Jefferson College, situated in Hillsboro, Missouri, stands as a cornerstone of higher education in the region. This public community college, founded in 1963 and opening in 1967, serves over 5,000 students annually across its main campus in Hillsboro and outreach locations. Known for its affordable associate degrees, certificate programs, and workforce training, the college focuses on fields like health sciences, business, information technology, manufacturing, and liberal arts. For job seekers interested in community college jobs, Jefferson College represents a stable employer with a commitment to student-centered education in the United States.
Careers at Jefferson College span teaching, administration, and support roles, contributing to its mission of providing accessible education to Jefferson County and the greater St. Louis area. The college's small-town setting in Hillsboro offers a welcoming environment, with job opportunities that emphasize practical skills and community impact. Whether you're a seasoned educator or an administrative professional, positions here align with the needs of a dynamic student body, including traditional students, adult learners, and dual-credit high school participants.
Jefferson College traces its roots to 1963 when local leaders recognized the need for higher education access in rural Jefferson County. Classes began in 1967 with 400 students, housed in temporary facilities before moving to its current 592-acre campus. Over decades, it expanded programs in response to regional demands, such as nursing during healthcare booms and advanced manufacturing amid industrial growth. Today, it boasts modern facilities like the Health Sciences Center and Advanced Manufacturing Center, reflecting its evolution into a key player in Missouri's workforce development. This history shapes its job market, prioritizing faculty who can adapt to evolving educational needs.
Jobs at Jefferson College include full-time faculty, part-time adjunct instructors, administrative leaders, and support staff. Faculty roles cover disciplines like nursing (where demand is high due to regional shortages), welding technology, cybersecurity, and general education courses for transfer students. Administrative positions encompass deans, program directors, HR specialists, and enrollment managers. Support roles involve counselors, librarians, and maintenance staff. For a comprehensive look at university job types, explore our dedicated resource.
In recent years, with enrollment challenges affecting community colleges, Jefferson emphasizes versatile roles that support retention and growth.
To secure jobs at Jefferson College, candidates need specific qualifications tailored to community college standards. For full-time faculty, a master's degree in the relevant field is standard, per Higher Learning Commission accreditation; PhD preferred for humanities or sciences. Technical instructors may qualify with a bachelor's plus industry certification, like CompTIA for IT or AWS for welding.
Research focus at Jefferson emphasizes applied projects rather than pure academic research. Faculty pursue grants for program enhancements, such as Perkins funding for career-technical education, collaborating with local employers on workforce needs. Preferred experience includes 3-5 years teaching or industry work, publications in teaching journals, or grant management. For example, nursing faculty often have 5+ years clinical practice.
Key skills and competencies:
Check how to write a winning academic CV for competitive edge.
The application process for Jefferson College jobs begins on their HR website (jeffco.edu/hr), where postings list requirements. Submit a cover letter, resume, transcripts, and three references online. Screening involves committee review, interviews, teaching demo, and background check. Timeline: 4-8 weeks.
Actionable tips:
Use our free resume template and free cover letter template to stand out. For adjunct roles, apply year-round as needs arise.
🌍 Jefferson College champions diversity through its Affirmative Action Plan, targeting underrepresented groups in hiring. Initiatives include the Diversity Council, training on inclusive pedagogy, and partnerships with TRIO programs for first-generation students. They host events like Black History Month celebrations and Pride activities. Recent efforts: Hiring goals for veterans and disabled individuals, aligning with Missouri's diversity standards. This creates an inclusive workplace, with employee resource groups fostering belonging.
📅 Nestled in Hillsboro's scenic landscape, Jefferson College offers excellent work-life balance. Faculty contracts provide 165 teaching days/year, with summers for professional development or rest. Benefits: Generous PTO, flexible hours for staff, on-site fitness center, EAP counseling. Campus life features Viking athletics, cultural festivals, and proximity to St. Louis for urban amenities. Employees enjoy tuition remission (up to 9 credits/semester free), retirement matching, and wellness stipends. Reviews highlight supportive colleagues and low-stress environment compared to large universities.
Explore salary insights via professor salaries or university salaries.
With Missouri's community colleges facing funding pressures like those in community college funding, Jefferson remains resilient, bolstered by local support. Jobs here offer impact: shaping futures in a close-knit community. Recent expansions in online learning and dual credit increase demand for innovative educators.
Ready to pursue jobs at Jefferson College? Browse higher ed jobs, refine your search with higher ed career advice, explore university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Jefferson College awaits talented professionals committed to excellence in Hillsboro, Missouri.
