Working at Houghton, your next career step!

Overview of Houghton College

Houghton College, now operating as Houghton University since 2022, is a private Christian liberal arts institution located in the scenic village of Houghton, New York. Nestled in the hills of Western New York near the Allegheny River, it provides a picturesque campus spanning 1,300 acres, including forests, fields, and equestrian facilities. Founded in 1883 by the Wesleyan Church, the college has a rich history rooted in Methodist traditions, emphasizing holistic education that integrates faith, learning, and service. With approximately 1,000 undergraduate students and growing graduate programs, Houghton offers a close-knit community where faculty and staff play pivotal roles in shaping future leaders.

The institution is known for its rigorous academics, particularly in music, biology, business, and environmental studies. Its commitment to the Christian faith influences all aspects of campus life, including employment opportunities. Jobs at Houghton College attract professionals who share its mission of "Advancing Christian Faith and Scholarship." Whether you're seeking faculty positions, administrative roles, or support staff jobs, the university prioritizes candidates who align with its Wesleyan heritage and values like integrity, humility, and global engagement.

Types of Jobs at Houghton College

Houghton College offers diverse employment opportunities tailored to its liberal arts focus. Common positions include tenure-track professors, adjunct instructors, department chairs, librarians, and counselors. Tenure-track roles involve teaching, research, and service, while adjunct professors handle part-time teaching loads. Administrative jobs cover areas like admissions, financial aid, and student development, and staff positions range from maintenance to IT support. For a full breakdown, explore university job types.

• Faculty in sciences, humanities, and fine arts, often requiring interdisciplinary approaches.
• Research assistants supporting faculty-led projects in biology and musicology.
• Executive roles like dean of students or provost, focusing on strategic leadership.
• Support staff in residence life, athletics, and equestrian programs.

Recent expansions to university status have increased demand for graduate faculty and program directors, reflecting growth in master's programs in divinity and education.

Definitions

To understand jobs at Houghton College, key terms include:

• Tenure-track position: A faculty role leading to permanent employment after a probationary period, involving research, teaching, and service (typically 6 years).
• Adjunct professor: Part-time instructor hired per course, without benefits or tenure path, ideal for flexible academics.
• Wesleyan covenant: A commitment to the college's Christian standards, required for employment, outlining faith practices and lifestyle.
• Sabbatical: Paid leave for faculty (usually every 6-7 years) to pursue research or professional development.
• Postdoctoral researcher: Temporary role post-PhD for advanced research, often grant-funded.

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

📊 For faculty jobs at Houghton College, a PhD or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field is standard, such as a Doctor of Musical Arts for music positions or PhD in Biology for science roles. Research focus often aligns with strengths like conservation biology, sacred music, or intercultural studies, reflecting the college's global partnerships.

Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (e.g., 3-5 articles), grant funding from sources like the National Science Foundation, and 2-3 years of teaching undergraduates. For administrative roles, a master's degree plus 5 years in higher education suffices.

Essential skills and competencies:

• Strong communication and mentoring abilities for student interaction.
• Proficiency in learning management systems like Canvas.
• Commitment to Christian scholarship, demonstrated via faith integration in teaching.
• Data analysis for roles in institutional research; cultural sensitivity for diverse student body.
• Leadership and collaboration, vital in a small community setting.

Candidates with experience in online teaching or study abroad programs stand out, given Houghton's e-learning and international emphasis.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Houghton College actively promotes diversity within its Christian framework. The Office of Intercultural Initiatives supports underrepresented students and staff through programs like the Black Student Union and Hispanic Heritage Month events. Faculty hiring includes targeted recruitment via networks like the Christian College Consortium's diversity pipeline.

Specific examples: Annual diversity training mandatory for employees, scholarships for minority students influencing staff roles, and the 2023 launch of a pronomen policy respecting gender identities alongside biblical values. The university reports 25% students of color, with goals to increase staff diversity through mentorship programs. These efforts create an inclusive environment where varied perspectives enrich faith-based learning.

Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

🏞️ Houghton College prioritizes work-life balance in its rural, supportive setting. Employees receive 4-6 weeks PTO annually, plus 12 holidays and sick leave. Faculty sabbaticals every seventh year allow rejuvenation, and wellness programs include gym access, counseling, and chaplain services.

Campus life revolves around community: Weekly chapel services foster spiritual growth, intramural sports and hiking trails promote recreation, and family events like Fall Festival build bonds. The equestrian center offers unique perks for horse enthusiasts. Proximity to Buffalo (70 miles) provides urban access, while on-campus childcare aids parents. Testimonials highlight low burnout rates due to collaborative culture and mission-driven purpose, making it ideal for long-term careers.

Application Process and Tips

The application process for jobs at Houghton College begins on their careers page (houghton.edu/about/offices/human-resources). Submit a tailored CV, cover letter, statement of Christian faith (1-2 pages), and three references. Interviews include campus visits with teaching demos and mission panels.

Actionable tips:

1. Align your faith statement with Wesleyana theology; reference personal testimony.
2. Customize CV per how to write a winning academic CV.
3. Network via conferences like the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities.
4. Prepare for questions on integrating faith in secular disciplines.
5. Follow up post-interview; deadlines often 30-60 days before start dates.

Common pitfalls: Generic applications ignoring mission fit. Successful applicants emphasize service and scholarship synergy.

Summary

Jobs at Houghton College offer meaningful careers in a faith-centered, scenic New York setting. From faculty to admin, roles demand expertise and mission alignment. Explore more at higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. For lecturer paths, see become a university lecturer. Ready to advance your academic journey?