Working at USD, your next career step!

🎓 Overview of the University of San Diego

The University of San Diego (USD), located in San Diego, California, is a prestigious private Catholic university founded in 1949. Nestled on a 180-acre campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean, USD combines rigorous academics with a commitment to social justice and ethical leadership, rooted in its Catholic mission. With approximately 8,800 students, including 5,900 undergraduates and 2,900 graduates, USD offers over 80 undergraduate and 50 graduate programs across nine schools, such as the Knauss School of Business, Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, School of Law, and School of Peace Studies.

Jobs at University of San Diego attract professionals passionate about higher education in a vibrant coastal setting. The university employs over 1,200 faculty and 2,000 staff, providing diverse opportunities in teaching, research, administration, and support services. USD's emphasis on innovation and community engagement makes it an ideal employer for those seeking meaningful careers in academia. Salaries are competitive, with faculty positions often exceeding national averages due to the high cost of living in San Diego and USD's generous benefits package, including tuition remission for dependents.

Understanding jobs at University of San Diego starts with recognizing its unique blend of liberal arts, professional programs, and research excellence. For instance, the university ranks among the top 100 regional universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report, highlighting its appeal for academic careers.

Job Opportunities at University of San Diego

Careers at USD span faculty, staff, and leadership roles. Faculty positions include tenure-track professors, lecturers, and adjuncts in fields like business, engineering, nursing, theology, and marine science. Research jobs focus on areas such as environmental sustainability and peace studies, often funded by federal grants. Administrative roles cover admissions, student affairs, HR, and IT, while executive positions like deans and provosts require advanced leadership experience.

For a comprehensive look at types of positions available, USD frequently hires for roles in its professional schools. For example, the School of Law seeks legal scholars with J.D. and clerkship experience, while the Engineering school looks for PhDs in biomedical or electrical engineering. Staff positions in athletics or advancement offer entry points for those without advanced degrees. Current openings can be found on USD's careers page, with seasonal hiring for adjuncts during peak enrollment periods.

• Tenure-track faculty: Long-term academic roles with research expectations.
• Adjunct professors: Part-time teaching positions, ideal for practitioners.
• Research assistants: Entry-level roles supporting faculty projects.
• Administrative staff: Roles in operations, finance, and student services.

USD's commitment to higher ed faculty jobs emphasizes interdisciplinary work, such as collaborations between the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies and international relations programs.

Definitions

To help navigate jobs at University of San Diego, here are key terms defined:

• Tenure-track: A faculty position leading to tenure, a permanent appointment after a probationary period (usually 6 years) based on teaching, research, and service evaluations. Meaning it provides job security and academic freedom.
• Adjunct professor: Part-time instructor hired per course, often without benefits, allowing flexibility for professionals in industry or other academia.
• Postdoctoral fellow (postdoc): Temporary research position for recent PhD graduates to gain experience before faculty roles. Definition includes advanced research training.
• Sabbatical: Paid leave for faculty to pursue research or professional development, typically every 7 years at USD.

Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, Preferred Experience, Skills, and Competencies for Jobs at University of San Diego

Securing jobs at University of San Diego demands specific qualifications tailored to the role. For faculty positions, a PhD or terminal degree (e.g., J.D. for law, D.N.P. for nursing) in the relevant field is required. Research focus should align with USD's priorities, such as sustainability in the Environment and Sustainability Studies program or innovation in the Knauss School of Business.

Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (3-5 for assistant professors), grant funding from agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF), and teaching at accredited institutions. For research jobs, expertise in data analysis tools like R or Python is valued, especially in marine science where USD's Scripps Oceanography ties provide unique opportunities.

Key skills and competencies:

• Strong communication for engaging diverse students.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration, reflecting USD's integrated approach.
• Commitment to Catholic values and social justice.
• Digital literacy for online teaching platforms.
• Leadership for administrative roles.

Entry-level research assistant jobs may require a master's degree and lab experience, while executive positions demand 10+ years in higher ed administration. Learn more about research jobs or research assistant jobs.

📝 Application Process and Tips for University of San Diego Jobs

The application process for jobs at University of San Diego is online via their HR portal. Steps include:

• Search openings on usd.edu/careers.
• Submit resume, cover letter, transcripts, and references.
• Complete diversity statement for faculty roles.
• Prepare for interviews, often including teaching demos and research presentations.

Actionable tips: Customize your materials to USD's mission—highlight service to underserved communities. Use free resume template and free cover letter template from AcademicJobs.com. Network at conferences like those for the university lecturer path. Follow up post-submission and prepare for San Diego's lifestyle questions in interviews.

Timeline: Applications reviewed year-round, with peak hiring in spring for fall starts. Track status via the portal.

🌈 Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives at University of San Diego

USD champions diversity through its Office of Inclusive Excellence, offering recruitment pipelines for underrepresented minorities. Initiatives include the Faculty Diversity Recruitment Program, which provides funding for diverse candidate visits, and the Multicultural Center supporting staff affinity groups. In 2023, 45% of faculty identified as non-white, above national averages. Partnerships with HBCUs and Hispanic-serving institutions enhance hiring pipelines. Employees benefit from bias training and inclusive leadership development.

🏖️ Work-Life Balance and Campus Life at University of San Diego

USD fosters work-life balance with generous PTO (25 days/year for staff), parental leave (12 weeks paid), and wellness stipends. Sabbaticals for faculty and flexible hybrid schedules post-pandemic support recharge. Campus life thrives with 70+ clubs, Division I athletics (Toreros), and proximity to beaches like Mission Bay. Events like Cultural Nights and wellness fairs build community. San Diego's mild climate and outdoor access make USD a top choice for balanced careers.

Employee testimonials highlight collaborative culture and family-friendly policies, with on-campus childcare and fitness centers.

Summary: Pursue Your Career at University of San Diego

Jobs at University of San Diego offer rewarding opportunities in a stunning location with strong support for growth. Explore more higher ed jobs, get higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. USD's blend of faith, excellence, and innovation awaits dedicated professionals.