Alvernia University, located in Reading, Pennsylvania, provides a variety of rewarding career opportunities in higher education for faculty, staff, and administrators. As a private Catholic institution rooted in the Franciscan tradition, jobs at Alvernia University emphasize service, community engagement, and academic excellence. The university serves around 2,800 students through undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, creating demand for positions in teaching, research, and support roles. Whether you are seeking faculty jobs at Alvernia University or administrative positions, the institution offers a supportive environment in the United States' mid-Atlantic region, close to Philadelphia and Allentown.
The employment landscape at Alvernia reflects its commitment to liberal arts education combined with professional programs like nursing, occupational therapy, and business administration. Prospective employees can expect roles that contribute to student success in a small, personalized setting. With its transition from Alvernia College to university status in 2008, the institution has expanded, increasing opportunities for higher ed jobs in dynamic fields.
Founded in 1958 by the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, Alvernia University began as a women's college focused on teacher education. It became coeducational in 1967 and achieved university status after significant growth in programs and facilities. This evolution has shaped jobs at Alvernia University, prioritizing roles that uphold Franciscan values of peace, justice, and respect for creation. Today, the 115-acre campus in Reading hosts positions that blend teaching with community service, such as faculty in social work who partner with local nonprofits.
The university's history influences hiring by valuing candidates who align with its mission. Long-term employees often highlight the stability and sense of purpose, with many staying for decades due to professional development opportunities funded by the institution.
Alvernia University offers over 50 majors, driving diverse job openings. Key departments include the School of Health and Natural Sciences, with high demand for nursing faculty due to its Doctor of Nursing Practice program. The School of Business, Communication, and the Arts seeks lecturers in marketing and digital media. Education and liberal arts roles focus on preparing teachers for Pennsylvania certification.
In sciences, positions in biology and athletic training support hands-on labs and NCAA Division III athletics. Graduate programs in occupational therapy and business administration require advanced faculty with clinical experience. Jobs at Alvernia University often involve interdisciplinary work, like combining faith and science in curriculum development.
Career opportunities span faculty, staff, and leadership. Tenure-track professors conduct research and teach, while adjunct professors handle part-time courses. Administrative jobs include deans, directors, and HR roles. Staff positions cover admissions, student services, and facilities. For a full list, explore university job types.
For faculty positions, a PhD or terminal degree (e.g., DNP for nursing, EdD for education) in the relevant field is standard. Bachelor's or master's degrees suffice for some staff roles, but advanced credentials enhance competitiveness. Pennsylvania teaching certification is needed for education jobs. All candidates must demonstrate alignment with Catholic Franciscan values through their application materials.
Entry-level roles like research assistants may require a master's, while executive positions demand 10+ years of higher ed experience.
🔬 Alvernia emphasizes applied research addressing regional needs in Reading and Berks County. Expertise in community health, social justice, and Franciscan studies is prized. Faculty in occupational therapy research rehabilitation techniques, while business professors study local entrepreneurship. Grants from sources like the National Science Foundation support projects, requiring skills in proposal writing.
Candidates with publications in peer-reviewed journals or experience in grant-funded work stand out, particularly for roles involving student mentorship in research.
Hiring prefers candidates with 3-5 years of teaching, publications (2-5 per dossier), and grant experience. Clinical practice is essential for health professions. Prior work at small liberal arts colleges or Catholic institutions is advantageous. Community engagement, like service in Pennsylvania nonprofits, aligns with the mission.
Leadership roles favor those with accreditation experience (e.g., CCNE for nursing) and team management.
Key skills include strong communication, curriculum design, and student advising. Technical competencies cover learning management systems like Canvas and data analysis for assessment. Soft skills emphasize empathy, cultural competence, and collaboration, reflecting Franciscan ideals. Digital literacy for hybrid teaching is increasingly important post-pandemic.
The process starts with online submission via the university portal: cover letter, CV, transcripts, references, and teaching philosophy. Interviews include campus visits with demos. Tips: Customize for Franciscan values; quantify achievements (e.g., 'Mentored 50 students to 95% retention'); network at conferences. Use free resume template and free cover letter template. Follow up promptly; prepare for faith-based questions.
🌍 Alvernia fosters inclusion through the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, offering bias training and affinity groups. The Multicultural Leadership Program supports underrepresented faculty. Hiring goals include diverse candidates, with partnerships like TRIO for first-gen students. Recent initiatives include scholarships for minority educators and inclusive hiring committees.
Employees benefit from generous PTO, tuition remission for dependents, and wellness programs like EAP counseling. The Reading campus features green spaces, fitness centers, and events such as Franciscan feasts. Proximity to urban amenities in Philadelphia balances suburban calm. Flexible hybrid options post-COVID support balance, with low cost of living in Pennsylvania enhancing affordability.
Campus life includes athletics events, cultural lectures, and community service, building camaraderie among 400+ staff.
Tenure-track: A faculty path leading to permanent employment after review, typically 5-7 years. Adjunct professor: Part-time instructor without tenure benefits. Franciscan tradition: Emphasizes poverty, humility, and service, guiding Alvernia's mission. Terminal degree: Highest qualification in a field, like PhD or professional doctorate.
Jobs at Alvernia University offer meaningful opportunities in a values-driven environment. Explore more in higher ed jobs, get advice from higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. With its focus on excellence in Reading, Pennsylvania, Alvernia stands out for dedicated professionals. Connect via about us or contact us.
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