Oral Roberts University (ORU), located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, stands as a beacon for those seeking meaningful careers in higher education infused with Christian values. Established as a private evangelical institution, ORU offers a variety of jobs that blend academic rigor with spiritual growth. From faculty positions teaching future leaders to administrative roles supporting campus operations, opportunities at ORU attract professionals passionate about holistic education. The university's commitment to educating the whole person—spirit, mind, and body—shapes every job description, making it unique among higher ed jobs.
With around 4,000 undergraduate and 700 graduate students, ORU maintains a close-knit community where employees contribute to a vibrant campus life. Jobs at Oral Roberts University often require alignment with its charismatic Christian heritage, founded by evangelist Oral Roberts. Whether you're eyeing professor jobs or support staff roles, understanding ORU's mission is key to thriving here.
Oral Roberts University was founded in 1963 by Oral Roberts, a pioneering televangelist who envisioned a university where faith and learning intersect. From its early days on a 500-acre campus overlooking Tulsa, ORU has grown into a respected institution known for innovation, such as being one of the first to offer a biomedical engineering program in a Christian context. This history influences jobs at ORU, emphasizing roles that advance its founder's vision of healing and wholeness.
Key milestones include the iconic Prayer Tower in 1967, a symbol of the university's prayer-focused culture, and expansions in health sciences and business. Today, this legacy means careers at ORU involve not just teaching or administration but participating in a ministry-minded environment. Historical commitment to missions has led to global outreach programs, creating jobs in international studies and chaplaincy.
ORU's diverse colleges fuel demand for specialized faculty and staff. The College of Engineering and Computer Science seeks experts in mechanical and electrical engineering. The Anna Vaughn College of Nursing prepares graduates for healthcare, requiring nurse educators with clinical experience. Theology and Ministry roles demand deep biblical knowledge, while the Spears School of Business offers positions in accounting and entrepreneurship.
Graduate programs in counseling, education, and theology expand opportunities for postdoc and research jobs. Understanding these programs helps job seekers tailor applications, highlighting how their expertise supports ORU's goals. For a broader view, explore university job types.
Jobs at Oral Roberts University prioritize candidates with strong academic credentials. Faculty positions generally require a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field, such as EdD for education roles or MD for health sciences. Research focus must align with departmental needs; for instance, biomed engineering faculty emphasize regenerative medicine and bioethics from a Christian perspective.
Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications, grant funding from bodies like the National Science Foundation, and teaching portfolios demonstrating student engagement. In ministry-related jobs, pastoral experience or missionary work is highly valued. Staff roles may require a master's degree plus 3-5 years in higher ed administration.
Essential skills for jobs at Oral Roberts University include excellent communication for classroom and chapel settings, cultural sensitivity for diverse students, and technological proficiency for online-hybrid courses. Competencies like leadership in student mentoring, collaboration across departments, and commitment to service learning are crucial. Soft skills such as empathy and adaptability shine in ORU's relational culture.
Technical skills vary: data analysis for business faculty, lab management for sciences. All roles emphasize integrity and spiritual maturity, often assessed via faith statements.
The application process for jobs at Oral Roberts University begins with online submission through the HR portal at oru.edu/careers. Required documents include a CV (curriculum vitae—a detailed academic resume), cover letter, statement of Christian faith, transcripts, and three references. Interviews often involve campus visits with teaching demos and meetings with chapel leaders.
Timeline: Postings close after 30-60 days; hires align with academic calendars. Use free resources like our free resume template and cover letter template.
Oral Roberts University actively pursues diversity through the Multicultural and International Student Office, supporting over 40 nationalities. Initiatives include the Diversity Leadership Institute, training faculty on inclusive pedagogy, and scholarships for underrepresented groups. Hiring practices prioritize diverse candidates who uphold Christian values, with affinity groups for ethnic minorities.
Examples: Annual Diversity Conference featuring speakers on equity in faith-based education, and partnerships with Tulsa's minority communities. ORU's statement affirms inclusion as biblical, fostering environments where all thrive.
Work-life balance at Oral Roberts University is supported by flexible scheduling, especially for faculty during summers, and family-friendly policies like parental leave. Campus life revolves around daily chapel services, the 60-foot Prayer Tower for meditation, and events like Homecoming with 20,000 attendees. Tulsa's location offers cultural amenities, hiking in nearby parks, and a low cost of living.
Wellness includes fitness centers, counseling via the Whole Person Wellness Center, and missions trips for rejuvenation. Employees enjoy tuition discounts for dependents, enhancing family life. The supportive community reduces burnout, with mentorship programs pairing new hires with veterans.
Careers at Oral Roberts University offer purpose-driven work in a dynamic setting. Whether faculty, admin, or support, roles contribute to shaping leaders. For more opportunities, visit higher ed jobs, university jobs, or post your profile via recruitment. Explore higher ed career advice and post a job for institutions.
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