Davenport College of Business, Grand Rapids, operates as the key business education arm of Davenport University on its vibrant Grand Rapids campus in Michigan. This institution specializes in preparing students for dynamic careers in business through hands-on programs in accounting, management, marketing, finance, and technology-integrated business fields. Jobs at Davenport College of Business, Grand Rapids, attract professionals passionate about blending practical industry knowledge with academic teaching. Whether you're eyeing tenure-track faculty positions, adjunct teaching roles, or administrative opportunities, the college offers a supportive environment in one of Michigan's fastest-growing cities.
Grand Rapids itself contributes to the appeal, known for its robust economy driven by sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. Faculty and staff here often collaborate with local businesses, providing students—and employees—with real-world exposure. Positions emphasize innovative teaching methods, such as experiential learning and online-hybrid formats, reflecting Davenport's commitment to career-focused education since its founding roots in 1866.
Davenport University's history traces back to 1866 when it began as Davenport Business College, one of the nation's first dedicated business schools. The Grand Rapids campus, established later as part of the university's expansion, became a cornerstone for the Donald W. Maine College of Business. Named after a longtime supporter, this college embodies the institution's evolution from a small business academy to a modern higher education provider accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Over the decades, the Grand Rapids location has grown to include state-of-the-art facilities like simulation labs for business scenarios and partnerships with regional employers. Jobs at Davenport College of Business, Grand Rapids, have historically drawn educators who value applied learning, with notable expansions in programs during the 2000s to meet Michigan's demand for skilled business graduates. Today, it stands as a hub for professionals seeking impactful roles in a region recovering strongly post-economic shifts.
The college offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in areas like business administration (BBA), accounting (BS), human resource management, and supply chain management. These programs drive demand for specialized faculty. Common jobs at Davenport College of Business, Grand Rapids, include full-time professors delivering courses in entrepreneurship and data analytics, adjunct instructors for evening classes, and research-focused roles in business intelligence.
Administrative positions cover program directors, career services advisors, and accreditation coordinators. For those interested in university job types, faculty roles often involve curriculum development tied to Michigan's economy, such as logistics given Grand Rapids' proximity to major distribution centers.
To fully understand jobs at Davenport College of Business, Grand Rapids, key terms include:
For faculty jobs at Davenport College of Business, Grand Rapids, a terminal degree is standard: PhD or DBA in business-related fields for tenure-track roles. Master's degrees (e.g., MBA) qualify for adjunct or lecturer positions. Administrative jobs may require a master's plus professional certifications like CPA (Certified Public Accountant) for accounting directors or SHRM-CP for HR roles.
Teaching experience at the college level is essential, often 3+ years, with preference for those holding AACSB or ACBSP familiarity. In Michigan's competitive higher ed market, qualifications align with regional needs, such as expertise in sustainable business practices amid Grand Rapids' green initiatives.
Research at Davenport emphasizes applied business studies relevant to the Midwest economy. Key areas include entrepreneurial ecosystems in Michigan, supply chain resilience post-COVID, and fintech innovations. Faculty are encouraged to publish in practitioner-oriented journals and secure grants from local foundations like the Frey Foundation.
Expertise in data analytics tools (e.g., Tableau, Python for business) or healthcare management, given Grand Rapids' Spectrum Health hub, stands out. For more on thriving in research roles, see advice on postdoctoral success.
Preferred candidates bring 5+ years of industry experience, such as corporate management or consulting, alongside academic publications (3-5 peer-reviewed articles). Grant-writing success, curriculum redesign, and student mentoring records boost applications. Experience with online teaching platforms like D2L is highly valued at this hybrid-focused campus.
Core skills include strong communication for engaging diverse student bodies, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems (e.g., SAP), and adaptability to active learning pedagogies. Competencies like ethical decision-making, team collaboration, and cultural competence support the college's global business curriculum.
Soft skills such as empathy aid in supporting non-traditional students common at Davenport.
The application process starts on Davenport University's careers site: submit a tailored CV, cover letter addressing teaching philosophy, transcripts, and references. Interviews involve teaching demos and panel discussions. Tips:
Applications peak in spring for fall hires; persistence pays off in competitive fields like lecturer jobs.
Davenport College of Business, Grand Rapids, advances diversity through the Inclusive Excellence Framework, targeting underrepresented faculty hires (e.g., 30% goal by 2025). Initiatives include bias training, affinity groups for women and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) professionals, and partnerships with organizations like the Michigan Diversity Council. Scholarships like the Diversity Leadership Award support inclusive hiring, fostering a welcoming environment reflective of Grand Rapids' multicultural population.
The Grand Rapids campus promotes balance with flexible schedules, remote work options for admin, and generous PTO (20+ days annually). Faculty enjoy sabbaticals every 7 years and professional development stipends ($2,000/year). Campus life features fitness centers, cafes, and events like Business Innovation Week. Proximity to downtown Grand Rapids offers breweries, art museums (e.g., Frederik Meijer Gardens), and family-friendly outings, easing relocation for those new to Michigan. Wellness programs address burnout, with employee assistance for mental health.
Joining means impacting future leaders in a practical, student-centered setting. Competitive salaries ($75K-$110K for assistant professors), benefits like tuition remission, and growth opportunities abound. In Grand Rapids' booming economy (3% unemployment), roles connect academia to industry.
Jobs at Davenport College of Business, Grand Rapids, blend rewarding teaching with professional growth in Michigan's heartland. Explore openings via higher ed jobs, prepare with higher ed career advice, or browse university jobs. Institutions like Davenport seek dedicated talent—post a job if hiring.
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