Brigham Young University Hawaii (BYU-Hawaii), located in the picturesque town of Laie on Oahu's North Shore, stands as a unique institution in American higher education. Established by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), it serves around 3,000 undergraduate students from over 70 nations, fostering a truly global learning environment. Jobs at Brigham Young University Hawaii attract educators and professionals who value faith-integrated teaching, cultural diversity, and a stunning tropical campus. Whether you're eyeing faculty positions, administrative roles, or support staff opportunities, BYU-Hawaii emphasizes service, scholarship, and spiritual growth.
The university's mission centers on preparing students for leadership in their home countries through affordable, high-quality education. This international focus influences its hiring, prioritizing candidates who can contribute to a multicultural community while upholding LDS principles. Positions here offer not just professional fulfillment but immersion in Hawaiian culture, with proximity to beaches, Polynesian heritage sites like the Polynesian Cultural Center, and a close-knit community atmosphere.
Founded in 1955 as the Church College of Hawaii by President David O. McKay, the institution evolved into BYU-Hawaii in 1974, affiliating with Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. This evolution expanded its academic scope while maintaining a commitment to Pacific Rim education. Today, jobs at Brigham Young University Hawaii reflect this heritage, blending rigorous academics with gospel-centered values.
Historically, the campus has grown from modest beginnings to a hub for programs in business, education, sciences, and marine biology, leveraging Hawaii's natural resources. Faculty and staff have played pivotal roles in milestones like the dedication of the Laie Hawaii Temple nearby, influencing a culture of devotion and dedication. Understanding this history helps aspiring applicants align their careers with the university's enduring purpose: educating leaders who return home to uplift their communities.
Careers at BYU-Hawaii span teaching, research, administration, and operations. Faculty jobs dominate, including tenure-track professors, lecturers, and adjunct instructors across departments like Faculty of Business & Communication, Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts, and Faculty of Math, Science, & Technology. Administrative positions cover admissions, student life, and HR, while staff roles support facilities, IT, and the Polynesian Cultural Center partnership.
For a deeper dive into university job types, consider tenure-track roles requiring long-term commitment or adjunct professor jobs for flexible teaching. Explore higher ed faculty jobs or administration jobs to see parallels. Many positions emphasize undergraduate mentoring over heavy research loads, ideal for passionate educators.
To secure faculty jobs at Brigham Young University Hawaii, candidates typically need a doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, or equivalent) in their discipline. For example, a marine biology professor might hold a PhD in oceanography, while business lecturers require an MBA or PhD. All applicants must be active, faithful members of the LDS Church, possessing a current temple recommend—an endorsement of spiritual worthiness from church leaders.
Staff roles vary: administrative jobs often seek master's degrees in relevant fields like higher education administration, paired with 3-5 years' experience. Entry-level positions prioritize bachelor's degrees and alignment with the BYU-Hawaii Honor Code, which governs conduct, dress, and lifestyle.
While BYU-Hawaii is primarily teaching-oriented, faculty engage in applied research benefiting undergraduates. Preferred expertise includes Pacific Island studies, sustainability (leveraging Hawaii's environment), intercultural communication, and STEM fields with global applications. Publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and grant experience strengthen applications.
Candidates with 2-5 years of teaching experience, especially in diverse settings, stand out. For research roles, prior work mentoring students on projects—like coral reef conservation or business case studies in emerging markets—is highly valued. Check research jobs for similar opportunities.
Success in jobs at Brigham Young University Hawaii demands cultural humility, cross-cultural communication, and pedagogical innovation. Tech skills like learning management systems (e.g., Canvas) are crucial, alongside soft skills such as empathy and leadership. For admin roles, proficiency in data analysis tools supports enrollment forecasting.
To navigate opportunities, understand these terms:
Applications start via the BYU-Hawaii careers portal. Prepare a tailored CV highlighting teaching philosophy, research, and church service; a cover letter addressing mission fit; transcripts; and three references. Secure an ecclesiastical endorsement early.
Tips for success:
Timeline: Postings close quickly; apply promptly. For broader prep, visit higher ed career advice.
BYU-Hawaii's student body mirrors the world, with 40% international students. Hiring reflects this, seeking diverse perspectives within the LDS faith from Asia, Pacific Islands, Europe, and beyond. Initiatives include the Global Leaders program, cultural immersion weeks, and bias training for staff.
The university partners with the Polynesian Cultural Center, employing locals and promoting Hawaiian language preservation. Inclusion extends to women in leadership (e.g., deans) and support for underrepresented LDS minorities. This creates a vibrant workplace valuing every voice.
Working at BYU-Hawaii means thriving in paradise. The 100-acre campus boasts oceanfront views, hiking trails, and the Hukilau Beach. Employees enjoy flexible schedules, summer breaks, and family-friendly policies like on-campus child care.
Community events—devotionals, service projects, luau—build bonds. Wellness perks include gym access, counseling, and proximity to Honolulu (45 minutes). High cost of living is offset by competitive salaries and housing subsidies. Sabbath observance fosters rest, enhancing balance in this faith-first setting.
Staff share stories of spiritual growth alongside professional achievements, like collaborating on sustainability research amid volcanic landscapes.
In summary, jobs at Brigham Young University Hawaii offer unparalleled integration of faith, academics, and aloha spirit. From faculty mentoring global leaders to staff shaping campus culture, opportunities abound for purposeful careers. Explore higher ed jobs, university jobs, and career advice. Employers can post a job to connect with talent. Start your journey in Laie today.
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