The number of jobs in higher education decreased in Q1 2014 for the third consecutive quarter. However, the declines have been consistently lessening in magnitude over time. During the same period, the number of advertisements for job openings in higher education continued to grow according to a new report from HigherEdJobs, the leading source for jobs and career information in academia. 

An analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data by HigherEdJobs found the total number of jobs in higher education was down 0.4 percent in Q1 2014, or about 7,800 jobs, compared to the same time last year.  Though down, the decrease was modest compared to the 0.7 percent decline (about 14,300 jobs) in Q4 2013 and the 1.0 percent (approximately 16,300 jobs) drop in Q3 2013. Community colleges noticed a sharp decline in employment, down 9.0 percent in Q1 2014 compared to last year. 

Counter to the trend in higher education employment, the number of advertisements for job postings in academia continued to increase and at a faster pace. The number of advertisements for job openings in academia increased 11.4 percent in Q1 2014, much greater than 6.2 percent increase observed the prior year.  According to data from HigherEdJobs, the mixes of faculty to non-faculty job postings as well as between part-time and full-time positions continued to change as colleges and universities try to balance their staffing levels.

The report analyzes data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and HigherEdJobs' posting data from colleges and universities that have continuously subscribed to the company's unlimited posting plan for four years, a group of more than 850 schools that have no financial deterrent not to post any openings. 

The full report can be viewed athttp://www.higheredjobs.com/career/quarterly-report.cfm.