Otterbein University, located in Westerville, Ohio, is a private liberal arts institution founded in 1847 by the United Brethren in Christ. Nestled in a friendly suburban community just minutes from Columbus, it offers a close-knit environment ideal for those pursuing jobs at Otterbein University. With around 2,800 students, the university emphasizes hands-on learning, small class sizes, and personal connections between faculty and students. Programs span liberal arts, professional fields like nursing and business, and unique offerings such as equine studies and theatre. This setting makes it an attractive place for academic professionals seeking meaningful impact in a supportive atmosphere.
The university's history reflects a commitment to education for all, evolving from its religious roots into a modern institution recognized by outlets like Niche and U.S. News for its academic quality and student satisfaction. Jobs at Otterbein University range from tenure-track faculty positions to administrative roles, all aligned with its mission of fostering experiential education and community engagement.
Jobs at Otterbein University encompass faculty, staff, and leadership positions across departments like history, marketing, and sciences. Faculty roles include assistant professors teaching undergraduate courses, often with opportunities for curriculum development. Administrative jobs cover advising, career services, and equity initiatives. Support staff positions, such as personal trainers or HVAC mechanics, ensure campus operations run smoothly. For a deeper dive into university job types, including higher ed faculty jobs and administration jobs, check available resources.
Recent openings highlight needs in nursing, where clinical instructors blend teaching with practice, and business, focusing on marketing strategies. These roles appeal to those interested in lecturer jobs or professor jobs in a liberal arts context.
For faculty jobs at Otterbein University, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant discipline is standard. For instance, a history professor position requires a doctorate in history or a closely related field, ensuring expertise in areas like American or European history. Master's degrees suffice for some lecturer or adjunct roles, particularly with substantial teaching credentials.
In professional programs like nursing, candidates need advanced degrees such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) alongside licensure. Administrative positions in academic advising may require a master's in higher education administration or counseling. These qualifications align with Otterbein's focus on quality instruction in its small classes, where professors often mentor undergraduates directly.
Otterbein's research emphasizes applied, interdisciplinary work rather than large-scale grants, fitting its teaching-oriented mission. Expertise in history programs might involve community-based historical research or digital humanities. Nursing faculty focus on clinical simulations and health equity, while marketing roles explore consumer behavior in digital eras.
Candidates should demonstrate scholarly activity, such as conference presentations or publications, tailored to undergraduate accessibility. This approach supports Otterbein's hands-on ethos, where research informs classroom innovations and student projects.
Preferred experience for jobs at Otterbein University includes 2-5 years of college-level teaching, peer-reviewed publications, and grant-writing success. For history faculty, prior work in Ohio's regional history or archival research is advantageous. Skills encompass excellent pedagogical methods, like active learning techniques, and cultural competency for diverse classrooms.
Competencies include:
Administrative roles value experience in student affairs or HR jobs in higher ed. Learn more about crafting a standout application with a free resume template or how to write a winning academic CV.
The application process for jobs at Otterbein University begins on their higher ed career advice careers portal at otterbein.edu/about/careers. Submit a tailored cover letter, curriculum vitae (CV), teaching philosophy statement, and three references. History positions may require a research sample.
Actionable tips:
Deadlines vary; faculty searches often run fall for August starts. Use tools like academic metrics to contextualize your profile.
Otterbein University prioritizes equity through dedicated offices and programs. The Equity & Inclusion team supports Men of Vision for male student leaders, Otterbein Deaf Culture Club (ODCC) for awareness and service, and partnerships like WERise in Westerville for racial equity. Dr. Katherine Ashworth, Professor of English and Women's Studies, received the 2021 Ohio LGBTQ+ Leadership Award, mentoring on inclusive pedagogies.
Initiatives include bias reporting training for residence advisors, ally workshops, and Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation efforts via AAC&U. Jobs at Otterbein University attract candidates passionate about these, with searches emphasizing diverse hires to reflect the student body.
Work-life balance at Otterbein benefits from its small size and location in Westerville, Ohio, a safe, family-friendly suburb with parks and low commute times to Columbus. Faculty enjoy flexible schedules, sabbaticals, and professional development funds. The Every Student READY program extends support to staff career growth.
Campus life buzzes with 100+ clubs, theatre productions, and athletic events. Employees participate in community service, wellness programs, and social gatherings. Reviews praise personal faculty attention but note occasional challenges like dining options or facility updates. Proximity to urban amenities enhances off-campus life, making it ideal for families or those valuing balance in higher ed jobs.
Otterbein combines academic rigor with a welcoming community, offering stability in Ohio's higher education landscape. With strong paths to become a university lecturer, it's perfect for early-career academics. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com to advance your search.
