Hunter College, a flagship institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), stands as one of the most diverse and dynamic public colleges in the United States. Located in the heart of Manhattan's Upper East Side, it serves over 23,000 students with a commitment to accessible higher education. Founded in 1870 as a teacher training school for women, Hunter has evolved into a comprehensive urban university offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across fields like nursing, social work, psychology, education, and the sciences. Its motto, "The Serpent and the Torch," symbolizes knowledge and enlightenment, reflecting a legacy of academic excellence amid New York City's vibrant cultural backdrop.
Jobs at Hunter College attract professionals passionate about urban education and research. With a student body where over 50% identify as people of color and 40% as first-generation college students, the college emphasizes inclusive hiring. Faculty and staff contribute to groundbreaking work, such as community health initiatives and teacher preparation for NYC public schools. Whether you're eyeing tenure-track positions or administrative roles, opportunities here blend rigorous academics with real-world impact.
Hunter College's history shapes its current job market. Established by the New York State Legislature as Normal College, it was the first public institution to grant PhDs to women in 20th-century America. During World War II, it housed the U.S. Navy's main women's training center. Today, as part of CUNY's 25-campus system, Hunter employs over 1,200 full-time faculty and thousands of adjuncts, fostering a collaborative environment focused on equity.
The evolution from a women's college to co-educational powerhouse mirrors New York's demographic shifts, creating demand for diverse faculty. Recent expansions, like the Brookdale Health Sciences Center, have spurred hiring in STEM and health professions. Professionals find stability through CUNY's union protections, including the Professional Staff Congress (PSC), which negotiates competitive salaries and benefits.
Hunter College offers varied positions tailored to academic and support needs. Common roles include:
For a deeper dive into university job types, explore our comprehensive guide. Nursing and education departments frequently post openings due to high demand in NYC.
To navigate jobs at Hunter College, key terms include:
Securing jobs at Hunter College demands specific credentials. Faculty positions generally require a PhD or terminal degree (e.g., MFA for arts, EdD for education) in the relevant field. Research-focused roles prioritize expertise in urban studies, health disparities, or teacher education—Hunter's hallmarks.
Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (3-5 for assistant professors), grant funding from NSF or NIH, and teaching diverse urban students. Skills encompass strong communication, cultural competency, data analysis via tools like SPSS, and grant writing. Administrative jobs seek bachelor's degrees plus 3-5 years in higher ed, with competencies in equity training and student advising.
| Role Type | Min. Qualification | Key Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Faculty | PhD | Research, Mentoring |
| Research Assistant | BA/MA | Lab Work, Stats |
| Admin | BA + Experience | Leadership, Compliance |
The process starts on the CUNY recruitment portal: search openings, create a profile, and submit via CUNYfirst. Required documents: CV, cover letter highlighting NYC fit, teaching philosophy, research statement, and three references. Deadlines align with academic cycles (fall for September starts).
Actionable tips:
Avoid common pitfalls like generic letters; quantify impacts (e.g., "Mentored 50 diverse undergrads").
Hunter leads in inclusion, with initiatives like the Silberman Aging and Mental Health Center promoting equitable hiring. The Faculty Development Program offers bias training, while the Office of Access and Success recruits underrepresented faculty. In 2023, 45% of new hires were from diverse backgrounds, surpassing CUNY averages. Programs like ADVANCE grants support women and minorities in STEM, fostering a welcoming environment reflective of NYC's mosaic.
Employees thrive in Hunter's energetic setting. The 68th Street campus features modern labs, a rooftop garden, and easy subway access. CUNY offers generous PTO (22 days vacation), parental leave (12 weeks paid), and sabbaticals after six years. Wellness perks include gym access and EAP counseling. NYC location means Broadway shows, Central Park runs, and diverse dining post-work. Flexible hybrid models post-COVID aid balance, with low faculty-student ratios (15:1) reducing burnout.
📊 Enrollment up 5% in 2023 drives needs in online education and data science. NSF-funded projects boost research posts. Align with priorities like sustainability via the Urban Environmental Systems Lab.
Explore employer branding secrets or become a university lecturer for insights.
Jobs at Hunter College offer impact in a world-class city. From faculty inspiring future leaders to researchers tackling urban challenges, opportunities abound. Visit higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job to advance your path. With strong unions and NYC energy, Hunter is ideal for dedicated academics.
