Working at Elmhurst, your next career step!

🎓 Overview of Elmhurst College and Its Employment Landscape

Elmhurst College, located in the vibrant suburb of Elmhurst, Illinois, just west of Chicago, stands as a prominent private liberal arts institution founded in 1871 by the German Evangelical Synod. Originally known as the German Evangelical Proseminary and later the Elmhurst Academy and College, it has evolved into a comprehensive university offering over 70 undergraduate majors and 20 graduate programs. In 2020, it officially transitioned to Elmhurst University, reflecting its expanded scope, though it's still widely referred to in job contexts as Elmhurst College. This evolution underscores its commitment to accessible, high-quality higher education rooted in the United Church of Christ tradition, emphasizing community, diversity, and experiential learning.

Jobs at Elmhurst College span faculty, staff, and administrative roles, attracting professionals passionate about undergraduate teaching and research. The institution employs around 500 full-time faculty and staff, serving approximately 3,400 students. Positions here are ideal for those seeking a collaborative environment where teaching is paramount, with smaller class sizes allowing for personalized mentorship. The college's location in the United States, specifically Illinois, provides access to Chicago's cultural and professional resources, enhancing career opportunities in higher education.

Understanding jobs at Elmhurst College begins with recognizing the liberal arts model, where faculty engage in both teaching and scholarship. Common roles include professors in departments like music—one of the college's strengths with its renowned program—business, education, nursing, and sciences. Staff positions cover admissions, student services, and facilities, all supporting the college's mission of fostering global citizenship and ethical leadership.

Types of Positions Available

Elmhurst College offers diverse job categories tailored to its teaching-focused ethos. Tenure-track faculty positions, which lead to permanent roles after probationary periods, emphasize excellence in undergraduate instruction. Adjunct professors fill part-time teaching needs, often on a course-by-course basis. Administrative jobs include deans, directors, and coordinators in areas like career services and diversity offices.

• Faculty roles: Assistant, associate, and full professors across disciplines.
• Research positions: Though primarily teaching-oriented, labs in biology and chemistry seek research assistants.
• Staff opportunities: Human resources, IT, and athletics support.

For a deeper dive into university job types, these align with standard higher ed structures. Explore higher ed faculty jobs or administration jobs for similar listings.

Definitions

To clarify key terms for jobs at Elmhurst College:

• Tenure-track position: A faculty role with a path to tenure, involving teaching, research, and service, typically lasting 5-7 years before review.
• Adjunct faculty: Part-time instructors hired per course, without benefits or tenure eligibility, common for flexibility.
• Liberal arts college: An institution focusing on broad undergraduate education across humanities, sciences, and arts, prioritizing teaching over research.
• Experiential learning: Hands-on education through internships, study abroad, and community projects, central to Elmhurst's curriculum.

Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, Preferred Experience, Skills, and Competencies

Securing jobs at Elmhurst College demands specific credentials. For faculty positions, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or terminal degree in the relevant field—such as EdD for education—is required. Master's degrees suffice for some staff or adjunct roles.

Research focus varies by department: music faculty emphasize performance and pedagogy; business roles highlight entrepreneurship; sciences prioritize undergraduate research collaborations. Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications, grant funding from sources like the National Science Foundation, and prior teaching at similar institutions.

Essential skills and competencies encompass:

• Strong pedagogical abilities, demonstrated via student evaluations.
• Intercultural competence for diverse classrooms (student body is 25% students of color).
• Data analysis for administrative roles, e.g., enrollment trends.
• Leadership for executive positions, with experience in accreditation processes like Higher Learning Commission reviews.

Candidates with experience mentoring first-generation students gain an edge, aligning with Elmhurst's inclusive mission.

📋 Application Process and Tips

The application process for jobs at Elmhurst College typically involves online submission through their careers portal or platforms like AcademicJobs.com university jobs. Steps include:

1. Review open positions on the college's HR site.
2. Prepare a tailored CV, cover letter, teaching philosophy statement, and diversity statement.
3. Submit references and transcripts.
4. Interview stages: Phone screen, campus visit with teaching demo, and meetings.

Actionable tips: Customize materials to Elmhurst's values—reference their Centers for Excellence in Teaching. Use resources like how to write a winning academic CV. Network at conferences such as those by the American Association of Colleges & Universities. Apply early, as searches fill quickly. For adjuncts, highlight local ties to Illinois.

Post-submission, follow up politely. Free tools like our free resume template can polish applications.

🌈 Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Elmhurst College champions diversity through the Office of Inclusion and Inclusive Excellence, established to advance equity. Initiatives include:

• Bias training for hiring committees.
• The Elmhurst Embraces Diversity program, recruiting underrepresented faculty.
• Affinity groups like the Black Faculty and Staff Association.
• Partnerships with the Posse Foundation for scholarships to diverse scholars.

In 2023, 40% of new hires were from underrepresented groups. The college's strategic plan prioritizes inclusive pedagogy, making it appealing for diverse candidates seeking equitable environments.

⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

Elmhurst College fosters work-life balance with generous PTO (20+ days annually for faculty), flexible work arrangements, and family leave policies exceeding federal standards. Wellness perks include free gym access, counseling, and EAP (Employee Assistance Program).

Campus life thrives in Elmhurst, a safe, tree-lined suburb with shops, parks, and Metra train to Chicago (20 minutes). Faculty enjoy tuition remission for dependents (up to 100% for full-time employees), cultural events like the Elmhurst Symphony, and interdepartmental collaborations. Athletics (NCAA Division III) and 100+ clubs enhance community. Proximity to O'Hare Airport aids travel for conferences.

Salaries are competitive: Assistant professors average $70,000-$85,000, per AAUP data, with cost-of-living lower than urban centers.

Why Pursue Jobs at Elmhurst College?

Jobs at Elmhurst College offer impact in a supportive setting. With low student-faculty ratio (13:1), educators shape futures directly. Growth opportunities abound via professional development funds ($2,000/year) and sabbaticals.

Recent hires praise the collegial atmosphere and student engagement. For broader opportunities, browse higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post your profile via post a job on AcademicJobs.com.

Elmhurst's commitment to innovation, like its Waldorf-inspired early childhood program, positions it for future success. Whether faculty or staff, roles here blend purpose and community.