Dominican University, often abbreviated as DU, is a private Catholic liberal arts university located in River Forest, Illinois, just minutes from Chicago. Founded in 1901 by the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters, it has grown into a vibrant institution serving over 3,000 students with undergraduate and graduate programs. The university emphasizes academic excellence, social justice, and community engagement, rooted in Dominican values of truth, study, prayer, and service. Jobs at Dominican University span faculty, staff, and administrative roles, attracting professionals passionate about higher education in a supportive environment.
River Forest provides an ideal setting for careers here, offering a suburban feel with easy access to Chicago's cultural and professional opportunities. Whether you're seeking faculty positions at Dominican University or support roles, the institution values contributors who align with its mission to educate ethical leaders.
Dominican University's history dates back to 1901 when it opened as a women's college named Rosary College. It became coeducational in 1970 and adopted its current name in 1997. Over the decades, it has expanded its offerings, including the Brennan School of Business and the Borra College of Health Sciences. This evolution has shaped its job market, with a focus on interdisciplinary teaching and research.
Faculty hiring at DU has always prioritized mission fit, with recent emphases on digital humanities and sustainability studies. The university's location in Illinois enhances job appeal, drawing talent from nearby urban centers for roles in higher ed faculty jobs.
Dominican University offers diverse opportunities, from tenure-track professor positions to adjunct lecturer roles and administrative posts. Common categories include:
For a deeper dive into university job types, including postdoc and research positions, explore available categories. Many roles emphasize teaching loads of 12 credits per semester alongside scholarship.
To understand jobs at Dominican University fully, key terms include:
Faculty positions generally demand a PhD or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant discipline. For example, a philosophy role requires a PhD in philosophy, while nursing faculty need a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Master's degrees suffice for some adjunct or staff roles, but advanced credentials boost competitiveness.
Administrative jobs, like director of admissions, often require a master's in higher education administration plus 5+ years of experience. These qualifications ensure candidates contribute to DU's rigorous academic standards.
DU prioritizes research in areas like Dominican studies, food studies, and gender studies. Expertise in community-based research or Latin American studies aligns with its diverse student body, 40% of whom are Hispanic. Grants from sources like the National Endowment for the Humanities support faculty projects, favoring those with publication records.
Interdisciplinary work, such as combining data analytics with social justice, is encouraged, reflecting the university's emphasis on real-world impact.
Employers seek candidates with 3-5 years of teaching experience, peer-reviewed publications, and grant-writing success. For instance, business faculty benefit from industry experience, while education roles value K-12 teaching backgrounds. Mentoring diverse students is a plus, given DU's first-generation college student population.
Essential skills include strong communication, cultural humility, and tech proficiency (e.g., Canvas LMS). Competencies like collaborative leadership and student-centered pedagogy are vital. For research roles, statistical analysis tools like SPSS are valued.
To apply for jobs at Dominican University, visit the careers page on their website, create an account, and submit required documents: cover letter, CV, transcripts, diversity statement, and three references. Interviews often include teaching demos and mission-fit discussions.
Actionable tips:
Review how to write a winning academic CV for edge.
Dominican University champions diversity through the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, hosting annual MLK celebrations and Latinx Heritage Month events. The Amate House program pairs faculty with community service, promoting inclusive hiring. Over 50% of faculty identify as women, with targeted recruitment for underrepresented groups via partnerships like the CIC consortium.
DU supports balance with 35-hour workweeks for staff, sabbaticals for faculty every 7 years, and EAP counseling. Campus life features a modern library, fitness center, and proximity to Chicago's O'Hare Airport. River Forest's tree-lined streets offer a peaceful commute, with events like Starving Artists fair fostering community. Parental leave policies exceed state minimums, aiding family-friendly careers.
With competitive salaries (assistant professors around $70K-$80K), professional development funds, and a low 11:1 student-faculty ratio, DU offers fulfilling roles. Its location in Illinois positions it near research hubs like Argonne National Lab.
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