizes workforce development, transfer pathways to four-year universities, and community engagement. Jobs at Dallas College span teaching, administration, and support services, making it an attractive employer for those passionate about education in a dynamic urban setting.
The institution's mission focuses on student success through innovative programs tailored to local industry demands, such as healthcare, information technology, and manufacturing. This emphasis creates steady demand for qualified professionals in roles that directly impact student outcomes. Whether you're considering faculty positions or administrative jobs, understanding the structure of Dallas College helps in navigating career opportunities effectively.
The roots of Dallas College trace back to 1965 when the first of its predecessor institutions, El Centro College, opened to address the growing need for affordable postsecondary education in Dallas County. Over the decades, six more colleges—Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, Eastfield, Mountain View, North Lake, and Richland—were established, each serving specific neighborhoods and vocational needs. The 2019 merger into Dallas College was a strategic move to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and better align with state priorities for community colleges amid enrollment challenges.
This consolidation has positioned Dallas College as a leader in Texas higher education reform, with initiatives like guided pathways that improve completion rates. For job seekers, this history means a modernized hiring process influenced by recent changes, including updated governance under Chancellor Justin Lonon, who assumed leadership in 2023. The evolution continues to influence job availability, particularly in areas supporting expanded online learning and dual credit programs for high school students.
Dallas College offers more than 140 degree and certificate programs across seven campuses, categorized into transfer degrees (Associate of Arts, Associate of Science), workforce credentials, and continuing education. Key departments include Business, Health Sciences, Engineering Technology, Humanities, STEM, and Public Services. For instance, the Health Sciences division trains nurses and allied health professionals, reflecting Dallas's booming healthcare sector.
Faculty jobs at Dallas College often align with these departments, requiring expertise in curriculum development for stackable credentials that lead to bachelor's degrees via partnerships with universities like the University of Texas system. Administrative roles support these programs through enrollment management and student services, crucial amid demographic shifts in higher education.
Career opportunities at Dallas College are diverse, encompassing full-time tenure-track faculty, adjunct instructors, department chairs, deans, and support staff like counselors and IT specialists. Teaching roles dominate, given the teaching-focused mission of community colleges. For a deeper dive into university job types, explore common positions such as lecturers and professors tailored to two-year institutions.
Adjunct professor jobs are plentiful for flexible schedules, while executive positions in administration demand leadership in areas like accreditation and budgeting. Explore community college jobs or higher ed faculty jobs for current listings relevant to Dallas College.
To fully grasp jobs at Dallas College, key terms include:
These definitions clarify the ecosystem where Dallas College jobs operate, distinguishing them from four-year university roles.
For faculty jobs at Dallas College, a minimum of a master's degree in the teaching discipline is required, per Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) standards. PhD holders gain preference for competitive positions in fields like nursing or engineering. Administrative roles typically need a bachelor's or master's in education administration, business, or related fields, plus relevant certifications like HR professional credentials.
Support staff may require associate degrees or specialized training, such as in IT support. All positions demand background checks and alignment with Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board guidelines.
Unlike research universities, Dallas College prioritizes pedagogical expertise over traditional research. Faculty should demonstrate applied knowledge, such as curriculum design for industry partnerships or data-driven teaching methods. Expertise in high-demand areas like cybersecurity, renewable energy, or ESL instruction is highly valued, supporting the college's role in Texas workforce development.
Preferred candidates bring 3-5 years of college-level teaching, publications in teaching journals, or grant management experience. For admin, prior roles in student affairs or accreditation are assets. Community college experience, especially navigating open-access environments, stands out. Publications might include practitioner articles on student retention, while grants could involve Perkins funding for career tech education.
Essential skills for jobs at Dallas College include strong communication, cultural competency for diverse classrooms (over 50% Hispanic/Latino students), technology proficiency (e.g., Canvas LMS), and data literacy for assessment. Competencies like collaborative problem-solving and student-centered advising are critical. Soft skills such as adaptability to hybrid teaching enhance candidacy.
The application process begins on the Dallas College Human Resources portal at jobs.dallascollege.edu. Submit a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and teaching philosophy statement. Tips include:
Interviews may involve panels; follow up promptly. Track openings via higher ed jobs boards.
Dallas College champions diversity through its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) framework, including mandatory bias training, employee resource groups for Latinx, Black, and LGBTQ+ staff, and targeted recruitment via partnerships with HBCUs and Hispanic-serving institutions. The 2023 EDI report highlights increased underrepresented faculty hires by 20%. Initiatives like culturally responsive pedagogy workshops foster inclusive environments mirroring the student body, where 45% identify as first-generation.
Dallas College promotes work-life balance with 40-hour weeks for staff, flexible faculty loads (15-18 credit hours/semester), generous PTO (up to 22 days/year), and tuition waivers. Campuses buzz with events like cultural festivals, wellness fairs, and professional development days. Located in vibrant Dallas neighborhoods, employees enjoy proximity to arts districts, sports venues, and nature trails. Remote options exist for admin, supporting hybrid lifestyles amid Texas's sunny climate.
Facing enrollment pressures like the demographic cliff, Dallas College invests in marketing and online expansion, creating jobs in digital recruitment. Recent policy shifts, such as Texas funding reforms, bolster stability. For career advice, see employer branding secrets or enrollment challenges.
Jobs at Dallas College offer rewarding paths in teaching and administration within a student-focused environment. Leverage resources like higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, and post a job on AcademicJobs.com to advance your career. Explore community college jobs and Dallas jobs for more.
