Rollins College, located in the charming city of Winter Park, Florida, stands as a premier liberal arts institution offering a variety of rewarding career opportunities in higher education. Nestled near Orlando in the United States, this private college attracts professionals passionate about undergraduate teaching, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement. Jobs at Rollins College span faculty positions, administrative roles, and support staff, all contributing to its mission of fostering global citizenship and intellectual growth. With a student body of approximately 3,000 undergraduates and a low student-faculty ratio of 10:1, the college emphasizes personalized education, making it an ideal environment for educators and administrators seeking meaningful impact.
The campus's beautiful lakeside setting enhances the appeal of employment here, combining academic rigor with a vibrant cultural scene. Whether you're eyeing professor jobs or administration jobs, Rollins provides a supportive atmosphere for career advancement in higher ed.
Founded in 1885 by the Congregationalist Church and later affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Rollins College has evolved into a respected liberal arts college. Named after Lieutenant Henry T. Rollins, it began as a coeducational institution in Winter Park, Florida, chosen for its temperate climate and natural beauty. Over the decades, it has grown from a small seminary to a comprehensive college known for innovative programs like the first undergraduate degree in artificial intelligence in 1983 and strong emphasis on study abroad—over 60 percent of students participate.
The college's history reflects a commitment to experiential learning, highlighted by the Hamilton Holt School for evening and graduate studies established in 1923. Today, jobs at Rollins College allow professionals to be part of this legacy, contributing to traditions like the annual Halloween celebrations and the Ward Chapel, one of the oldest buildings on campus.
Rollins College offers more than 40 majors across liberal arts disciplines, with standout programs in business administration through the Crummer Graduate School of Business, international business, and environmental studies. Departments frequently hiring include Biology, Chemistry, English, History, Modern Languages and Literatures, Psychology, and Theatre Arts & Dance. The college also supports interdisciplinary centers like the Center for Environmental Studies and the International Relations program.
For job seekers, this diversity means opportunities in STEM fields, humanities, and social sciences. Faculty roles often involve teaching small classes and mentoring students in research, aligning with the college's undergraduate focus.
Common job categories at Rollins College include tenure-track assistant professors, visiting professors, adjunct instructors, department chairs, deans, and staff positions in admissions, financial aid, and IT. Administrative roles like director of career services or development officers are also posted regularly. Tenure-track positions typically lead to permanent roles after review, emphasizing teaching excellence over research volume.
Explore university job types for a broader understanding of roles from lecturers to executives. Rollins prioritizes positions that enhance student success, such as roles in student life and academic advising.
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For faculty jobs at Rollins College, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in the relevant field is typically required for tenure-track positions. Master's degrees suffice for some adjunct or lecturer roles, especially in professional fields like business or education. Administrative positions may require advanced degrees such as an EdD (Doctor of Education) for deans or an MBA (Master of Business Administration) for business school roles.
Entry-level research assistant jobs might accept bachelor's degrees with relevant experience. All roles demand alignment with the college's liberal arts ethos, prioritizing teaching credentials over extensive publications.
While Rollins emphasizes teaching, research expertise is valued in areas like sustainability, global studies, and data analytics. For example, the Environmental Studies program seeks candidates with fieldwork in Florida's ecosystems, and the Business Department favors those with expertise in entrepreneurship and international trade. Postdoctoral roles, though rare, focus on collaborative projects with undergraduates.
Candidates should demonstrate potential for grant-funded research or publications in peer-reviewed journals, enhancing the college's reputation. See research jobs for similar opportunities.
Preferred experience includes 2-5 years of college-level teaching, publications in academic journals, successful grant applications (e.g., from NSF or private foundations), and experience mentoring diverse students. For administrative roles, prior experience in higher ed management or fundraising is advantageous. Rollins values applicants with study abroad coordination or community outreach involvement, reflecting its global focus.
Essential skills for success at Rollins College include excellent pedagogical abilities, cultural competency, digital literacy for online-hybrid teaching, and strong interpersonal skills for student advising. Competencies like data-driven decision-making for admins and innovative curriculum design for faculty are key. Proficiency in inclusive teaching practices and familiarity with accreditation standards (e.g., SACSCOC) are also prized.
Rollins College actively promotes diversity through the Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Affairs, which supports affinity groups for LGBTQ+ faculty, women in STEM, and racial/ethnic minorities. The college's strategic plan includes goals for increasing underrepresented faculty hires, with targeted recruitment at conferences like the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. Recent initiatives feature bias training workshops and the Inclusive Excellence Fellows program, where faculty develop diversity curricula. In 2023, over 40% of new hires were from underrepresented groups, showcasing commitment.
Rollins College fosters work-life balance with flexible schedules, generous parental leave, and on-campus childcare options. Employees enjoy perks like free gym access, lakeside walking trails, and proximity to Winter Park's shops and restaurants. Campus life buzzes with events like the Rollins International Film Festival and music performances at the Annie Russell Theatre. Orlando's theme parks and beaches are a short drive away, ideal for Florida living. Professional development includes sabbaticals for faculty and wellness stipends, helping prevent burnout in a supportive community of about 500 staff and faculty.
The application process starts on the Rollins College careers portal, where you submit a cover letter, CV, teaching statement, and three references. Interviews often include teaching demonstrations and campus visits. Deadlines vary, but tenure-track postings close in late fall.
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Jobs at Rollins College offer a unique blend of academic excellence and Florida lifestyle. From faculty to admin roles, opportunities abound for qualified professionals. Check higher ed jobs, explore higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. With its rich history and forward-thinking initiatives, Rollins is a top destination for academic careers.
