Grand Valley State University (GVSU), located in Allendale, Michigan, just outside Grand Rapids, stands as one of the Midwest's premier public universities. With a student body exceeding 22,000 and a reputation for student-centered teaching and regional impact, GVSU continues to expand its influence. As enrollment grows—marking a 1% increase to 22,035 students in fall 2025—the demand for talented professionals in various roles has never been higher. Whether you're a seasoned academic, an administrative expert, or a student seeking on-campus work, opportunities abound at this dynamic institution.

The university's commitment to empowering learners in their pursuits, professions, and purpose translates directly into a supportive work environment. GVSU enriches Michigan's economy with a staggering $3 billion annual impact, supporting over 17,000 jobs statewide. This economic engine fuels steady hiring across faculty, staff, and support positions, making it an attractive destination for higher education careers.

Current Landscape of Grand Valley State University Jobs

In early 2026, GVSU lists approximately 25-30 active job openings across platforms like its Workday careers portal, HigherEdJobs, Indeed, and LinkedIn. These span faculty appointments, administrative roles, professional staff positions, and maintenance jobs. Recent postings highlight adjunct instructors in nursing for winter 2026, program managers, secretaries in colleges like Liberal Arts and Sciences, and custodians. The mix reflects GVSU's balanced growth, with emphasis on health sciences, engineering, and student services amid rising enrollment.

Faculty roles dominate higher education listings, including visiting positions in sociology and literacy education. Administrative opportunities, such as executive directors for centers and project coordinators, cater to experienced professionals. Student and entry-level staff jobs ensure accessibility for locals and campus community members. This diversity aligns with Michigan's higher education trends, where public universities like GVSU prioritize regional talent pipelines.

Faculty Positions at GVSU: Tenure-Track and Adjunct Opportunities

Faculty roles form the core of Grand Valley State University jobs, particularly in high-demand fields. Recent openings include adjunct faculty in Kirkhof College of Nursing, literacy and educational foundations, and visiting faculty in sociology. Tenure-track positions in management, biology, and computing appear periodically, often requiring a Ph.D. or terminal degree, teaching experience, and research alignment with GVSU's liberal education model.

Requirements typically involve demonstrated excellence in teaching, scholarly activity, and service. For instance, biology department jobs emphasize field-specific expertise like ecology or genetics. Adjunct roles offer flexibility for professionals balancing multiple commitments, with salaries starting around $56,000 annually for affiliates. Full professors command higher ranges, up to $239,100 for senior roles in chemistry or engineering, reflecting merit-based progression and longevity.

GVSU's Padnos College of Engineering and Seidman College of Business frequently seek specialized faculty, driven by program expansions. Nursing enrollment surged 25.2%, signaling sustained hiring in health professions.

Administrative and Professional Staff Roles

Beyond academia, GVSU offers robust administrative and staff positions. Examples include program manager for Next Engineers at the Regional Math and Science Center, secretary in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and executive director for innovation centers. These roles demand organizational skills, often a bachelor's degree minimum, and experience in higher education operations.

Patient services representatives and HR coordinators support the university's student success mission. Maintenance and service staff, like custodians, provide essential campus operations. Salaries for admin/professional staff range from $50,000 to over $250,000 for deans and vice presidents, with averages around $64,000 university-wide. Merit increases for 2025-2026 underscore GVSU's investment in retention.

Explore current openings on GVSU's Workday portal for detailed qualifications and to apply directly.

Student Employment: Building Skills On-Campus

GVSU prioritizes student workers through Workday, offering hundreds of on-campus jobs and internships. Positions range from tutoring and supplemental instruction leads to promotions office roles like graphic designers and camera operators. Hiring peaks in February-March for fall, but opportunities persist year-round.

These roles develop professional skills, with awards like Student Employee of the Month recognizing standouts. Radiation therapy majors and others gain hands-on experience, enhancing resumes for post-graduation. No prior experience often required, making it ideal for first-year students.

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• Digital content assistants in marketing
• Office admin in various departments
• Lab assistants in computing and sciences

Salaries, Benefits, and Compensation Trends

GVSU employees enjoy competitive compensation. The 2025 salary book reveals professors earning $95,000-$239,100, associate professors $80,000-$191,000, and staff from $37,500 entry-level to executive highs over $300,000. Average employee salary hovers at $64,260, bolstered by strong retirement plans.

Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, professional development, and work-life balance perks like relocation support and community engagement. Merit increases for executives, admin, and professionals in 2025-2026 reflect economic adjustments amid West Michigan's soft economy.

Graduate outcomes shine: median earnings one year post-graduation at $36,427, with strong placement rates per the First Destination Report.

Navigating the Application Process

Applying for Grand Valley State University jobs is streamlined via Workday. External candidates create accounts; internals use GVSU IDs. Tailor resumes to highlight teaching philosophy, research agendas, or admin achievements. Interviews often include campus visits and student interactions.

EEO/AA employer, GVSU values diversity. Background checks standard. For faculty, submit CVs, references, and diversity statements. Track applications through the portal.

Why Choose a Career at GVSU?

GVSU's student-centered ethos fosters innovation. Allendale's campus blends modern facilities with Lake Michigan proximity. Grand Rapids offers urban amenities, boosting quality of life. Employee satisfaction stems from impact: second-largest incoming class signals vitality.

Growth opportunities abound via professional development and internal mobility. University research influences regional economy, providing purpose-driven work.

Learn more about working at GVSU.

Hiring Trends and Future Outlook

Enrollment projections to 24,000 by 2030 drive hiring in STEM, health, and education. Nursing and engineering lead expansions. Despite regional economic softness, GVSU's $3B impact sustains positions.

Michigan's Hot 50 Jobs through 2032 align with GVSU strengths, promising stability. Watch for vice president shifts and program launches.

Tips for Securing GVSU Jobs

Network via career fairs and LinkedIn. Customize applications to GVSU's values. Gain experience through adjunct or student roles. Highlight regional ties for staff positions.

• Research departments thoroughly
• Prepare teaching demos
• Leverage GVSU alumni networks
• Stay updated on Workday postings

Actionable: Visit First Destination Report for insights.

Photo by Zachary Cui on Unsplash

Real-World Success Stories

Recent hires like Jeffery Osgood in leadership roles exemplify GVSU's appeal. Faculty transitioning from research universities praise collaborative culture. Staff note merit growth and benefits.

With 6,500 new students annually, your expertise can shape futures.