Shenandoah University (SU), located in Winchester, Virginia, is a private institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Established in 1875, it has grown into a comprehensive university serving around 4,000 students across undergraduate and graduate programs. Nestled in the historic Shenandoah Valley, the main campus spans 100 acres and offers a picturesque setting for academic pursuits. SU is renowned for its Shenandoah Conservatory, one of the oldest and most prestigious music conservatories in the U.S., alongside strong programs in pharmacy, physical therapy, nursing, and business. Jobs at Shenandoah University attract professionals passionate about higher education in a supportive, community-oriented environment. The university emphasizes hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement, making it an ideal place for faculty and staff seeking meaningful careers.
Known for its commitment to student success, SU boasts high retention rates and robust career services. For those considering jobs at Shenandoah University, the institution provides opportunities in teaching, research, administration, and support services, often with a focus on health professions and performing arts. Winchester's charming location, just 75 miles from Washington, D.C., offers employees access to cultural amenities, outdoor recreation in Shenandoah National Park, and a lower cost of living compared to larger cities.
Shenandoah University's roots trace back to 1875 when it was founded as Shenandoah Seminary by the Shenandoah Valley Brethren and United Methodists to educate ministers and laypeople. Over the decades, it expanded, becoming Shenandoah College in 1960 and achieving university status in 1991. Today, SU's mission centers on preparing students for leadership through rigorous academics, ethical development, and service. This evolution reflects in its job offerings, where roles support innovative teaching and research aligned with real-world needs.
The university's growth includes five campuses in Winchester, Leesburg, and Loudoun County, Virginia, facilitating diverse job locations. Historical milestones like the 2011 opening of the Alson H. Smith Jr. Arena and the expansion of health sciences programs highlight SU's investment in facilities, creating maintenance, administrative, and academic jobs.
Jobs at Shenandoah University span faculty, staff, and administrative positions across its colleges of Arts & Media, Business, Education & Human Development, Health Professions, Pharmacy, Science & Mathematics, and the Shenandoah Conservatory. Faculty roles include tenure-track professors, lecturers, and adjuncts in fields like music performance, occupational therapy, and physician assistant studies. Administrative jobs cover enrollment management, student affairs, and HR. Research positions, such as research assistants or postdocs, focus on clinical trials in pharmacy and health sciences. For a full breakdown, explore university job types.
Recent openings have included music faculty with expertise in orchestral conducting, pharmacy practice professors, and nursing instructors. Staff roles in IT, facilities, and marketing support the university's operations. SU actively recruits for roles emphasizing experiential learning, with many positions involving community partnerships in Winchester and beyond.
Understanding key terms is essential for navigating jobs at Shenandoah University. Tenure-track position: A faculty role leading to permanent employment after a probationary period, typically 5-7 years, based on teaching, research, and service. Adjunct professor: Part-time instructor hired per course, without benefits or tenure path. PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy): Terminal professional degree for pharmacists. DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy): Advanced degree for physical therapists. Postdoc (Postdoctoral fellow): Temporary research position after PhD for advanced training.
For faculty jobs at Shenandoah University, a doctoral degree is standard. Tenure-track positions generally require a PhD in the relevant field, such as musicology for conservatory roles or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for nursing faculty. Administrative leadership may need a master's or PhD plus experience. Clinical roles like physician assistants require certification and a master's degree. Research assistants typically hold a bachelor's or master's, with PhD preferred for senior roles. SU values credentials from accredited institutions, aligning with its regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
SU's research emphasizes applied fields. In pharmacy, expertise in pharmacogenomics and community health is sought. The Conservatory focuses on performance practice and music therapy research. Health sciences prioritize clinical outcomes in rehabilitation and nursing. Expertise in grant writing for federal funding (e.g., NIH) is advantageous. Emerging areas include environmental health in the Shenandoah Valley context and digital humanities in arts programs. Candidates with interdisciplinary experience, like combining music and therapy, stand out.
Preferred experience includes 3-5 years of teaching, peer-reviewed publications (e.g., 5+ articles), and grant success ($100,000+ funded). For health roles, clinical licensure and patient interaction hours are key. Skills encompass curriculum development, online teaching proficiency (e.g., Canvas LMS), data analysis for research, and interpersonal communication for student advising. Competencies like cultural competence, leadership, and adaptability align with SU's values. See how to write a winning academic CV for tailoring applications.
To apply for jobs at Shenandoah University, visit the official careers page or platforms like higher ed jobs on AcademicJobs.com. Submit a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and references online. The process involves screening, interviews (virtual/in-person), teaching demos, and reference checks, taking 4-8 weeks.
Actionable tips: Customize materials to SU's mission, highlighting Valley ties. Network via conferences like those by the National Association of Schools of Music. Prepare for behavioral interviews using STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Follow up politely. Leverage free resume templates and cover letter templates for polish. For lecturer roles, review become a university lecturer.
Shenandoah University champions diversity through its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Council, which develops policies for equitable hiring. Initiatives include bias training for search committees, mentorship for underrepresented faculty (e.g., women in STEM, BIPOC in arts), and the Horizons Project for first-generation students, extending to staff development. SU tracks demographics, aiming for 30% underrepresented minorities in faculty by 2025. Affinity groups like Women in Leadership and PRIDE support LGBTQ+ employees. Recruitment partners with HBCUs and Hispanic-serving institutions.
SU fosters work-life balance with flexible scheduling, especially post-COVID hybrid models, generous PTO (20+ days/year), and family leave exceeding FMLA standards. The Employee Wellness Program offers gym access, mental health counseling via EAP, and stress management workshops. Campus life in Winchester includes Conservatory performances, apple harvest festivals, and hiking in nearby valleys. Faculty enjoy sabbaticals every 6 years, professional development funds ($2,000/year), and tuition remission for dependents. Proximity to D.C. enables cultural outings, while the small-town vibe reduces commute stress (average 15 minutes).
Community events like Homecoming unite employees, and wellness challenges promote health. Reviews highlight collaborative culture, with low burnout rates compared to urban universities.
Jobs at Shenandoah University offer rewarding paths in a dynamic, supportive setting in Winchester, Virginia. From faculty in music and health to research and admin roles, opportunities abound for qualified professionals. Explore more on higher ed jobs, career advice via higher ed career advice, all university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Connect with SU's community for a fulfilling academic career.
