Working at Drake, your next career step!

🎓 Overview of Drake University

Drake University, located in Des Moines, Iowa, stands as a premier private institution founded in 1881 by Congregationalist educator George T. Carpenter. With a rich history spanning over 140 years, it has evolved into a comprehensive university serving around 4,670 undergraduate and 1,470 graduate students. Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Drake offers a blend of liberal arts education and professional programs, making it an attractive employer for academics and professionals seeking jobs at Drake University.

The campus spans 30 acres in a residential neighborhood, featuring historic buildings alongside modern facilities like the Olmsted Center for student life and the new Cowles Library expansion. Drake's academic structure includes the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Public Administration, School of Education, School of Law, and College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. These divisions drive a dynamic job market, from faculty positions to administrative roles, all contributing to the university's mission of fostering intellectual growth and community impact.

Jobs at Drake University appeal to those passionate about higher education in a supportive environment. The institution emphasizes experiential learning, with opportunities in research, teaching, and service that align with Iowa's innovative spirit. Whether you're eyeing faculty jobs at Drake University or staff positions, the university's location in Des Moines provides access to a growing metro area known for its business hub status and quality of life.

Types of Jobs at Drake University

Drake University offers diverse employment opportunities tailored to higher education professionals. Common roles include tenure-track professors, who secure long-term positions after a probationary period involving research, teaching, and service; adjunct professors, part-time instructors bringing practical expertise to classrooms; and research assistants, supporting faculty-led projects. Administrative jobs at Drake University encompass roles in student affairs, HR (human resources), and executive leadership.

In the School of Law, positions like clinical professors focus on practical training, while the College of Pharmacy seeks experts in pharmacology. For a deeper dive into university job types, including lecturer jobs and professor jobs, prospective applicants can explore specialized categories. Research-oriented positions, such as postdoctoral fellows, are prevalent in health sciences, often requiring collaboration with local Des Moines hospitals.

Staff opportunities range from IT support to development officers, supporting the university's $300 million endowment. These jobs at Drake University emphasize community engagement, reflecting Iowa's collaborative culture.

Definitions

To ensure clarity for those new to academia, here are key terms related to jobs at Drake University:

• Tenure-track: A faculty position leading to tenure, a permanent appointment after demonstrating excellence in teaching, research, and service, typically over 5-7 years.
• Adjunct professor: Part-time teaching role without benefits or tenure path, ideal for professionals balancing external careers.
• Postdoctoral researcher (postdoc): Temporary position post-PhD for advanced research training, often grant-funded.
• Sabbatical: Paid leave for faculty to pursue research or professional development, usually every 6-7 years.
• Grant writing: Process of applying for external funding from agencies like the National Science Foundation to support research projects.

Job Requirements and Qualifications at Drake University

Securing jobs at Drake University demands specific credentials aligned with academic standards. This informational section outlines essential requirements, helping candidates prepare effectively.

Required Academic Qualifications

Faculty positions typically require a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field. For instance, law faculty need a JD (Juris Doctor) from an accredited institution, often with bar admission. Pharmacy roles mandate a PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy). Master's degrees suffice for some lecturer jobs, but doctoral-level preparation is standard for tenure-track roles.

Research Focus or Expertise Needed

Drake prioritizes interdisciplinary research. In business, expertise in data analytics or entrepreneurship is key; arts and sciences seek strengths in environmental studies or digital humanities. Health sciences emphasize clinical trials and public health, leveraging Des Moines' medical community. Successful candidates often align with university centers like the Center for Sustainability.

Preferred Experience

Publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and securing grants (e.g., from NIH or NSF) are highly valued. Teaching experience, measured by student evaluations, and mentorship records strengthen applications. For administrative roles, 3-5 years in higher ed management is preferred.

Skills and Competencies

Core skills include strong communication, curriculum development, and technology integration (e.g., learning management systems like Canvas). Competencies in inclusive teaching, data analysis, and leadership are essential. Soft skills like adaptability and collaboration thrive in Drake's team-oriented environment.

📋 Application Process and Tips

The application process for jobs at Drake University begins with monitoring the official careers site and platforms like higher ed jobs on AcademicJobs.com. Submit a cover letter, CV, teaching philosophy statement, research agenda, and three references. Interviews often involve campus visits with teaching demos and research talks.

• Customize materials to Drake's mission, referencing specific programs like the law school's experiential clinics.
• Network at conferences or via alumni in Iowa.
• Prepare for behavioral interviews focusing on diversity commitment.
• Follow up professionally post-submission.

Actionable tips: Use free resources like free resume template and free cover letter template. Tailor for SEO in academia by including keywords like 'faculty Iowa higher ed.' Read how to write a winning academic CV for edge. For research roles, highlight postdoctoral success strategies.

🌈 Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Drake University champions diversity through the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ODEI), established to advance inclusive excellence. Initiatives include the Inclusive Excellence Faculty Fellows program, training diverse hires, and the Mosaic Initiative for staff development. The university recruits via HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) networks and hosts PRIDE events for LGBTQ+ support.

Specific examples: Annual Diversity Leadership Awards recognize contributions, while affinity groups like Women in STEM foster belonging. In 2023, Drake increased underrepresented minority faculty by 15%. These efforts create equitable jobs at Drake University, aligning with Des Moines higher ed opportunities.

⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

Drake University promotes robust work-life balance with policies like flexible work arrangements, generous parental leave (12 weeks paid), and an Employee Assistance Program. Faculty enjoy sabbaticals and course load reductions for research. Wellness perks include a fitness center, yoga classes, and mental health resources.

Campus life buzzes with over 150 student organizations, hosting events like Bulldog Bash. Des Moines enhances this with its farm-to-table dining, Principal Riverwalk trails, and cultural venues like the Des Moines Art Center. Employees access tuition remission (up to 18 credits/year for dependents) and professional development funds ($2,000 annually). Living in Iowa means affordable housing (median home $220,000) and short commutes, ideal for families pursuing jobs at Drake University.

Seasonal highlights: Fall Homecoming, spring symposia. Proximity to Iowa university jobs networks enriches professional growth.

Career Growth and Benefits

Drake invests in employee development via workshops, conference travel stipends, and leadership programs. Tenure-track faculty advance to associate/full professor ranks, with salaries averaging $90,000-$120,000 for associates (per AAUP data). Benefits package rivals peers: 403(b) matching, comprehensive health coverage, and life insurance.

Explore professor salaries and university salaries for benchmarks. For specialized paths, see research jobs or administration jobs.

Why Choose Jobs at Drake University?

In summary, jobs at Drake University offer a fulfilling path in a historic yet innovative setting. From rigorous qualifications to supportive culture, opportunities abound for growth. Job seekers can find listings via higher ed jobs, advance careers with higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or employers can recruitment top talent. Discover more in Des Moines and elevate your academic journey.