Carlow University, located in the vibrant Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offers a compelling array of jobs for academics, administrators, and support staff. Nestled in the heart of the Steel City's university district—home to giants like the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon—Carlow provides a unique environment blending Catholic Franciscan traditions with modern higher education. Founded in 1929 by the Sisters of Mercy as a women's college, it transitioned to co-educational status and became a university in 2004. With around 2,200 students, Carlow emphasizes small class sizes, personalized mentoring, and a commitment to social justice, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about transformative education.
Jobs at Carlow University span faculty positions in health sciences (particularly nursing), education, business administration, arts and letters, and psychology. Administrative roles in student affairs, advancement, and operations are also common, alongside research and clinical positions. The university's focus on ethical leadership and community engagement attracts professionals seeking meaningful careers. Pittsburgh's lower cost of living compared to coastal cities, combined with cultural amenities like museums, sports teams, and riverside parks, enhances the appeal of these opportunities.
Understanding the history of Carlow University illuminates why jobs here stand out. Established during the Great Depression by the Sisters of Mercy, Carlow began as a teacher-training institution for women, evolving into a comprehensive liberal arts university. Its Franciscan heritage instills values of compassion, service, and environmental stewardship, which permeate job responsibilities—from curriculum design to community outreach programs.
Today, this mission translates to roles that encourage faculty to integrate real-world service learning. For instance, nursing faculty often lead clinics serving underserved Pittsburgh populations, while education professors develop innovative teacher preparation amid Pennsylvania's evolving standards. This context fosters a workplace where employees contribute to societal good, aligning personal values with professional duties.
Carlow University's programs drive its job market. The Ruth S. Ammon School of Arts & Letters offers majors in English, communication, and theology. The School of Education prepares future teachers for Pennsylvania certification. Business and technology programs emphasize entrepreneurship, while the School of Nursing—accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education—boasts high NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships with UPMC and Allegheny Health Network.
Psychology and social work departments focus on mental health and counseling. These areas frequently post openings for professor jobs, lecturer jobs, and support roles. Explore university job types to understand tenure-track versus non-tenure positions common here.
To clarify terms encountered in higher education job postings at Carlow University:
Securing jobs at Carlow University demands specific credentials. Faculty roles typically require a PhD, EdD, or equivalent terminal degree in the discipline. For nursing, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD in Nursing, plus active RN licensure and clinical hours, are standard.
Research focus aligns with Carlow's priorities: community health disparities in Pittsburgh's urban setting, inclusive pedagogy, ethical business practices, and Franciscan ecology. Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (e.g., in Journal of Nursing Scholarship), grant funding from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and teaching diverse student bodies.
Essential skills and competencies:
Administrative jobs seek master's degrees, project management experience, and familiarity with higher ed software like Banner.
The application process for jobs at Carlow University begins with monitoring the university's HR site and platforms like higher ed jobs on AcademicJobs.com. Submit a CV, cover letter, transcripts, and references via Interfolio or email.
Recent hires note emphasizing Pittsburgh ties and student-centered approaches boosts chances. Background checks and references are thorough.
Carlow University champions diversity rooted in its Mercy sponsorship. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion oversees programs like the Mosaic Scholars for underrepresented students and faculty development workshops on inclusive teaching. Women comprise 75% of faculty, reflecting empowerment focus. Initiatives include bias training, affinity groups for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC staff, and partnerships with Pittsburgh's Black Women's Educational Alliance. Job postings prioritize candidates advancing these goals, with metrics showing increased minority hires 20% since 2020.
Carlow fosters work-life balance through generous PTO (20+ days/year), parental leave, and flexible scheduling for faculty. The Employee Assistance Program offers counseling, and wellness perks include gym access and mindfulness sessions. Campus life buzzes with events like Mercyfest, speaker series, and athletic games (Division III basketball, soccer). Pittsburgh's location means easy access to PNC Park, Heinz Field, and the Andy Warhol Museum. Employees praise the collegial atmosphere, low student-faculty ratio (11:1), and green spaces like the Sisters of Mercy gardens. Hybrid options post-COVID support remote work for some roles.
In summary, jobs at Carlow University blend purpose-driven work with Pittsburgh's quality of life. Whether pursuing higher ed faculty jobs, administrative paths, or research roles, opportunities abound. For career advice, visit higher ed career advice; browse university jobs or post a job if recruiting. Stay informed on trends like employer branding in higher education to excel.
