DeSales University, located in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, offers a range of rewarding career opportunities in higher education. Nestled in the picturesque Lehigh Valley, this private Catholic institution emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community service, rooted in the traditions of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. Jobs at DeSales University span faculty positions, administrative roles, and support staff, attracting professionals passionate about teaching, research, and service.
With around 3,000 students, DeSales maintains small class sizes, fostering close-knit learning environments ideal for educators. Popular fields include physician assistant studies (ranked among the top in the nation), theatre and dance, nursing, business, and criminal justice. Whether you're seeking faculty jobs or administrative positions, DeSales provides a supportive setting where your contributions impact students directly.
Founded in 1964 by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, DeSales University began as Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales before evolving into a full university in 2001. Its mission integrates liberal arts with professional preparation, guided by five core values: Christian anthropology, community, schools as communities of learning, preferential option for the poor, and paschal mystery. These principles shape the workplace culture, making jobs at DeSales University appealing for those aligned with Catholic higher education.
The 480-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities like the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts and the Priscilla Payne Hurd Science Center, enhancing roles in creative and scientific fields. Historically, DeSales has grown from a commuter college to a residential university with graduate programs, creating diverse job openings over the decades.
DeSales University posts various openings tailored to its academic strengths. Faculty jobs include tenure-track assistant professors in departments like Physician Assistant, Nursing, and Theatre. For example, recent hires have focused on dance faculty with MFA credentials. Administrative roles cover admissions counselors, academic advisors, and HR specialists, while staff positions include IT support and facilities management.
Part-time opportunities abound, such as adjunct instructors in business or criminal justice. Learn more about university job types to understand lecturer versus professor distinctions. Specialized roles in TV/film production leverage the university's Act 1 Studios, offering hands-on media jobs.
Securing jobs at DeSales University demands specific academic and professional credentials. For tenure-track faculty, a PhD or equivalent terminal degree (e.g., DNP for nursing, EdD for education) in the relevant field is standard. Research focus varies: health sciences prioritize clinical experience and grants, while theatre roles value professional productions.
Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and teaching portfolios. Skills and competencies emphasize interpersonal abilities, cultural sensitivity, and tech proficiency like learning management systems (e.g., Desire2Learn).
Entry-level faculty typically hold a master's minimum, but PhD/terminal degree preferred. Administrative roles require bachelor's plus experience; executive positions like dean seek doctorates.
Align with DeSales strengths: evidence-based practice in PA studies, ethical leadership in business, or innovative choreography in dance.
3-5 years teaching, funded research, or industry tenure. For staff, higher ed experience boosts candidacy.
Key terms for jobs at DeSales University:
The application process starts on the DeSales HR portal (desales.edu/hr). Submit a tailored cover letter addressing mission fit, CV highlighting teaching loads, transcripts, and three references. Interviews often include teaching demos and mission discussions.
Tip: Highlight service to underserved via academic CV tips.
DeSales fosters an inclusive environment through the Office of Multicultural Affairs, offering programming like Hispanic Heritage Month events and LGBTQ+ ally training. The 2023-2028 Strategic Plan prioritizes equity, with faculty hires reflecting diverse backgrounds (e.g., 25% underrepresented minorities). Affinity groups and bias training support all employees, aligning with Catholic social teaching on human dignity.
DeSales promotes balance with flexible schedules, generous PTO (20+ days/year for faculty), and an Employee Assistance Program covering counseling. Campus life buzzes with free access to theatre productions, athletic events (Bulldogs compete in MAC Freedom), and spiritual retreats. Lehigh Valley offers hiking in nearby parks, proximity to Philadelphia (1 hour), and family-friendly amenities. Wellness centers provide fitness classes; summer hours ease schedules. Employees rave about collaborative culture and low burnout rates.
Beyond competitive salaries (assistant prof ~$70K-$85K), benefits include tuition remission for dependents, retirement matching, and professional development grants. Proximity to economic hubs like Allentown supports dual-career families. For researchers, collaborations with regional hospitals enhance impact.
Read advice on employer branding in higher ed or becoming a lecturer.
Jobs at DeSales University blend academic rigor with compassionate service. Explore openings via higher ed jobs, prepare with higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post yours at post a job. Pennsylvania's vibrant Lehigh Valley awaits your contributions.
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