Bennington College, located in the scenic hills of Bennington, Vermont, stands as a beacon of progressive higher education in the United States. Founded in 1932, this private liberal arts college has pioneered a unique educational model centered on student autonomy and interdisciplinary exploration. With an enrollment of approximately 800 undergraduates, Bennington fosters intimate learning environments where faculty and students collaborate closely. The college's Plan process—where students design their own curriculum in consultation with advisors—defines its approach, making jobs at Bennington College particularly appealing for educators passionate about innovative teaching.
Jobs at Bennington College span faculty, administrative, and support roles, reflecting its commitment to arts, humanities, sciences, and social justice. Whether you're eyeing professor jobs or higher ed administration positions, the institution values creativity, collaboration, and a dedication to undergraduate mentorship. Salaries are competitive for liberal arts colleges, with assistant professors averaging $85,000-$95,000 annually, bolstered by comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition remission.
Careers at Bennington College are diverse, catering to academic professionals at various career stages. Tenure-track faculty positions dominate openings in departments like Visual Arts, Dance, Literature, Music, Drama, Science, and Social Sciences. These roles emphasize teaching excellence over heavy research loads, aligning with the college's teaching-focused mission. Visiting lecturer jobs and adjunct professor jobs provide entry points for emerging scholars.
Administrative jobs include roles in admissions, financial aid, student life, and facilities management. For instance, positions like Director of Institutional Research or Coordinator of Diversity Initiatives require expertise in data analysis and equity programming. Staff opportunities in IT, library services, and athletics support the campus's vibrant community. Learn more about university job types available across institutions like this.
To secure faculty jobs at Bennington College, candidates typically need a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or equivalent terminal degree, such as an MFA (Master of Fine Arts) for arts faculty. For example, a position in Literature might require a PhD in English with a focus on contemporary poetry or postcolonial studies.
Research focus should align with Bennington's interdisciplinary ethos—think projects bridging dance and environmental science or music and technology. Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (e.g., in journals like PMLA), securing grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, and teaching diverse student bodies.
Essential skills and competencies encompass:
Administrative roles demand a bachelor's degree minimum, often with master's preferred, plus proficiency in tools like Slate for admissions or Ellucian for student records.
Key terms for jobs at Bennington College include:
The application process for jobs at Bennington College begins on their official careers page, where postings detail requirements. Submit a cover letter addressing your fit with the Plan model, CV (curriculum vitae—a comprehensive academic resume), teaching statement, diversity statement, and three references. Interviews often include teaching demonstrations and campus visits.
Actionable tips:
Deadlines vary; tenure-track searches peak in fall. Prepare for questions on fostering student agency.
Bennington College actively pursues diversity through targeted hiring and programs. The Office of Institutional Diversity recruits underrepresented candidates via partnerships with HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and LGBTQ+ networks. Specific examples include the 2023 launch of the Inclusive Excellence Faculty Fellowship, funding diverse hires, and mandatory bias training for search committees.
Affinity groups like the Queer Faculty/Staff Network and annual Equity Summits promote belonging. In 2022, 45% of new hires were from underrepresented groups, exceeding national liberal arts averages. These efforts ensure jobs at Bennington College contribute to an equitable community.
Bennington's 600-acre campus in Vermont's Green Mountains offers exceptional work-life balance. Faculty enjoy a 2/2 teaching load (two courses per term), ample research time, and sabbaticals every seventh year. Wellness perks include free yoga, hiking trails, and mental health days.
Campus life buzzes with art performances, literary readings, and community potlucks. Rural location means low commute times, but Burlington (1 hour away) provides urban amenities. Employees rave about collaborative culture—think faculty-student potlucks—and family-friendly policies like parental leave. Bennington ranks high in faculty satisfaction surveys for its supportive environment amid stunning fall foliage.
Challenges include Vermont winters, mitigated by remote work options during storms and heated facilities.
Bennington attracts those seeking transformative higher ed careers. Its alumni include notable figures like Peter Dinklage and Holly Black, underscoring impact. Amid shifting employer branding trends, Bennington excels in attracting talent via authentic culture.
For Vermont-specific opportunities, explore jobs in Vermont. Compare with higher ed faculty jobs or lecturer jobs elsewhere.
In summary, jobs at Bennington College offer intellectual freedom in a nurturing setting. Ready to apply? Check higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, and consider posting a job if recruiting.
