Grinnell College, located in the small town of Grinnell, Iowa, is a renowned private liberal arts college founded in 1846. Known for its rigorous academics and commitment to social responsibility, it attracts top talent seeking meaningful careers in higher education. Jobs at Grinnell College span faculty, administrative, and support roles, emphasizing teaching excellence, undergraduate research mentorship, and community engagement. The college's need-blind admission policy and open curriculum—no required courses—create a dynamic environment where employees contribute to innovative education.
With approximately 1,700 students and a student-faculty ratio of 9:1, Grinnell fosters close collaboration. Faculty positions are tenure-track or visiting, focusing on liberal arts disciplines like biology, computer science, economics, and anthropology. Staff roles include admissions, financial aid, facilities, and IT, supporting the college's residential campus life. The institution values interdisciplinary work and offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and professional development opportunities.
Working at Grinnell means joining a community dedicated to intellectual curiosity and public good, with employees often involved in campus events and initiatives. Current openings can be found on the college's career page, and platforms like higher ed jobs list relevant positions.
Grinnell College offers diverse job categories tailored to its liberal arts mission. Tenure-track faculty roles require balancing teaching, research, and service. Visiting positions provide temporary opportunities for scholars. Learn more about types of university positions.
Recent postings include assistant professor of mathematics and director of diversity programs, reflecting the college's priorities.
To secure jobs at Grinnell College, candidates need strong academic credentials. For faculty, a PhD in the relevant field is standard. Research focus aligns with departmental needs, such as environmental studies or data science, often involving undergraduate collaboration.
Preferred experience encompasses publications in peer-reviewed journals, grant funding from NSF or NEH, and teaching at similar institutions. Skills include pedagogical innovation, grant writing, and data analysis tools like R or Python for research roles. Competencies emphasize mentorship, inclusivity, and adaptability.
Tenure-track: A permanent academic position leading to tenure after review, typically 6-7 years, based on teaching, research, and service.
Liberal arts college: An undergraduate institution emphasizing broad education in humanities, sciences, and social sciences over specialization.
Open curriculum: Grinnell's model allowing students to choose courses freely, requiring faculty to offer diverse, engaging options.
Mentored research: Faculty guiding students in original projects, a hallmark of Grinnell.
The application process for jobs at Grinnell College begins with online submission via their portal. Required documents include a cover letter addressing fit with the college's mission, CV, teaching philosophy statement, research agenda, diversity statement, and three letters of recommendation.
Tip: Reference Grinnell's commitment to public-purpose leadership. For CV advice, see how to write a winning academic CV.
Grinnell College prioritizes diversity through the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, offering training, affinity groups for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC staff, and the Junction food pantry for equity. The college's strategic plan targets inclusive hiring, with programs like Posse Scholars recruiting diverse talent. Faculty development workshops address bias, and employee resource groups foster belonging. In 2023, 45% of faculty identified as people of color, above national averages for liberal arts colleges.
Grinnell supports work-life balance with generous PTO, parental leave, sabbaticals every 7 years, and wellness programs including gym access and counseling. The 120-acre campus features trails, arts centers, and events like Pandebono seminars. In Grinnell, Iowa, employees enjoy a low-cost living, community events, and proximity to Des Moines (50 miles). Housing assistance and relocation support ease transitions. Campus life includes faculty-student collaborations, lectures, and athletics, creating a vibrant, supportive atmosphere.
Jobs at Grinnell College offer rewarding opportunities in a supportive liberal arts environment. Explore higher ed jobs, career advice via higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. With its focus on excellence and equity, Grinnell is ideal for dedicated academics.
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