Hillsdale College, located in the small town of Hillsdale, Michigan, is a premier liberal arts institution founded in 1844. This private college stands out for its commitment to classical education, rooted in the Western liberal arts tradition. Unlike many universities, Hillsdale rejects federal funding to maintain academic independence, allowing it to prioritize its core curriculum focused on great books, free market principles, and constitutional studies. With approximately 1,500 undergraduate students, the campus fosters a tight-knit community where faculty and staff play pivotal roles in shaping future leaders.
Jobs at Hillsdale College attract educators and professionals passionate about rigorous academics and conservative values. Positions span faculty, administration, and support staff, offering opportunities to contribute to an environment emphasizing teaching excellence over research volume. The college's location in southern Michigan provides a peaceful, rural setting near larger cities like Ann Arbor and Detroit, enhancing work-life balance for employees.
Hillsdale College's history shapes its job landscape. Established before the Civil War, it was one of the first to admit women and African Americans. Today, its mission centers on educating for virtue and liberty, influencing hiring to favor candidates aligned with this vision. This independence from government funding means jobs emphasize merit and fit, free from bureaucratic mandates common in federally funded institutions.
The college's growth, including the Center for Constructive Alternatives and Imprimis magazine, creates specialized roles in public policy and outreach. Employees often engage in campus events, lectures by prominent figures, and study abroad programs in Europe and Asia, enriching professional experiences.
Hillsdale College offers diverse roles tailored to its liberal arts focus. Faculty positions include tenure-track professor jobs in humanities like English, history, and philosophy, as well as sciences and mathematics. Administrative jobs cover admissions, financial aid, and advancement, while staff roles include library, IT, and athletics support.
For a full breakdown, visit our guide to university job types. Common openings include lecturer jobs for adjunct faculty and higher ed jobs in executive administration. Research-focused positions, such as research assistant jobs, support centers like the Hoogland Center for Free Enterprise.
To understand jobs at Hillsdale College, key terms include:
📊 For faculty jobs at Hillsdale College, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in the relevant field is typically required, such as a PhD in political economy for politics roles. Research focus often aligns with the college's strengths: constitutional studies, free market economics, and classical languages.
Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications, teaching at liberal arts colleges, and grants from private foundations. Skills and competencies emphasize outstanding teaching, public speaking, and commitment to the college's non-sectarian Christian ethos.
Administrative roles require bachelor's degrees minimum, with master's preferred for senior positions, plus experience in higher ed operations.
Hillsdale College advances diversity through merit-based admissions and hiring, ensuring representation across backgrounds. Initiatives include scholarships for underrepresented students and faculty development programs promoting viewpoint diversity. The college hosts discussions on civil discourse, exemplified by its debate team successes and Kirby Center seminars. While not emphasizing DEI quotas, it fosters inclusion via shared commitment to liberty, with faculty from diverse regions contributing to global perspectives in classes.
🏡 Hillsdale's 400-acre campus offers beautiful facilities, including a new health center and sports complex. Employees enjoy family events, holiday celebrations, and proximity to Lake Michigan recreation. Work-life balance is supported by generous vacation policies, professional development funds, and a low student-faculty ratio allowing focused teaching without overload. The small-town vibe in Hillsdale, Michigan, provides affordable housing and community involvement, with staff often participating in Charger athletics and cultural festivals.
📋 To apply for jobs at Hillsdale College, visit the official careers page linked from AcademicJobs.com. Submit a cover letter addressing mission fit, CV, transcripts, teaching statement, and three references. Interviews involve teaching demos and meetings with leadership.
Actionable tips:
For lecturer aspirations, read how to become a university lecturer.
Hillsdale offers competitive salaries, with assistant professors averaging $80,000+, comprehensive benefits including tuition remission, and retirement matching. Its ranking among top Midwest liberal arts colleges attracts top talent. For more on pay, see university salaries.
In summary, jobs at Hillsdale College provide meaningful careers in a distinctive academic environment. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job to connect with opportunities.
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