With over 25 campuses and a strong presence in all five boroughs, CUNY Jobs continues to offer stable, flexible roles for people who want to work in education, research, and public service. The City University of New York system is one of the largest public university networks in the country, serving over 240,000 students and employing thousands of full-time and part-time staff. From admin offices and libraries to research labs and tech support, jobs at CUNY are spread across community colleges, senior colleges, and graduate schools.
There are also special programs like RF CUNY jobs, which support grant-funded projects in research, education, and policy. These roles are ideal for people who want short-term or project-based work in the CUNY system. Many jobs for students are available, too, including work-study and hourly roles that let students earn while they study. Whether you’re filling out a job application for a support role or checking listings for teaching and research positions, CUNY offers a structured hiring process and real career paths within the public education space.
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CUNY Jobs | Higher Education Employment in New York State
About the City University of New York (CUNY)
The City University of New York, known as CUNY, is a public university system made up of 25 campuses across New York City. It was founded in 1847 and is known for serving a large and diverse population. The system includes community colleges, four-year colleges, graduate schools, and professional programs. CUNY is one of the most affordable public university options in the U.S. and supports both traditional students and adult learners.
CUNY campuses are located in all five boroughs, i.e., Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. The system enrolls over 240,000 students and offers hundreds of degree and certificate programs in fields like health, science, the liberal arts, education, and technology. It also supports significant research efforts in areas such as climate science, public health, and policy. CUNY’s mission is to provide high-quality, accessible education for the people of New York City, especially first-generation and low-income students.
Types of Jobs
CUNY offers full-time, part-time, and hourly jobs across its many campuses. These include faculty support, student services, office roles, and other jobs tied to research.
- Student College Assistant
Helps with filing, answering phones, or greeting visitors. Open to current students and often part-time. - Administrative Coordinator
Manages schedules, paperwork, and records for departments or college offices. - Academic Advisor
Guides students on course choices, graduation plans, and academic policies. - Library Assistant (Student Role)
Supports front desk services, book checkouts, and quiet study areas. No experience needed. - RF CUNY Research Assistant
Works on funded projects in health, science, education, or policy. Hired through the Research Foundation. - IT Support Specialist
Solves computer issues, helps with tech setup, and supports campus systems. Some hybrid roles may be available. - Campus Security Assistant
Patrols buildings, assists with campus safety, and responds to student concerns. - Program Assistant (Part-Time)
Helps run campus programs, community events, or tutoring centers. Often tied to grant-based or student-focused services.
Salary & Benefits
CUNY provides solid benefits for full-time workers and fair hourly pay for part-time staff and students. Grant-funded roles also offer flexible terms and short contracts.
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible staff
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Retirement plans with employer contributions
- Tuition waivers or discounts for employees at CUNY colleges
- Union membership benefits for covered positions
- On-campus wellness programs and support services
- Free access to campus libraries, fitness centers, and events
- Flexible hours for student and research staff roles
Pay depends on the job, department, and funding source. Research jobs follow separate pay structures based on grant budgets.
Salary Range:
- Student College Assistant: $15 to $18 per hour
- Library Assistant (Student): $16 to $19 per hour
- Administrative Coordinator: $45,000 to $60,000 per year
- Academic Advisor: $55,000 to $72,000 per year
- Research Assistant: $20 to $30 per hour
- IT Support Specialist: $48,000 to $70,000 per year
- Program Assistant (Part-Time): $17 to $24 per hour
- Campus Security Assistant: $35,000 to $50,000 per year
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for jobs at CUNY or through the Research Foundation, applicants must meet certain rules. These help ensure each candidate is legally cleared and ready for the role.
- You must be legally allowed to work in the United States. Most CUNY jobs do not offer visa sponsorship.
- For student roles, you must be currently enrolled at a CUNY college and meet program-specific rules such as work-study eligibility.
- A high school diploma or GED is required for most support and admin jobs. Some roles may accept current students with no experience.
- Full-time staff positions may require a bachelor’s degree or specialized training, especially in tech or academic support.
- Background checks are required for staff roles, including research and security jobs.
- Basic computer and communication skills are expected for most office, advising, and student-facing jobs.
- Some roles may require evening or weekend availability, depending on the department.
How to Apply for CUNY Jobs?
CUNY jobs are listed online through official portals. Make sure to apply to the correct system based on the job type.
- For staff and faculty jobs, go to the CUNY Jobs portal and search by campus, job title, or department.
- Click on the job title to view full details, including pay, duties, and qualifications.
- Press “Apply Now” and then hit “Apply for Job.”
- Next, create an account or log in to upload your resume and documents.
- Complete all fields in the online job application and follow the submission instructions.
- For research jobs, visit the RF CUNY Careers page and search for project-based openings.
- For student roles, check your campus’s job board or visit the career services office for on-campus and work-study jobs.
- After applying, monitor your email and application portal for updates or interview requests.
Summary
City University of New York jobs offer flexible, stable work opportunities across one of the country’s largest public university systems. With full-time, part-time, research, and student positions available across its 25 campuses, CUNY supports a wide range of roles in education, technology, research, and support services. Whether you’re applying through the main system or through RF CUNY, the process is straightforward, and the jobs come with real benefits, fair pay, and a strong focus on community service.