Concordia College, Moorhead, located in Moorhead, Minnesota, stands as a premier private liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Founded in 1891 by Norwegian Lutheran immigrants, the college has evolved into a nationally recognized leader in sciences, music, and international education. With an enrollment of approximately 1,900 undergraduate and graduate students, it fosters a close-knit community where faculty and staff play pivotal roles in shaping future leaders. Jobs at Concordia College, Moorhead, attract educators and professionals passionate about integrating faith, global perspectives, and rigorous academics.
The campus spans a vibrant setting across the Red River from Fargo, North Dakota, offering a blend of Midwestern charm and urban access. Historically, the college began as a one-room schoolhouse and grew through mergers and expansions, emphasizing a holistic education that includes required courses in health, communication, religion, and culture. Today, it offers over 140 areas of study, from Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Education, Master of Science, and Master of Music Education programs. This rich academic tapestry creates diverse opportunities for faculty and staff positions.
Jobs at Concordia College, Moorhead, encompass a variety of roles tailored to its liberal arts mission. Faculty positions dominate, including tenure-track professors in departments like biology, chemistry, music, education, and modern languages. These roles involve teaching small classes—often under 25 students—mentoring undergraduates in research, and contributing to the college's off-campus study programs, which send more students abroad than nearly any other U.S. college. For more on types of university positions, explore common academic roles.
Staff opportunities include administrative positions in admissions, student life, human resources, and facilities, as well as support roles such as dining services (cooks, servers) and wellness center staff. Music enthusiasts might find openings directing one of the 20 ensembles, like the Concordia Orchestra or Band. Recent listings on platforms like Indeed show around 17 openings, from adjunct instructors to full-time cooks, highlighting the college's ongoing hiring needs. Higher education jobs here emphasize community impact, with positions in athletics supporting 22 NCAA Division III teams.
For faculty jobs at Concordia College, Moorhead, a doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DMA, or equivalent terminal degree) in the relevant discipline is standard. For example, a biology professor position might require a PhD in molecular biology with expertise in genomics, aligning with the college's nationally ranked science programs. Research focus often centers on undergraduate collaboration, such as grant-funded projects through the National Science Foundation or internal Cobber Advancement funds.
Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications, successful grant writing (e.g., from Lutheran sources or federal agencies), and demonstrated teaching excellence, often evidenced by student evaluations or innovative pedagogy like flipped classrooms. Skills and competencies prized include strong communication, cultural competence for diverse classrooms (30% students of color), and commitment to ELCA values like service and justice. Staff roles may require bachelor's degrees plus specialized certifications, such as in HR or IT.
Key competencies:
The application process for jobs at Concordia College, Moorhead, is centralized through their applicant portal at hr.cord.edu. Candidates create an account, search postings, and submit materials including a cover letter, curriculum vitae (CV), teaching statement, research agenda, diversity statement, and three references. The process typically spans 4-6 weeks, involving initial screening, interviews (virtual and on-campus), and teaching demonstrations.
Actionable tips:
For adjunct or lecturer jobs, applications are ongoing; full-time searches peak in fall. Read job descriptions carefully, as some require U.S. work authorization.
Concordia College, Moorhead, actively advances diversity through its Bold Vision plan, aiming for a faculty and staff reflecting student demographics. Initiatives include the Multicultural Student Association support, bias training for hires, and recruitment from HBCUs and minority-serving institutions. The college tracks progress via annual reports, with recent hires increasing women in STEM by 15%. Affinity groups for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC employees foster belonging, and inclusive hiring committees use blind resume reviews. This commitment enhances the global curriculum, preparing students for diverse worlds.
Work-life balance at Concordia College, Moorhead, is prioritized via generous policies: 10 sick days, family leave exceeding FMLA, and flexible scheduling for faculty. The 7% retirement match (no vesting period), tuition benefits (up to 100% for dependents at Concordia institutions), and free access to the Olson Wellness Center (gym, pools, classes) support well-being. Moorhead's low cost of living, safe neighborhoods, and proximity to Fargo's amenities aid retention.
Campus life buzzes with events: Christmas concerts drawing thousands, athletic games, and international festivals. Faculty often live nearby, joining community service like Habitat for Humanity builds. Sabbaticals every six years and professional development funds (up to $3,000/year) prevent burnout. Employees rave about the collaborative culture, with low turnover reflecting a supportive environment.
Beyond base salaries (assistant professors ~$65,000-$75,000, per national data adjusted for region), comprehensive benefits include health plans with low premiums, life insurance, and EAP counseling. Career growth opportunities abound: internal promotions, leadership tracks like department chairs, and support for professor salaries advancement. The college funds conference travel and pedagogy workshops, aiding tenure portfolios.
Visit hr.cord.edu/postings/search for live jobs at Concordia College, Moorhead—recent examples include music faculty, lab coordinators, and HR specialists. Platforms like Inside Higher Ed and Indeed list openings. For broader searches, explore higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Ready to apply? Tailor your profile to this ELCA liberal arts gem in Minnesota.
Whether pursuing faculty jobs, administration jobs, or lecturer jobs, Concordia offers meaningful careers blending teaching, research, and service. Learn how to write a winning academic CV to stand out. Discover more on employer branding in higher education.
View all University Jobs
Post and Connect – the new way of promoting your higher ed jobs
There are currently no jobs available.
Get alerts from AcademicJobs.com as soon as new jobs are posted
