Dickinson College, located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, stands as one of the oldest liberal arts colleges in the United States, offering a distinctive environment for academic professionals. Founded in 1783, it emphasizes undergraduate education through small class sizes, interdisciplinary approaches, and a commitment to global engagement. Jobs at Dickinson College span faculty positions across humanities, sciences, and social sciences, as well as administrative and support roles that contribute to its vibrant campus community. The college's location in historic Carlisle provides a blend of small-town charm and proximity to major cities like Harrisburg and Philadelphia, making it an appealing spot for those seeking meaningful careers in higher education.
For job seekers interested in higher ed jobs, Dickinson represents an opportunity to join a selective institution ranked among the top liberal arts colleges, where faculty often balance teaching, research, and service. With around 2,100 students, the student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1 fosters close mentorship, a key aspect of roles here.
Dickinson College traces its roots to Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, who envisioned an institution blending classical education with practical sciences. Chartered in 1783, it has evolved into a leader in liberal arts education, with a mission centered on intellectual discovery, ethical leadership, and civic engagement. This heritage influences jobs at Dickinson College, prioritizing faculty who can inspire students in a residential liberal arts setting.
The college's commitment to sustainability and global studies shapes hiring, with initiatives like the Center for Global Study and Engagement creating roles in international education and environmental research. Understanding this context helps candidates tailor applications to highlight alignment with Dickinson's values.
Dickinson College offers over 50 majors, with strengths in international business & management, neuroscience, and environmental science. Departments like English, Biology, and Political Science frequently post faculty openings. Jobs here often involve innovative teaching, such as first-year seminars and off-campus study programs in over 40 countries.
Administrative positions support academic affairs, including roles in the library's digital humanities lab or the farm-based sustainability institute. Explore university job types to see how these fit into broader higher education categories like professor jobs or lecturer jobs.
To fully grasp opportunities at Dickinson College, key terms include:
Jobs at Dickinson College demand rigorous qualifications tailored to its liberal arts model. For faculty roles, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in the relevant field is typically required, such as a PhD in History for humanities positions or a PhD in Chemistry for sciences.
Research focus emphasizes undergraduate-accessible scholarship, often interdisciplinary, like combining environmental studies with policy analysis. Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (e.g., journal articles), successful grant applications (such as from the National Science Foundation), and demonstrated teaching excellence through student evaluations or syllabi.
Key skills and competencies encompass strong communication for seminar-style teaching, adaptability for team-taught courses, and digital literacy for tools like learning management systems. Administrative jobs may require a master's degree plus experience in higher ed operations.
Learn more about preparing via excelling in research roles or becoming a lecturer.
The application process for jobs at Dickinson College begins with monitoring their careers page and platforms like AcademicJobs.com university jobs. Submit a cover letter addressing the job ad, a current CV, statements on teaching philosophy and diversity, three references, and a writing sample.
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Utilize free resources like our free resume template and cover letter template to stand out.
Dickinson College actively advances diversity through the President's Diversity Council, which oversees hiring practices ensuring underrepresented candidates are considered. Specific examples include the Africana Studies program, LGBTQ+ faculty mentoring, and the Women's and Gender Studies initiative supporting inclusive curricula.
The college partners with HERC (Higher Education Recruitment Consortium) for diverse talent pipelines and offers unconscious bias training. In 2023, over 40% of new hires were from underrepresented groups, reflecting commitment to an equitable workplace.
Work-life balance at Dickinson College is supported by a four-week winter break, generous sabbaticals after tenure, and flexible summer schedules for research. Faculty benefit from on-campus childcare, fitness centers, and counseling services.
Campus life in Carlisle thrives with events like the All-College Convocation, farm-to-table dining from the college's organic farm, and trails for hiking. Proximity to Gettysburg and state parks enhances quality of life. The collegial atmosphere includes faculty-student collaborations and governance roles on committees.
Employee testimonials highlight the supportive community, with wellness days and family-friendly policies aiding retention.
Competitive salaries average $85,000-$110,000 for assistant professors, per AAUP data, with full benefits including TIAA retirement matching, health coverage, and tuition exchange for dependents at other schools.
Professional development funds up to $3,000 annually support conferences and grants. Tenure-track paths offer stability, while staff roles provide advancement to leadership.
Search current openings on AcademicJobs.com under higher ed faculty jobs or administration jobs. For broader opportunities, explore Ivy League schools or research jobs.
In summary, jobs at Dickinson College offer rewarding paths in a historic, innovative setting. Ready to apply? Visit higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post your opening via recruitment services on AcademicJobs.com.
