College of St. Benedict (CSB) and St. John's University (SJU) form a unique partnership of two independent, Catholic, Benedictine liberal arts colleges in central Minnesota. Founded in 1857, SJU is the older institution, established by Benedictine monks, while CSB began in 1913 to educate women. Together, they enroll around 5,500 undergraduates, offering co-educational classes and cross-registration while maintaining single-sex residential environments. This model fosters a supportive community rooted in Benedictine values of hospitality, stewardship, and community living.
Located on picturesque campuses amid lakes and woods—SJU's 2,700-acre arboretum in Collegeville and CSB's adjacent site in St. Joseph—the universities emphasize holistic education. Academic programs span 50+ majors, with strengths in theology, biology, business, nursing, and environmental science. Jobs at College of St. Benedict and St. John's University attract professionals passionate about undergraduate teaching, research mentorship, and faith-integrated learning. The institutions prioritize faculty who embody the motto "Ora et Labora" (pray and work), blending scholarship with spiritual growth.
Employment here means contributing to a vibrant academic community where faculty and staff shape future leaders. With a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, roles focus on personalized instruction rather than large lectures. Recent hires include experts in sustainable agriculture and digital humanities, reflecting evolving liberal arts needs.
Jobs at College of St. Benedict and St. John's University encompass faculty, administrative, and support positions. Tenure-track professors teach 20-24 credits per year, advise students, and conduct research. Adjunct roles offer flexibility for part-time teaching. Administrative jobs include deans, admissions officers, and HR specialists. For a full list of university job types, explore our dedicated page.
Current openings often appear in nursing, education, and monastic studies, aligning with regional demands. Check higher ed faculty jobs or administration jobs for similar listings.
To secure jobs at College of St. Benedict and St. John's University, candidates need field-specific credentials. Faculty positions demand a PhD or equivalent terminal degree (e.g., DMA for music, JD for law-related roles). Master's holders may qualify for adjunct or lecturer spots. Research focus should match departmental needs, such as Catholic theology, ecology, or peace studies—areas bolstered by the Benedictine heritage.
Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (3-5 for assistant professors), grant funding (e.g., from NSF or Lilly Endowment), and teaching portfolios demonstrating student engagement. Skills and competencies prioritize:
Administrative roles require 5+ years in higher ed, often with an advanced degree. Learn to craft a standout academic CV for competitive edges.
Tenure-track position: A faculty role leading to permanent employment after probationary review, typically 6 years, based on teaching, research, and service.
Benedictine values: Principles from St. Benedict's Rule emphasizing balance, humility, stability, and community in daily work and prayer.
Liberal arts education: Broad curriculum developing critical thinking, communication, and ethical reasoning across humanities, sciences, and arts.
Cross-registration: Students enrolling in classes at the partner institution, unique to CSB/SJU's model.
Applying for jobs at College of St. Benedict and St. John's University involves these steps:
Tips: Highlight Benedictine alignment—volunteer work or faith experience. Customize for single-sex dynamics. Network at higher ed career advice events. Use our free resume template and cover letter template. Avoid generic apps; reference specific programs like SJU's forestry major.
CSB/SJU actively advances diversity through the Mosaic program, recruiting underrepresented faculty and students. Initiatives include bias training, affinity groups for BIPOC staff, and the Women's Resource Center. In 2023, 25% of new hires were from diverse backgrounds, exceeding peers. The Gandhi King Ikeda Institute promotes global peace studies, fostering inclusive dialogue. Equal opportunity employer policies ensure accessibility, with support for veterans and first-gen professionals.
Campus life at CSB/SJU enhances work-life balance with arboretum trails, liturgies, and events like the Hilltop Jam music fest. Faculty enjoy sabbaticals every 6 years, 4-day teaching weeks, and tuition benefits for dependents. Minnesota's four seasons offer outdoor pursuits—skiing, kayaking—nearby. Staff wellness includes EAP counseling and fitness centers. Community meals and retreats build bonds, reducing burnout. Reviews praise supportive colleagues and low-cost living (housing stipends available).
Joining CSB/SJU means impactful work in a values-driven setting. With salaries competitive for liberal arts (assistant prof ~$70K-$85K), plus benefits like 403(b) matching. Explore professor salaries or university salaries for benchmarks. For lecturer paths, see become a university lecturer. Research roles align with postdoc success tips.
Ready to apply? Visit higher ed jobs, university jobs, or higher ed career advice. Institutions post on recruitment platforms like ours. For post a job if hiring.
