Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), located in Tacoma, Washington, is a private liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Founded in 1890, PLU has grown into a vibrant campus serving around 2,800 undergraduate and 400 graduate students. Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, the university emphasizes education for global citizenship, service learning, and interdisciplinary studies. Its 150-acre campus offers stunning views of Puget Sound, fostering a close-knit community ideal for academic professionals.
Jobs at Pacific Lutheran University attract educators and administrators passionate about Lutheran values like justice, hospitality, and sustainability. Faculty positions span arts, sciences, business, nursing, and education, while staff roles support operations, student services, and research. With Tacoma's urban-rural blend—near Seattle's tech hub yet surrounded by nature—PLU jobs provide a balanced lifestyle. The university's commitment to employer branding highlights collaborative environments and professional growth.
PLU began as Pacific Lutheran Academy in Parkland, Washington, evolving into a college in 1920 and gaining university status in 1960. Key milestones include the 1967 move to its current Tacoma campus and expansions in global programs, like the Jan Magney Center for International Programs. This history shapes jobs at Pacific Lutheran University, prioritizing faculty who integrate international perspectives and community engagement.
Today, PLU's endowment exceeds $100 million, supporting competitive salaries—average faculty pay around $80,000-$110,000 depending on rank. Historical focus on teacher education influences ongoing demand for education faculty, while recent emphases on health sciences drive nursing and therapy roles. Understanding this evolution helps job seekers tailor applications to PLU's mission-driven culture.
Jobs at Pacific Lutheran University include tenure-track professor positions, adjunct lecturer roles, research associates, and administrative posts like deans or program directors. Faculty openings often arise in the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Education and Leadership, and School of Nursing—PLU's largest programs. For instance, biology professors might lead undergraduate research on Puget Sound ecosystems.
Staff positions cover admissions, financial aid, IT, and facilities, with hybrid options post-pandemic. Research jobs focus on applied projects, such as sustainability initiatives tied to the Wang Center. To learn more about university job types, including faculty jobs and administration jobs, explore these categories. PLU posts openings on its career site and platforms like AcademicJobs.com/university-jobs.
For faculty jobs at Pacific Lutheran University, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field is standard—e.g., DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) for nursing roles. Research focus should align with departmental needs, like environmental science amid Washington's climate priorities or business analytics in the growing tech sector.
Preferred experience includes 3-5 years of teaching, peer-reviewed publications (aim for 5+ for associate professor), and grant funding from sources like the National Science Foundation. Skills and competencies emphasize strong pedagogy, cultural competence, and Lutheran ethics. For administrative roles, a master's plus 5+ years in higher ed is common, with competencies in leadership, budgeting, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) work.
PLU values interdisciplinary skills, such as data analysis tools for social sciences faculty.
To clarify key terms for jobs at Pacific Lutheran University:
The application process for jobs at Pacific Lutheran University starts with monitoring higher ed jobs listings on their HR site or AcademicJobs.com. Submit a cover letter, CV, teaching philosophy statement, research agenda, and 3 references. Interviews involve campus visits with teaching demos.
Actionable tips:
Timeline: Fall for next-year hires; expect 4-6 months from posting to offer.
PLU's diversity efforts are robust, led by the Wang Center for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity. Initiatives include the PLU Diversity Fellowship for underrepresented faculty, mentoring for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) hires, and bias training in searches. In 2023, 25% of new faculty were from underrepresented groups, exceeding regional averages.
Programs like the Equity and Reconciliation Team address historical inequities, while affinity groups support LGBTQ+ and first-gen professionals. These make PLU appealing for diverse candidates seeking inclusive environments.
Work-life balance at Pacific Lutheran University is supported by generous PTO (20+ days/year), parental leave, and EAP (Employee Assistance Program) for mental health. Faculty loads average 12 credits/semester with research release time. Sabbaticals and summer flexibility aid recharge.
Campus life thrives with events like Lute Fest, hiking in nearby Point Defiance Park, and Tacoma's arts scene—museums, breweries, and ferries to islands. Housing perks include faculty discounts near campus. The supportive community, with 90% retention, fosters mentorship and collaboration, enhanced by Puget Sound's natural beauty for outdoor enthusiasts.
In summary, jobs at Pacific Lutheran University offer meaningful careers in a mission-driven setting. From faculty roles advancing scholarship to staff positions shaping student success, PLU combines competitive pay, growth opportunities, and Northwest lifestyle. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com to advance your path. With Tacoma's vibrancy and PLU's global focus, it's an ideal spot for academic professionals.
