Alverno College, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a private Catholic liberal arts college for women founded in 1887 by the School Sisters of St. Francis. Known for its pioneering ability-based curriculum, Alverno emphasizes student competencies over traditional grades, using performance assessments and portfolios to evaluate learning. This innovative approach attracts educators passionate about transformative teaching. The college serves approximately 1,800 undergraduate and 400 graduate students, offering bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like nursing, education, business, arts and sciences, and music therapy. As part of higher education in the United States, Alverno College jobs appeal to professionals seeking a mission-driven environment focused on women's empowerment and social justice.
Milwaukee's vibrant city setting provides faculty and staff with access to cultural institutions, Lake Michigan, and a diverse community, enhancing the appeal of jobs at Alverno College. The campus spans 47 acres and features modern facilities, including labs for nursing and science programs.
Established as a teacher training school, Alverno evolved into a four-year college in 1936 and became one of the first institutions to implement a competency-based education model in the 1970s. This shift, validated by external assessments, sets Alverno apart in higher ed. The college's history influences its job culture, prioritizing faculty who innovate in assessment and student development. Today, it continues to adapt, offering online programs and community partnerships, creating dynamic roles for educators and administrators.
Alverno's programs span the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, School of Nursing and Health Professions, and School of Business, Leadership, and Communication. Popular majors include nursing (BSN and MSN), elementary education, and psychology. Faculty jobs at Alverno College often involve interdisciplinary teaching, research in women's studies, and community-engaged learning. For example, nursing faculty contribute to clinical simulations, while education faculty develop curriculum for urban teacher preparation.
Jobs at Alverno College include tenure-track professor positions, adjunct instructor roles, department chairs, deans, and support staff in admissions, student services, and IT. Tenure-track roles emphasize research and teaching, while adjuncts focus on specific courses. Administrative jobs cover HR, finance, and student affairs. To learn more about university job types, explore our comprehensive guide. Current openings often list on the college's career page, with emphasis on roles supporting ability-based learning.
For faculty jobs at Alverno College, a PhD, EdD, or terminal degree (e.g., DNP for nursing) in the relevant field is typically required. Master's degrees suffice for some adjunct or lecturer positions. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in their discipline and familiarity with competency-based education. Administrative roles may require advanced degrees plus experience in higher ed management.
Research at Alverno aligns with practical, student-centered outcomes. Faculty in nursing focus on patient simulation and health equity, education on urban teaching strategies, and sciences on applied research. Expertise in women's leadership, social justice, or assessment methodologies is valued. Grants from foundations supporting women's education enhance applications. See research jobs for similar opportunities.
Preferred experience includes 3+ years teaching at the college level, publications in peer-reviewed journals, grant funding, and service to women's colleges. For example, prior work with performance assessments or diverse student populations strengthens candidacy. Administrative roles favor experience in accreditation processes like those from the Higher Learning Commission.
Essential skills for jobs at Alverno College include strong communication, adaptability to innovative pedagogy, cultural competence, and tech proficiency for online/hybrid teaching. Competencies in student mentoring, curriculum design, and data-driven assessment are key. Soft skills like empathy and collaboration support the college's sisterhood model.
Key terms for understanding jobs at Alverno College:
To apply for jobs at Alverno College, visit the official careers site, submit a cover letter addressing the ability-based model, CV, transcripts, teaching statement, and three references. Interviews include teaching demonstrations. Tips:
Read how to write a winning academic CV for best practices.
Alverno College champions diversity through the Office of Intercultural Leadership, scholarships for underrepresented women, and faculty development on inclusive teaching. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution aspirant, it supports Latinx faculty. Programs like the Women's Leadership Institute foster equity. Job seekers from diverse backgrounds find supportive recruitment, aligning with employer branding secrets.
Alverno promotes work-life balance with flexible schedules, sabbaticals for faculty, wellness programs, and family leave. Milwaukee's location offers proximity to festivals, sports (Brewers, Bucks), and parks. Campus life includes concerts, lectures, and sisterhood events. Faculty enjoy small classes (average 15 students) and collaborative governance. Remote options exist for some roles; see remote higher ed jobs.
Working at Alverno means contributing to innovative education in a close-knit community. Competitive salaries, professional development, and impact on women's success make it rewarding. Milwaukee's cost of living and cultural scene enhance quality of life.
In summary, jobs at Alverno College offer unique opportunities in higher education. Explore higher ed jobs, get higher ed career advice, search university jobs, or post a job if recruiting.
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