Butler University, located in the heart of Indianapolis, Indiana, stands as a premier private institution offering a wide array of career opportunities in higher education. Founded in 1855, this university has grown into a vibrant community of scholars, educators, and professionals dedicated to fostering excellence in teaching, research, and service. Jobs at Butler University span faculty positions, administrative roles, research support, and staff opportunities across its six colleges: the Lacy School of Business, Jordan College of the Arts, College of Communication, College of Education, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Whether you're seeking tenure-track faculty jobs, adjunct teaching roles, or administrative positions, Butler emphasizes a student-centered approach where employees contribute to innovative programs and a close-knit campus culture. The university's location in Indianapolis provides access to a dynamic city known for its arts scene, professional sports, and economic hub status, enhancing the appeal of working here. With an enrollment of approximately 5,400 students, Butler maintains small class sizes and personalized mentorship, making it an ideal place for those passionate about undergraduate education.
Careers at Butler are not just jobs; they are pathways to impact lives through rigorous academics and community engagement. The institution prides itself on balancing rigorous scholarship with practical application, particularly in fields like pharmacy, where its program ranks among the top nationally, and performing arts, home to the renowned Butler Ballet.
Established as North Western Christian University by abolitionist Ovid Butler, the university adopted its current name in 1877 to honor its founder. Over the decades, Butler has evolved from a liberal arts college into a comprehensive university while retaining its commitment to the liberal arts foundation. Key milestones include the construction of iconic Hinkle Fieldhouse in 1928, a National Historic Landmark that hosted the 2010 and 2011 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship games, spotlighting Butler's athletic prominence.
This rich history informs its hiring practices, seeking candidates who align with values of integrity, inquiry, and inclusivity. Jobs at Butler University often involve contributing to traditions like the Butler Way, a philosophy emphasizing humility, hunger, and heart in all endeavors. Understanding this context is crucial for applicants, as it shapes the collaborative environment where faculty and staff thrive.
Butler University recruits for diverse roles tailored to its academic mission. Faculty positions include assistant, associate, and full professors in disciplines ranging from biology to music therapy. For instance, the College of Pharmacy seeks experts in pharmacogenomics, while the Lacy School of Business hires for finance and entrepreneurship tracks.
Non-tenure-track opportunities abound, such as visiting professors and lecturers, ideal for those building portfolios. Research-focused roles like postdoctoral fellows and research assistants support grants in health sciences and environmental studies. Administrative jobs cover areas like student affairs, where professionals manage residence life, and advancement, handling alumni relations.
Staff positions in facilities, IT, and human resources ensure smooth operations. For a deeper dive into university job types, these roles exemplify the breadth in higher education. Adjunct faculty, often part-time, teach specialized courses, requiring flexibility and expertise. Explore listings on platforms like higher ed jobs boards for current openings.
To fully grasp opportunities at Butler University, key terms include:
Securing jobs at Butler University demands specific credentials tailored to the role. For faculty positions, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field is standard, such as a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) for health sciences roles. Research focus varies: the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences prioritizes interdisciplinary projects in neuroscience or digital humanities, while business roles emphasize experiential learning and industry partnerships.
Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications—aim for 3-5 for assistant professor applications—and securing grants from bodies like the National Science Foundation. Teaching experience, often demonstrated via syllabi or student evaluations, is critical given Butler's low student-faculty ratio of 11:1.
Essential skills and competencies encompass strong communication for mentoring undergraduates, data analysis proficiency (e.g., SPSS for social sciences), and adaptability to hybrid teaching models post-pandemic. For administrative roles, competencies in strategic planning and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software are valued. These align with Butler's emphasis on innovative pedagogy and community service.
The application process begins with identifying openings via Butler's careers site or aggregators like university jobs on AcademicJobs.com. Submit a tailored CV, cover letter, teaching philosophy statement, research agenda, and three references. Deadlines cluster in fall for next academic year starts.
Actionable tips:
Review how to write a winning academic CV for edge. The process may span 4-6 months, culminating in campus visits.
Butler University actively advances diversity through the Office of Institutional Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Initiatives include the Diversity University Fellows program mentoring underrepresented junior faculty, and the Intercultural Awareness Certificate for staff training. Recruitment efforts target HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) conferences and partnerships with organizations like the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education.
Specific examples: the 2023 launch of affinity groups for LGBTQ+ employees and first-generation professionals, plus scholarships for diverse student workers transitioning to staff roles. These foster an inclusive environment where 28% of faculty identify as underrepresented minorities, surpassing national averages for similar institutions.
Butler prioritizes employee well-being with generous PTO (paid time off)—up to 22 days annually—flexible work arrangements, and on-site childcare subsidies. Wellness programs feature free gym access, mental health days, and EAP (Employee Assistance Program) counseling.
Campus life buzzes with events: Bulldog basketball games at Hinkle Fieldhouse draw national crowds, while the Fall Arts Festival showcases Jordan College performances. Proximity to Indianapolis offers dining at Mass Ave, cultural visits to the Children's Museum, and professional networking via Indy Chamber. Faculty development includes sabbaticals every seven years and travel funds for conferences. This blend creates a fulfilling, balanced lifestyle amid a safe, tree-lined 290-acre campus.
Butler attracts talent with competitive salaries (e.g., $80,000 median for assistant professors), tuition remission covering 90% for dependents, and retirement matching up to 10%. Its R2 Carnegie classification signals growing research stature. Employees contribute to real impact, like pharmacy grads achieving 95% first-time NAPLEX pass rates.
In summary, jobs at Butler University offer professional growth in a supportive, dynamic setting. Search higher ed jobs, explore higher ed career advice, check university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. For strategies, read employer branding secrets and become a university lecturer guides.
