Birmingham-Southern College (BSC), located in Birmingham, Alabama, is a private liberal arts college known for its rigorous undergraduate education and close-knit community. Nestled in the heart of the city, BSC offers a range of academic and administrative jobs that appeal to professionals passionate about teaching and mentoring in a small-college environment. With around 1,100 students, positions here emphasize personalized instruction over large lectures, making it ideal for educators who thrive in intimate settings.
Jobs at Birmingham-Southern College span faculty roles in 36 majors, from biology to business administration, as well as staff positions in admissions, athletics, and student affairs. The college's affiliation with the United Methodist Church adds a layer of service-oriented culture to its employment opportunities. Despite recent financial challenges leading to a planned closure in May 2024, transitional roles in administration and academics may still arise, and the institution's legacy continues to inform career paths in similar liberal arts settings.
For those eyeing higher ed faculty jobs, BSC represents a classic model of undergraduate-focused employment, where faculty often wear multiple hats: teaching, advising, and contributing to campus governance.
Established in 1856 through the merger of two Methodist colleges—Southern University and Birmingham College—Birmingham-Southern College has a rich history rooted in the American South. Originally located in Greensboro, Alabama, it relocated to Birmingham in 1918 to capitalize on the city's industrial growth. Over the decades, BSC evolved into a four-year liberal arts institution, emphasizing the Hilltoppers nickname derived from its hilltop campus overlooking Birmingham.
Key milestones include its entry into NCAA Division I athletics in 1987 and recognition for academic excellence, such as being named a "Best Buy" by U.S. News & World Report. This history shapes jobs at BSC, prioritizing faculty who can blend scholarly pursuits with community involvement. Understanding this background helps applicants tailor their profiles to the college's tradition of holistic education.
BSC's curriculum centers on interdisciplinary liberal arts, with strong departments in sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry), business, education, and fine arts. Faculty jobs often align with majors like environmental science, where professors lead hands-on research, or nursing, which partners with local hospitals for clinical training.
Administrative jobs support these programs through roles in academic advising or lab management. The college's Oxford Study Abroad Program influences international education positions, requiring expertise in global studies. Prospective employees should review department pages for specific openings, as hires often match strategic initiatives like sustainability efforts.
Common jobs at Birmingham-Southern College include tenure-track professors, visiting lecturers, adjunct instructors, deans, and support staff like career counselors. Faculty positions dominate, with loads of 12-16 credits per semester focused on undergraduate teaching. Administrative roles cover enrollment management amid demographic shifts in higher ed.
For a deeper dive into university job types, including how BSC's roles fit into broader categories like lecturer jobs or professor jobs, explore our resources. Athletics staff positions leverage the Southern Conference affiliation, seeking coaches with recruiting experience.
To fully grasp jobs at Birmingham-Southern College, key terms include:
Faculty jobs at Birmingham-Southern College generally require a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field. For example, a biology professor needs a PhD in biological sciences, while business roles may accept a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration). Education positions often seek an EdD (Doctor of Education).
Staff roles vary: admissions counselors typically hold a bachelor's, but directors need a master's. These qualifications ensure candidates can deliver BSC's rigorous curriculum, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
While primarily teaching-oriented, BSC values faculty with research aligning with undergraduate involvement. Expertise in STEM fields like neuroscience or data science is prized, as is interdisciplinary work in ethics or public health. Grants from sources like the National Science Foundation support such roles. Applicants should demonstrate how their research enhances student learning, a core BSC tenet.
Preferred experience for jobs at Birmingham-Southern College includes 3+ years of college teaching, peer-reviewed publications (e.g., 5-10 articles), and grant management (e.g., $50K+ awards). Experience at similar institutions like Rhodes College or Sewanee aids candidacy. Community engagement, such as Birmingham civic projects, is a plus.
Check how to write a winning academic CV for structuring your experience effectively.
Essential skills for BSC jobs include strong pedagogical abilities, cultural sensitivity for diverse students (30% students of color), and tech proficiency (e.g., Canvas LMS). Competencies like collaborative leadership suit committee work, while analytical skills support assessment tasks. Soft skills—empathy, adaptability—foster the supportive Hilltopper environment.
The application process for jobs at Birmingham-Southern College starts with online submission via their careers portal: CV, cover letter, teaching philosophy, and three references. Interviews involve campus visits with teaching demos.
Networking at conferences like those by the Association of American Colleges & Universities boosts chances. Deadlines align with academic cycles (fall for next year).
Birmingham-Southern College advances diversity via the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, offering workshops and affinity groups. Hiring prioritizes underrepresented candidates through targeted searches. Examples include partnerships with HBCUs for faculty exchanges and Title IX compliance training. The 2023 strategic plan commits 20% diverse hires, reflecting Birmingham's demographics.
Work-life balance at BSC benefits from a 4-1-4 calendar (four courses fall, one January term, four spring), allowing focused immersion. Faculty sabbaticals every six years and professional development funds ($2,000/year) support recharge. Campus life buzzes with events like Homecoming, intramurals, and Birmingham Symphony collaborations. Proximity to the BJCC arena and Civil Rights Institute enriches off-campus pursuits. Employees praise the familial atmosphere amid the city's vibrant food scene and mild climate.
In summary, jobs at Birmingham-Southern College offer meaningful impact in liberal arts education, despite challenges. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com. For employer branding tips, read employer branding secrets. Whether faculty or admin, BSC legacies endure in Alabama higher ed.
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