Welcome to the ultimate resource for Naropa University Jobs, where contemplative education meets innovative academic careers. Located in the vibrant city of Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western scholarly traditions, making it an ideal destination for academics seeking meaningful professor positions at Naropa University. Whether you're a job seeker exploring higher education jobs at Naropa University, a researcher interested in research jobs at Naropa University, or a student looking to rate professors at Naropa University, this page provides comprehensive insights into academic opportunities, salary ranges, and career paths tailored to this distinctive institution.
Naropa University stands out for its commitment to mindfulness and holistic learning, attracting faculty and students passionate about transformative education. With a focus on fields like contemplative psychology, environmental studies, and creative writing, Naropa offers lecturer roles at Naropa University and faculty jobs at Naropa University that emphasize personal growth alongside professional achievement. Dive into salaries at Naropa University academia, explore academic careers at Naropa University, and discover why this university is a hub for innovative thinkers. For personalized insights, check out Rate My Professor to find top educators and share your experiences. Ready to advance your career? Explore Naropa University Jobs today.
About Naropa University
Naropa University, founded in 1974 by Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, is a private liberal arts institution in Boulder, Colorado, United States. Inspired by the ancient Nalanda University in India, Naropa emphasizes contemplative education, integrating mindfulness practices with rigorous academic study. This unique approach fosters deep personal and intellectual growth, making it a pioneer in holistic higher education. The university's mission is to create a more compassionate world through education that combines intellect, intuition, and social engagement.
Over the years, Naropa has grown from a small summer institute to a fully accredited university offering undergraduate and graduate programs. Key achievements include its accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission and recognition for innovative programs in contemplative psychotherapy and ecopsychology. The university operates two main campuses: the Arapahoe Campus in central Boulder and the Paramita Campus, which hosts retreats and environmental studies. With a student body of around 1,000, Naropa maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention.
Naropa's history is marked by its commitment to diversity and inclusion, drawing faculty and students from various cultural backgrounds. Notable alumni include poets, therapists, and activists who have influenced fields like mindfulness-based therapy and sustainable arts. For more details, visit the Naropa University Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Colorado, and Academic Jobs in Boulder.
The university's location in Boulder provides access to the Rocky Mountains, inspiring programs in environmental sustainability and outdoor leadership. Naropa continues to evolve, with recent expansions in online learning and community partnerships, solidifying its role as a leader in contemplative higher education.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Naropa University
Faculty job opportunities at Naropa University are diverse and aligned with its contemplative ethos, offering roles that blend teaching, research, and personal development. High-demand positions include Assistant Professor in Contemplative Psychology, Lecturer in Creative Writing, and Research Fellow in Religious Studies. Based on 2025 trends, there's growing demand for experts in mindfulness-based education and environmental sustainability, with departments like the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics and the Graduate School of Counseling and Psychology leading the way. These professor positions at Naropa University often require a blend of academic credentials and practical experience in contemplative practices.
Salary ranges for these roles vary by experience and department. Research indicates that Assistant Professors at Naropa University earn between $55,000 and $70,000 annually, while Associate Professors range from $70,000 to $85,000, and Full Professors can expect $85,000 to $110,000. Factors like tenure status and grant funding influence these figures, with higher salaries in specialized fields like ecopsychology. Compared to national averages, Naropa's salaries are competitive for small private institutions, bolstered by Boulder's cost of living adjustments. For the latest higher education jobs at Naropa University, explore Higher Ed Jobs filtered by Naropa University.
Job trends for 2025 highlight an increase in hybrid roles combining online teaching with in-person retreats, reflecting Naropa's adaptation to post-pandemic education. Faculty in the Environmental Studies department, for instance, engage in community-based research on sustainability, while those in Performing Arts contribute to innovative theater programs. Lecturer roles at Naropa University often start as adjunct positions, evolving into full-time opportunities with demonstrated commitment to the university's mission. Research jobs at Naropa University focus on interdisciplinary projects, such as integrating Buddhist philosophy with modern psychology.
To pursue these academic careers at Naropa University, candidates should highlight their alignment with contemplative values in applications. The university values diversity, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. For more on faculty jobs at Naropa University, visit Faculty Jobs and Lecturer Jobs. Don't miss out on rate professors at Naropa University via Rate My Professor to gauge departmental fit.
Assistant Professor in Psychology 💼
Focus on contemplative methods; salary $55k-$70k.
Lecturer in Creative Writing 🎓
Teach poetry and prose; part-time to full-time paths.
Research Fellow in Religious Studies 📚
Explore Buddhist studies; grant-funded roles.
Adjunct in Environmental Studies 🌿
Sustainability focus; flexible scheduling.
Why Work at Naropa University
Working at Naropa University offers a rewarding blend of academic rigor and personal transformation, making it a top choice for those pursuing academic careers at Naropa University. The university's contemplative approach fosters a supportive environment where faculty can integrate mindfulness into their teaching and research, leading to lower burnout rates and higher job satisfaction. Research shows that Naropa's emphasis on work-life balance, including meditation retreats and wellness programs, sets it apart from traditional institutions.
Career prospects are strong, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and community impact. Notable benefits include competitive health packages, professional development funds, and access to Boulder's vibrant cultural scene. Unique advantages like the university's focus on social justice and environmental stewardship attract passionate educators. Explore why via Higher Ed Career Advice.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Naropa University
The salary guide for faculty at Naropa University reflects its status as a small private university in Colorado, with ranges influenced by department, experience, and location. Based on 2025 data from sources like Glassdoor and university reports, entry-level Assistant Professors earn $55,000 to $70,000, often supplemented by grants in high-demand areas like contemplative education. Associate Professors see $70,000 to $85,000, while Full Professors command $85,000 to $110,000, with top earners in leadership roles exceeding $120,000.
Factors affecting pay include tenure track status, publication record, and external funding. In Boulder, cost-of-living adjustments add value, though salaries may be lower than at larger research universities. For instance, faculty in Psychology departments average higher due to program popularity. Compare with national trends at Professor Salaries and University Salaries.
Additional perks like housing stipends and sabbaticals enhance overall compensation. Research indicates a 5-7% annual increase for tenured faculty, aligning with inflation and university growth. For detailed breakdowns, including adjunct rates ($3,000-$5,000 per course), consult AcademicJobs.com resources.
| Role 📊 | Salary Range 📍 |
|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $55,000 - $70,000 |
| Associate Professor | $70,000 - $85,000 |
| Full Professor | $85,000 - $110,000 |
| Lecturer | $50,000 - $65,000 |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Naropa University
Discover top educators through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, where student ratings highlight excellence at Naropa University. These insights help in choosing courses and recognizing faculty impact in contemplative programs.
Anne Waldman - Creative Writing
Rating: 4.8/5 - Inspiring poet and mentor.
Judith Simmer-Brown - Religious Studies
Rating: 4.9/5 - Expert in Buddhist philosophy.
Jordan Quaglia - Psychology
Rating: 4.7/5 - Focus on mindfulness research.
Susan Burggraf - Environmental Studies
Rating: 4.6/5 - Sustainability advocate.
Reed Bye - Writing
Rating: 4.8/5 - Engaging literature instructor.
Career Progression at Naropa University
Career progression at Naropa University follows a tenure-track model with emphasis on contemplative contributions. Starting as adjuncts, academics advance to assistant roles, achieving tenure through teaching, research, and service. Salaries increase by rank, with professional development in mindfulness enhancing paths. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Research and Innovation at Naropa University
Research at Naropa University centers on contemplative sciences, with centers like the Center for the Advancement of Contemplative Education. Trends include mindfulness in therapy and sustainable practices. Explore Research Jobs.
Resources for Naropa University Academics
- Professional development workshops on contemplative teaching.
- Faculty unions for advocacy and benefits.
- Health and wellness programs including meditation retreats 💼.
Student Life and Perspectives at Naropa University
Student life at Naropa emphasizes community and mindfulness, with programs in arts and psychology leading to diverse careers. Use Rate My Professor for insights.

