Working at Cairn, your next career step!

🎓 Careers in Higher Education at Cairn University

Cairn University, located in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, stands as a beacon for those passionate about integrating faith with academic excellence. Jobs at Cairn University span faculty, administrative, and support roles, all centered around its mission to develop students who lead with biblical wisdom. Whether you're eyeing professor jobs or staff positions, opportunities here emphasize teaching, mentorship, and community impact. The university's 110-acre campus near Philadelphia offers a serene yet accessible setting for professionals in higher education.

Founded in 1913 as the Laverack School of Business, it evolved into Philadelphia Biblical University before adopting its current name in 2012. Today, with around 1,200 students, Cairn focuses on undergraduate and graduate programs across schools like Divinity, Business and Leadership, Education, and Science and Technology. This structure creates diverse job openings tailored to experts in these fields.

📜 A Brief History of Cairn University

Understanding the history of Cairn University provides context for its job culture. Established amid early 20th-century evangelical movements, it began training business leaders with a Christian ethic. By the 1950s, it expanded into Bible college offerings, gaining accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in 1970. Key milestones include launching graduate programs in the 1990s and rebranding to reflect its broader scope.

This legacy shapes jobs at Cairn University, prioritizing hires who embrace its statement of faith and contribute to spiritual formation. Historical commitment to practical ministry preparation means roles often involve real-world application, from classroom instruction to community outreach.

🔍 Types of Jobs at Cairn University

Jobs at Cairn University include full-time tenure-track faculty, adjunct instructors, department chairs, deans, and administrative leaders. Faculty positions dominate in biblical studies, where professors teach theology and apologetics; education, focusing on teacher preparation; and business, emphasizing ethical leadership.

Staff roles cover admissions counselors, who recruit mission-aligned students; student life coordinators fostering spiritual growth; and IT specialists supporting online learning platforms. For a deeper dive into university job types, explore common categories across institutions.

• Faculty: Teach 12-15 credits per semester, advise students, publish scholarship.
• Adjuncts: Part-time teaching, often evenings or online.
• Administration: Oversee programs, manage budgets, lead accreditation efforts.
• Support: Facilities, library, athletics coaching with faith integration.

Recent openings have included roles like Assistant Professor of Biology and Director of Graduate Enrollment, reflecting growth in STEM and professional studies.

📚 Definitions

To navigate jobs at Cairn University, key terms include:

• Tenure-track position: A faculty role leading to permanent employment after review, typically requiring research and service.
• Statement of faith: A personal document affirming evangelical Christian beliefs, mandatory for applicants.
• Adjunct professor: Part-time instructor hired per course, without benefits like full-time roles.
• Terminal degree: The highest qualification in a field, e.g., PhD for humanities, DMA for music.
• Biblical worldview: Cairn's framework integrating Scripture into all disciplines.

✅ Required Qualifications and Expertise for Jobs at Cairn University

Securing jobs at Cairn University demands specific credentials. For faculty, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field is standard, such as a Doctor of Ministry for divinity roles or EdD (Doctor of Education) for education positions.

Research focus varies: divinity faculty emphasize biblical exegesis and theology; science roles prioritize lab-based inquiry with ethical considerations; business experts need expertise in nonprofit management or entrepreneurship.

Preferred experience includes 3-5 years of teaching, peer-reviewed publications (e.g., journal articles on faith integration), and grants from bodies like the Lilly Endowment, which supports religious higher ed.

Skills and competencies encompass:

• Strong communication for engaging diverse learners.
• Commitment to mentorship in a faith context.
• Proficiency in tools like Canvas LMS (Learning Management System) for hybrid teaching.
• Intercultural competence for Pennsylvania's student body.

Administrative jobs require bachelor's or master's plus 5+ years in higher ed, with leadership skills.

📋 Application Process and Tips

The application process for jobs at Cairn University starts on their careers page at cairn.edu. Submit a tailored CV, cover letter, statement of faith (1-2 pages), teaching philosophy, and three references. Interviews include campus visits with teaching demos and doctrinal exams.

Actionable tips:

1. Research Cairn's doctrinal statement; align your materials explicitly.
2. Quantify achievements: "Developed curriculum adopted by 80% of education majors."
3. Network via conferences like the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).
4. Prepare for faith questions; authenticity matters.
5. Use resources like how to write a winning academic CV or free resume template.

Timeline: Postings close after 30-60 days; follow up politely.

🌈 Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Cairn University fosters diversity within its evangelical framework. Initiatives include the Multicultural Student Union, supporting international and minority students, and hiring practices seeking underrepresented voices in faculty who affirm the faith statement. In 2022, they hosted diversity workshops and expanded scholarships for first-generation students. Efforts align with Pennsylvania's inclusive higher ed trends, emphasizing equity in admissions and retention.

⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

Cairn prioritizes holistic well-being. Employees benefit from generous PTO (20+ days/year), sabbaticals every 7 years for faculty, and family-friendly policies like parental leave. Campus life features weekly chapels, athletic events, and proximity to Bucks County trails for recreation. The small size (faculty-student ratio 1:15) reduces burnout, fostering deep relationships. Philadelphia's amenities—museums, dining—are 30 minutes away, balancing suburban peace with urban access. Wellness programs include counseling and fitness centers, reflecting biblical stewardship of self.

🚀 Why Pursue Jobs at Cairn University

Jobs at Cairn University appeal to those seeking purpose-driven work. Competitive salaries (e.g., $70,000 average for assistant professors), tuition remission for dependents, and retirement matching enhance appeal. In Langhorne's safe community, professionals impact lives eternally. For career advice, visit higher ed career advice or explore higher ed jobs.

In summary, whether faculty or admin, roles here blend vocation and faith. Check university jobs, higher ed jobs in faculty, or recruitment resources. Related insights: employer branding secrets and become a university lecturer.