Furman University, a premier liberal arts institution in Greenville, South Carolina, offers a variety of rewarding jobs that blend academic excellence with community impact. Nestled on a 750-acre campus beside Lake Hartwell, Furman attracts professionals passionate about undergraduate education, research, and service. Jobs at Furman University span faculty, administrative, and support roles, emphasizing the university's commitment to engaged learning and innovative teaching. Whether you're seeking tenure-track positions or staff opportunities, Furman provides a supportive environment in one of the South's most dynamic cities.
The university enrolls around 2,500 undergraduates and maintains a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, fostering close mentorship. This setting makes jobs here ideal for those who thrive in collaborative, student-centered environments. Furman's non-sectarian heritage, rooted in Baptist traditions, promotes intellectual freedom and ethical leadership.
Founded in 1826 as Furman Academy in Edgefield, South Carolina, by Baptist leaders, the institution evolved into Furman University, relocating to its current Greenville location in 1951. Key milestones include becoming coeducational in 1897, transitioning to residential status in the 1850s, and launching the Engaged Learning initiative in 2009. This history shapes jobs at Furman University, prioritizing transformative education. Today, Furman ranks among top liberal arts colleges, with alumni leading in business, government, and academia.
Understanding this legacy helps candidates align their expertise with Furman's values, such as experiential learning through study abroad (over 70% participation) and undergraduate research. For insights into employer branding in higher education, Furman's approach exemplifies attracting top talent.
Furman University posts diverse openings, from professor jobs in departments like biology and politics to administrative roles in advancement and athletics. Common categories include:
Explore university job types for detailed breakdowns. Salaries are competitive, with faculty averaging $90,000-$120,000 based on rank and experience, per national benchmarks adjusted for South Carolina's cost of living.
For faculty jobs at Furman University, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or terminal degree in the relevant field is typically required for tenure-track roles. For example, assistant professors in chemistry need a PhD in chemistry or biochemistry. Master's degrees suffice for some lecturer positions, while administrative roles often require a bachelor's plus experience.
Furman's research emphasizes interdisciplinary work, particularly in sustainability, health sciences, and digital humanities. Positions in the Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities seek expertise in environmental policy, while computing roles focus on AI ethics.
Candidates with peer-reviewed publications (e.g., 5+ in top journals), grant funding (NSF or private foundations), and teaching portfolios stand out. Prior mentorship of undergraduates is highly valued.
Tenure-track: A faculty position leading to tenure after 5-7 years of review based on teaching, research, and service. Tenure provides job security and academic freedom.
Adjunct professor: Part-time instructor hired per course, without benefits or tenure path, common for specialized classes.
Engaged Learning: Furman's model integrating internships, research, and study abroad into curriculum for hands-on education.
Liberal arts college: Undergraduate-focused institution emphasizing broad education in humanities, sciences, and arts over specialization.
To apply for jobs at Furman University, visit their careers page or higher ed jobs listings on AcademicJobs.com. Submit a cover letter, CV, teaching statement, research agenda, and three references. Deadlines vary; assistant professor searches often close in October for fall hires.
Actionable tips:
For CV advice, check how to write a winning academic CV.
Furman University actively advances diversity through the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, offering faculty fellowships for underrepresented groups and bias training. The Inclusive Excellence Framework guides hiring, with goals to increase faculty of color (currently 15%). Programs like the Riley Institute engage on civil discourse, while affinity groups support LGBTQ+ and first-gen employees. Recent hires reflect commitment, with 20% diverse faculty additions in 2023.
Jobs at Furman University promote balance via flexible schedules, parental leave, and EAP counseling. The campus features trails, a fitness center, and farm-to-table dining. Greenville's revitalized downtown offers arts, breweries, and Falls Park, with median home prices 30% below national average. Employees access free tickets to Paladins athletics (Division I FCS) and cultural events. Sabbaticals every 6 years for faculty enhance recharge time. Community traditions like Family Weekend foster belonging.
Comprehensive package includes TIAA retirement matching, health/dental/vision, tuition remission (100% for dependents at Furman), and relocation assistance. Professional growth via grants ($10K+ annually), workshops, and higher ed career advice. For lecturer paths, see become a university lecturer.
In summary, Furman offers fulfilling careers in a picturesque setting. Ready to apply? Browse higher ed jobs, university jobs, and higher ed career advice. Employers can post a job or visit post a job for details. Discover more on professor salaries and university salaries.
