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Naropa University, nestled in the vibrant city of Boulder, Colorado, stands out in higher education for its pioneering approach to contemplative learning. Founded in 1974, this institution blends rigorous academics with mindfulness practices, offering a unique environment for professionals passionate about transformative education. Jobs at Naropa University span faculty positions, administrative roles, and support staff, all emphasizing personal growth, community engagement, and innovative teaching. Whether you're a seasoned academic or an emerging scholar, opportunities here attract those drawn to transpersonal psychology (a field studying spiritual and psychological development), creative arts, and environmental leadership.
The university's small size—around 1,000 students—fosters close-knit collaborations, making roles highly impactful. Faculty often teach in low-ratio classes, integrating meditation sits and somatic awareness into curricula. Administrative jobs support this mission through student services, enrollment, and sustainability initiatives. With Boulder's outdoor lifestyle and intellectual hub status, these positions offer more than a paycheck; they provide a holistic career path.
Naropa University traces its roots to Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist teacher who envisioned a secular academic setting infused with contemplative disciplines. Named after the 11th-century Indian mahasiddha Naropa, the university received accreditation in 1980 and has evolved into a leader in mindful education. This heritage influences jobs profoundly: employees engage in 'view, meditation, and action'—core principles guiding everything from classroom instruction to campus operations.
Over the decades, Naropa expanded from its Nalanda Campus to include the Paramita Campus, hosting programs like the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics, renowned for experimental writing. Recent initiatives focus on climate action and social justice, creating demand for roles in eco-leadership and diversity training. Understanding this history helps applicants align their experience with Naropa's ethos, boosting success in faculty searches.
Jobs at Naropa University primarily fall into academic, administrative, and operational categories. Faculty positions include core professors, adjuncts, and visiting scholars in departments like Contemplative Psychology, Transpersonal Counseling Psychology (a master's program training therapists in mindfulness-based therapy), and Divine Ecology. For instance, a Professor of Contemplative Education might lead MA courses blending phenomenology and meditation research.
Administrative roles encompass directors of student affairs, admissions counselors attuned to holistic applicant reviews, and HR specialists promoting wellness benefits. Support staff jobs involve library curation for rare Buddhist texts or facilities management for eco-friendly buildings. Explore university job types for broader insights into these positions across institutions.
Salaries align with regional norms; faculty earn around $70,000-$100,000 annually, per higher ed benchmarks, with benefits including tuition remission.
To fully grasp jobs at Naropa University, key terms include:
Securing jobs at Naropa University demands specific credentials. Required academic qualifications typically include a PhD in a relevant field for tenure-track faculty, such as psychology, education, or fine arts. Master's holders qualify for counseling or arts adjunct roles.
Research focus centers on contemplative sciences: expertise in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), eco-psychology, or authentic movement therapy is prized. Preferred experience encompasses peer-reviewed publications (e.g., in Journal of Contemplative Studies), grant funding from sources like the Mind & Life Institute, and 3-5 years teaching diverse cohorts.
Essential skills and competencies:
| Skill | Description |
|---|---|
| Mindfulness Facilitation | Guiding group meditations and retreats. |
| Interdisciplinary Collaboration | Bridging arts, psychology, and ecology. |
| Cultural Humility | Navigating Buddhist influences in secular contexts. |
| Digital Pedagogy | Using platforms for hybrid contemplative classes. |
These align with Naropa's low-residency formats, appealing to remote higher ed professionals—see remote higher ed jobs.
The application process begins on Naropa's careers page, where postings detail contemplative fit. Submit a tailored CV, cover letter (1-2 pages articulating your meditation practice), teaching philosophy, and three references. Interviews involve panel discussions and a sample class with meditation.
Actionable tips:
Timeline: Applications reviewed year-round, with peaks in spring for fall hires. Follow up politely after two weeks.
Naropa University champions diversity through the Contemplative Justice initiative, addressing systemic inequities via anti-oppression training. Examples include the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) affinity group for faculty, scholarships like the Socially Engaged Scholarship Fund (awarding $10,000+ annually), and curriculum audits ensuring inclusive content. In 2023, 40% of new hires identified as underrepresented, reflecting commitment to equitable hiring. The Office of Inclusive Excellence hosts dialogues on decolonizing contemplative practices, vital for global-minded applicants.
Naropa prioritizes well-being, mirroring Boulder's wellness ethos. Employees access daily meditation halls, free yoga, and counseling. Flexible hours accommodate retreats; faculty sabbaticals every seven years support research travel. Campus life buzzes with poetry readings, dance performances, and hikes in nearby Flatirons. Boulder offers 300 sunny days yearly, farm-to-table dining, and proximity to Denver for urban escapes. Benefits include health coverage, 403(b) matching, and pet-friendly policies. This holistic setup reduces burnout, with surveys showing high satisfaction among staff.
In summary, jobs at Naropa University offer a rare fusion of academic rigor and inner development in picturesque Boulder, Colorado. From faculty innovating in higher ed faculty jobs to admins fostering community, roles here transform lives. Leverage higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or check higher ed jobs for openings. Institutions like Naropa seek passionate contributors—start your journey via recruitment tools or post a job if hiring.
For lecturer aspirations, review become a university lecturer. Research enthusiasts, see research jobs.
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