The San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) stands as a cornerstone of higher education in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving a diverse population through its three esteemed colleges: College of San Mateo, Cañada College, and Skyline College. Jobs at San Mateo County Community College District attract educators, administrators, and support staff passionate about community college missions. These institutions focus on accessible education, transfer pathways to four-year universities, and workforce development, making roles here rewarding for those committed to student success.
SMCCCD employs thousands across teaching, administrative, and classified positions. Faculty jobs emphasize teaching associate degree courses in fields like liberal arts, STEM, business, and health sciences. Administrative roles oversee operations, student services, and equity initiatives, while classified staff handle essential functions such as IT support, maintenance, and counseling. The district's location in San Mateo, California, offers proximity to Silicon Valley, enhancing appeal for tech-related and innovative educational roles.
Established in 1922, the district began with the College of San Mateo (CSM), one of California's oldest community colleges. Cañada College opened in 1965 in Redwood City, followed by Skyline College in 1969 in San Bruno. Over a century, SMCCCD has evolved to serve over 25,000 students annually from varied backgrounds, including first-generation college attendees and immigrants. This growth has expanded job opportunities, from early faculty hires to modern administrative teams supporting online learning and equity goals.
Key milestones include achieving Hispanic-Serving Institution status in 2015 and launching innovative programs like honors transfers and dual enrollment. Jobs at San Mateo County Community College District have mirrored these developments, with increased demand for diverse faculty and staff skilled in culturally responsive teaching. The district's commitment to labor unions, such as the American Federation of Teachers, ensures stable employment conditions.
Jobs at San Mateo County Community College District span faculty (tenure-track and adjunct), management, confidential, and classified categories. Faculty teach credit and non-credit courses; adjuncts provide flexibility for part-time work. Administrative positions include deans, directors, and coordinators in areas like student equity and technology. Classified roles cover custodians, technicians, and financial aids specialists. For detailed breakdowns, explore university job types.
Recent postings highlight needs in nursing, computer science, and counseling, reflecting regional demands.
To qualify for teaching jobs at San Mateo County Community College District, candidates typically need a master's degree in the discipline (M.A., M.S.) or a bachelor's degree plus two years of occupational experience for vocational fields. PhD holders are preferred for transfer-level courses but not always required, as community colleges prioritize teaching excellence over research output. Licensure is essential for fields like nursing (RN license) or counseling (relevant certifications).
Administrative roles often require advanced degrees like Ed.D. or M.B.A., plus experience in higher education. Classified positions emphasize associate degrees or equivalent experience. All applicants must demonstrate minimum qualifications per California's Education Code Section 87355.
Unlike research universities, SMCCCD emphasizes pedagogical expertise over publish-or-perish research. Faculty may conduct classroom-based action research or participate in grants for program improvement. Expertise in areas like basic skills instruction, STEM equity, or online pedagogy is valued. For instance, Skyline College seeks specialists in computer information systems due to tech industry ties.
Preferred experience includes prior community college teaching, curriculum development, and student mentoring. Publications in teaching journals or grants from foundations like the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office boost applications. Key skills encompass:
Competencies like bilingual abilities (Spanish common) and equity-mindedness are highly sought, aligning with the district's diverse student body (over 50% Latinx).
The application process starts on the SMCCCD Human Resources NeoGov portal. Submit online with required documents: cover letter addressing qualifications, resume/CV, unofficial transcripts, statement on diversity/equity/inclusion, and references. Screening committees review for minimum qualifications, followed by interviews and teaching demonstrations.
Actionable tips:
Applications close after 2-4 weeks; tenure-track searches are annual.
SMCCCD champions diversity through its Student Equity Plans, achieving HSI designation across all colleges. Initiatives include the Dreamers Center, Black Student Union support, and faculty training via the Equity Institute. The district's Vision 2030 prioritizes anti-racism, with programs like TRIO for first-gen students. Job postings emphasize hiring diverse candidates, with committees trained in implicit bias.
Employees benefit from 24 vacation days, 13 holidays, and sabbaticals after six years for faculty. Health plans cover medical/dental/vision, with CalPERS retirement offering 2% at 62. Campuses foster community via events, wellness centers, and proximity to Bay Area attractions. Flexible schedules support part-time adjuncts; full-time roles include release time for committees. Remote options expanded post-COVID for admin tasks.
CSM's athletic facilities, Cañada's equestrian center, and Skyline's marine science lab enrich campus life. Professional development via Faculty and Staff Association events promotes growth.
In a state with strong community college funding (Proposition 98), SMCCCD offers job security amid enrollment stability. Salaries competitive: faculty start ~$80K-$110K, admin $120K+. Contribute to transfer success (over 3,000 annually to UC/CSU). Explore more via community college jobs, higher ed jobs, or higher ed career advice.
In summary, jobs at San Mateo County Community College District provide meaningful impact. Check university jobs or post openings at post a job on AcademicJobs.com.
Classified Staff: Non-teaching employees in support roles like clerical or technical, governed by civil service rules.
Tenure-Track Faculty: Probationary professors on path to permanent status after evaluation periods.
Equity-Mindedness: Approach recognizing historical inequities and committing to inclusive practices.
NeoGov: Online platform for public sector job applications used by SMCCCD.
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