Excelsior College, located in Albany, New York, stands as a pioneer in online higher education, particularly for non-traditional students and adult learners. Established in 1970, originally as the external degree program of the University of the State of New York, it transitioned to an independent nonprofit institution in 1998. Today, it serves over 35,000 students annually through fully online programs, emphasizing competency-based education where learners demonstrate mastery rather than accumulating credit hours. This innovative approach shapes its job market, prioritizing educators skilled in flexible, outcomes-focused teaching.
Jobs at Excelsior College span faculty, staff, and administrative roles, with a strong emphasis on supporting distance learning. The institution's accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education ensures high standards, attracting professionals dedicated to accessible education. In Albany's vibrant capital region, the college contributes to New York's higher ed ecosystem, offering opportunities that blend remote work with occasional on-site collaboration.
Excelsior College's roots trace back to addressing the needs of working adults, Vietnam War veterans, and incarcerated individuals seeking degrees without relocating. By the 1980s, it awarded thousands of nursing degrees via examination, pioneering prior learning assessment (PLA). This history influences current jobs, which evolved from exam proctors to sophisticated online instructors as technology advanced.
In the 2000s, expansion into bachelor's and master's programs in business, liberal arts, and technology created demand for specialized faculty. Recent growth, including partnerships with healthcare employers for nursing pathways, has led to steady hiring. For instance, in 2023, Excelsior launched new stackable credentials, necessitating roles in curriculum design and digital pedagogy. This trajectory positions jobs at Excelsior College as dynamic, rewarding careers for those passionate about transformative education.
Career opportunities at Excelsior College are diverse, catering to teaching, support, and leadership needs in an online environment. Common positions include adjunct and full-time faculty in high-enrollment areas like nursing (BSN, RN to BSN, MSN), liberal studies, and technology. Administrative jobs cover enrollment counseling, academic advising, IT specialists for learning management systems, and human resources focused on remote teams.
Explore university job types for broader context on roles like these. Faculty jobs emphasize asynchronous instruction, while staff positions support student success metrics, such as retention rates exceeding 70% in nursing programs. Leadership roles, like deans of schools, oversee accreditation compliance and program innovation.
To fully understand jobs at Excelsior College, key terms include: Competency-Based Education (CBE), a model where students advance by proving skills via assessments rather than time in class; Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), evaluating work/life experience for credit; and Learning Management System (LMS), platforms like Canvas used for course delivery.
For faculty jobs at Excelsior College, required qualifications typically include a master's degree in the teaching field, with a PhD or terminal degree preferred for tenure-track or leadership roles. Nursing faculty must hold an MSN from an accredited program, often with active RN licensure.
Research focus leans toward applied scholarship, such as studies on online pedagogy or healthcare outcomes, rather than pure lab work. Preferred experience encompasses 3-5 years in online teaching, publications in journals like the Journal of Nursing Education, or securing grants for educational innovation.
Essential skills and competencies: Proficiency in LMS tools, data-driven instruction, cultural competency for diverse learners (average student age 38), strong virtual communication, and adaptability to asynchronous formats. For admin roles, experience with student information systems like Banner is valued.
| Role Type | Min Qualification | Preferred Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Faculty (Nursing) | MSN | Online teaching, clinical practice |
| Liberal Arts Instructor | MA/PhD | PLA assessment, publications |
| Admin/Advisor | Bachelor's | Adult ed counseling, LMS |
The application process for jobs at Excelsior College begins with monitoring their careers page for openings, typically posted 4-6 weeks before hiring needs. Submit a tailored cover letter, CV highlighting online experience, teaching philosophy statement, and references. Interviews often include a demo lesson via Zoom.
Networking via LinkedIn or conferences like the Online Learning Consortium boosts chances.
Excelsior College champions diversity through its Inclusive Excellence Framework, aiming for faculty reflecting student demographics (over 50% from underrepresented groups). Initiatives include the Diversity Council, mentorship for BIPOC educators, and recruitment partnerships with HBCUs. In 2022, they achieved 40% diverse hires in nursing faculty. Gender equity programs support women in STEM leadership, fostering an inclusive remote culture.
As a primarily online institution, Excelsior College promotes work-life balance with flexible hours, remote options for most jobs, and 25+ PTO days annually. Albany headquarters offers modern facilities, wellness centers, and team-building events. Employee resource groups address burnout, while professional development includes tuition remission and conferences. Campus life blends virtual communities with occasional in-person retreats, ideal for balancing career and personal life in New York's Capital Region.
Jobs at Excelsior College offer impact on adult learners' lives, competitive salaries (faculty average $80K-$110K), and growth in innovative edtech. Albany's location provides cultural amenities and proximity to NYC.
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