Denison University, located in the charming village of Granville, Ohio, stands as a beacon of liberal arts education in the United States. Founded in 1831 by the Ohio Baptist Education Society, it has evolved into a non-sectarian institution emphasizing undergraduate teaching and learning. With approximately 2,300 students, Denison offers a close-knit community where faculty and staff play pivotal roles in shaping future leaders. Jobs at Denison University attract professionals passionate about fostering intellectual growth in a residential liberal arts setting.
The campus spans 850 acres of rolling hills, providing a picturesque environment that enhances campus life. Denison's commitment to experiential learning, global engagement, and interdisciplinary studies makes it an appealing employer for those seeking meaningful careers in higher education.
Jobs at Denison University encompass a variety of roles tailored to its liberal arts mission. Faculty positions dominate, including tenure-track professors in departments like English, Biology, Economics, and Psychology. These roles focus on teaching small classes, mentoring students, and contributing to curriculum development. Visiting assistant professors and lecturers fill temporary needs, often leading to full-time opportunities.
Administrative positions include directors of admissions, student affairs coordinators, and HR specialists. Support staff roles in facilities, IT, and library services ensure smooth operations. For a deeper dive into university job types, explore our dedicated resource. Research assistant jobs, though less common due to the undergraduate focus, arise in labs emphasizing student involvement.
To secure faculty jobs at Denison University, candidates typically need a PhD in their relevant field from an accredited institution. For example, a position in the Neuroscience department requires a doctorate in neuroscience, biology, or psychology. Master's degrees suffice for lecturer roles, particularly in performing arts or languages.
Administrative jobs demand bachelor's degrees minimum, with advanced degrees preferred for leadership roles like dean of students. Experience in higher education administration bolsters applications.
Denison prioritizes teaching but supports faculty research integrated with undergraduate involvement. Key areas include environmental science, data analytics, and global health. Expertise in interdisciplinary approaches, such as combining economics with environmental policy, aligns with the university's centers like the Center for Data Analytics.
Candidates should demonstrate a research agenda that involves students, such as collaborative projects published in peer-reviewed journals. Grants from NSF or private foundations enhance competitiveness.
Preferred experience includes 2-5 years of teaching at liberal arts colleges, peer-reviewed publications (3+ for assistant professors), and grant funding. Skills encompass strong pedagogical methods, mentorship, and committee service.
Competencies like cultural humility, data analysis proficiency, and communication are vital. For admin roles, experience with student information systems (SIS) and CRM tools is advantageous.
Tenure-track position: A faculty role leading to permanent employment after review, typically 6-7 years, based on teaching, research, and service.
Liberal arts college: An institution focusing on broad undergraduate education in humanities, sciences, and social sciences, emphasizing critical thinking over specialization.
Sabbatical: Paid leave for faculty to pursue research or professional development, usually every 6-7 years at Denison.
Interfolio: Online platform for academic job applications, used by Denison for dossier submission.
The application process begins with checking Denison's career portal or higher ed jobs listings. Submit via Interfolio: cover letter addressing fit with liberal arts mission, CV, teaching philosophy (1-2 pages), research statement, and 3 letters of recommendation.
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Denison University champions diversity through the President's Diversity Council, which oversees hiring equity. Initiatives include the ALL In residential community for first-gen students, LGBTQ+ support via the Queer Resource Center, and faculty development workshops on inclusive teaching. In 2023, 25% of new hires were from underrepresented groups. The university partners with employer branding strategies to attract diverse talent.
Denison fosters work-life balance with 35-hour workweeks for staff, generous PTO (20+ days), and parental leave. Faculty enjoy sabbaticals and summer flexibility. Campus life thrives with events like Hilltoppers Weekend, athletic games (Big Red teams), and proximity to Columbus (30 minutes) for urban escapes. Granville offers a quaint downtown with shops and trails. Wellness programs include gym access and counseling. Employees praise the collaborative culture and family-like atmosphere.
Student engagement enriches roles; faculty advise clubs, coach intramurals, and lead study abroad to 50+ countries. Denison's academic calendar supports balanced semesters.
Denison combines rigorous academics with a supportive environment, ideal for career growth. Recent rankings place it top 20 liberal arts colleges by U.S. News. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com to connect with opportunities like those at Denison.
