Sarah Lawrence College, located in the charming village of Bronxville, New York, stands out in American higher education for its pioneering approach to liberal arts education. Founded in 1926, this private institution emphasizes individualized learning through its unique conference system, where students engage in small seminars and one-on-one faculty conferences rather than traditional lectures and grades. For professionals seeking jobs at Sarah Lawrence College, the environment offers a dynamic blend of intellectual freedom, creative expression, and close collaboration, set against a backdrop just 30 minutes from New York City.
The college enrolls around 1,600 undergraduates and a select number of graduate students, maintaining a low student-faculty ratio of 6:1. This intimacy shapes job roles, prioritizing mentorship over large-class teaching. Positions span faculty appointments in humanities, dance, theatre, music, writing, and social sciences, alongside administrative, research assistant, and support staff opportunities. Proximity to NYC enhances roles in performing arts and urban studies, drawing talent passionate about innovative pedagogy.
Established by philanthropist William Smith as a women's college, Sarah Lawrence transitioned to coeducational status in 1968. Inspired by Oxford and Cambridge tutorials, it rejected standardized testing and majors early on, allowing students to craft personalized curricula. Key milestones include the 1935 opening of its Bronxville campus on 40 wooded acres and expansions into graduate programs like the MFA in Creative Writing in 2003. This history influences jobs at Sarah Lawrence College, favoring faculty who embrace experimental education and interdisciplinary work.
During World War II, the college adapted by offering programs for veterans, and in the 1970s, it championed women's studies amid social change. Today, it ranks highly for undergraduate teaching, attracting educators committed to transformative learning.
Sarah Lawrence's curriculum revolves around the 'don' system, where faculty (dons) guide students through conferences. Jobs at Sarah Lawrence College often involve teaching in fields like literature, visual arts, psychology, and economics. Faculty positions include assistant professors, associate professors, and full professors, with tenure-track roles emphasizing original research alongside teaching.
Administrative jobs cover admissions, student affairs, and development, while staff roles support library services, IT, and facilities. Explore types of positions available for a broader view. Graduate programs offer adjunct professor jobs in specialized areas. The college's focus on the arts means frequent openings in dance, music, and theatre departments.
To understand jobs at Sarah Lawrence College, key terms include:
Faculty jobs at Sarah Lawrence College generally demand a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field, such as a Doctor of Fine Arts for performance roles. For lecturer jobs, a master's degree with exceptional experience may suffice. Administrative positions in academic affairs often require advanced degrees like an EdD (Doctor of Education) or relevant professional certifications.
Postdoctoral positions seek recent PhD graduates with demonstrated research potential. Learn more about higher ed jobs/postdoc opportunities.
Research at SLC aligns with its liberal arts ethos, prioritizing projects that intersect disciplines. Expertise in areas like feminist theory, environmental humanities, or performance studies is valued. Faculty must publish in venues supporting student collaboration, such as co-authored works. Grants from bodies like the Mellon Foundation highlight successful candidates.
Candidates with peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and grant funding stand out. Teaching experience in seminar formats or at small liberal arts colleges is preferred. Prior mentorship, community engagement, or NYC arts scene involvement boosts applications. For staff roles, 3-5 years in higher education administration is common.
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Applications open via the SLC careers site or platforms like higher-ed-jobs/faculty. Submit a cover letter addressing the conference model, CV, teaching philosophy, diversity statement, and three references. Interviews involve teaching demonstrations.
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Sarah Lawrence College actively recruits diverse talent through the Inclusive Excellence initiative, offering workshops on unconscious bias and supporting groups like the Black Faculty and Staff Association. Partnerships with Posse and QuestBridge bring underrepresented scholars. The Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism (IDEAR) shapes hiring, with goals for faculty diversity matching student demographics (over 40% students of color).
Employees enjoy sabbaticals every seven years, parental leave, and EAP (Employee Assistance Program) for mental health. Flexible hours accommodate NYC commutes via Metro-North. Campus life buzzes with theatre productions, dance performances, and literary readings. Bronxville's quiet village offers parks and cafes, while NYC access enriches weekends. Wellness includes yoga and farm-to-table dining from the on-campus farm.
Faculty report high satisfaction due to small classes (average 12 students) and collaborative governance.
In summary, jobs at Sarah Lawrence College offer a unique chance to shape minds in a trailblazing environment. From faculty mentoring through conferences to staff supporting vibrant arts programs, opportunities abound near New York City. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com. For faculty paths, see professor jobs or lecturer jobs. Ready for Bronxville's intellectual haven?
