USF Jobs and Career Opportunities at University of St. Francis

🎓 Overview of Jobs at University of St. Francis

The University of St. Francis (USF), located in Joliet, Illinois, is a private Catholic institution founded in 1920 by the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate. Known for its Franciscan values of service, integrity, and compassion, USF offers a welcoming environment for academic professionals seeking meaningful careers. Jobs at University of St. Francis span faculty positions, administrative roles, and support staff opportunities across undergraduate and graduate programs in fields like nursing, education, business, and health sciences.

With a student body of around 3,500 and small class sizes averaging 20 students, USF emphasizes personalized education and community engagement. This translates to rewarding job experiences where employees contribute directly to student success and institutional growth. The Joliet campus, just 40 miles southwest of Chicago, provides a suburban setting with urban access, making it attractive for those balancing professional and personal lives.

Current openings often include tenure-track faculty in high-demand areas such as physician assistant studies and teacher education, reflecting USF's strengths. Explore university job types for a broader understanding of roles available at institutions like USF.

History and Mission Shaping Careers at USF

Established as a teacher training school, USF evolved into a comprehensive university offering over 60 majors. Its Franciscan heritage influences job culture, prioritizing ethical leadership and community service. Employees often participate in service-learning initiatives, enhancing job satisfaction.

In recent years, USF has expanded its health sciences programs, leading to increased demand for specialized faculty. For instance, the Leach College of Nursing has grown significantly, creating stable job prospects in clinical education. This history of adaptation ensures dynamic career paths for dedicated professionals.

Types of Jobs at University of St. Francis

Faculty jobs dominate, with positions like Assistant Professor of Biology or Director of Graduate Programs. Administrative roles include admissions counselors and student affairs coordinators, while support jobs cover IT and facilities. Adjunct opportunities abound for flexible teaching schedules.

USF values interdisciplinary approaches, so jobs may involve collaboration across departments. Learn more about higher ed faculty jobs or administration jobs through our resources.

• Tenure-track professor roles requiring research and teaching.
• Adjunct lecturer positions for part-time engagement.
• Executive leadership in academic affairs.
• Research assistant jobs in emerging fields like simulation in nursing.

Definitions

To understand jobs at University of St. Francis fully, key terms include: Tenure-track position: A faculty role leading to permanent employment after review, typically involving teaching, research, and service. Franciscan values: Principles of peace, justice, and respect for creation, guiding USF's Catholic identity. Adjunct faculty: Part-time instructors hired per course, offering flexibility without full-time commitment.

Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, Preferred Experience, and Skills

📊 For faculty jobs at USF, a PhD or equivalent terminal degree (e.g., DNP for nursing) in the relevant field is standard. Research focus varies: nursing emphasizes evidence-based practice, education prioritizes curriculum development, and business seeks expertise in finance or marketing.

Preferred experience includes 3-5 years of teaching, peer-reviewed publications, and grant funding. Skills and competencies encompass strong communication, cultural competence, and technology proficiency for online/hybrid courses. USF favors candidates with clinical or industry experience for applied programs.

• PhD in relevant discipline (essential for tenure-track).
• Publications in journals like Journal of Nursing Education.
• Grants from sources like Illinois Board of Higher Education.
• Competencies: Mentoring students, curriculum design, data analysis.

Administrative roles require master's degrees and higher ed experience. These qualifications ensure hires align with USF's mission of transformative education.

Application Process and Tips

Applications for jobs at University of St. Francis start on the official careers page, submitting a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and three references. The process includes interviews, teaching demos, and mission fit assessments.

Actionable tips: Customize your cover letter to Franciscan values, quantify achievements (e.g., 'Mentored 50 students to 95% licensure pass rate'), and network via conferences. Prepare for behavioral interviews focusing on service. Use our free resume template and cover letter template for polished submissions. Follow up professionally within a week.

• Review job description thoroughly.
• Highlight alignment with USF's Catholic, Franciscan identity.
• Practice virtual teaching demos.
• Seek feedback from mentors in higher ed.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives at USF

🌍 USF fosters an inclusive environment through the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, offering training on unconscious bias and cultural competency. Initiatives include the Black Student Union, Hispanic Leadership Program, and partnerships with local Joliet organizations for underrepresented recruitment.

The university's strategic plan emphasizes diverse hiring, with goals for faculty representation mirroring Illinois demographics. Events like Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations and Pride Month activities build community. Employees benefit from mentorship programs pairing new hires with diverse leaders.

Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

⚖️ USF supports work-life balance with generous PTO, flexible scheduling, and employee assistance programs. The campus features modern facilities like the Tower Gymnasium and Wellness Center, promoting health.

Joliet's location offers affordable housing, Des Plaines River trails, and Chicago commutes under an hour. Campus life includes Franciscan feasts, athletic events (Fighting Saints), and professional development via workshops. Faculty enjoy sabbaticals and research leaves, contributing to low burnout rates.

Community events like service days strengthen bonds, while proximity to Rialto Square Theatre enriches cultural life. This holistic approach makes USF a top choice for sustainable careers.

Career Growth and Benefits

USF invests in employees with tuition remission for dependents, retirement matching, and leadership tracks. Professional development includes conferences and higher ed career advice opportunities.

Salaries are competitive for Illinois privates, with professors averaging $80,000-$110,000 based on experience. Growth paths lead to department chairs or deanships.

Why Choose Jobs at University of St. Francis?

In summary, jobs at University of St. Francis combine purpose-driven work with professional growth in a supportive Illinois community. Whether pursuing higher ed jobs, faculty roles, or administration, USF delivers impact. Visit university jobs, explore higher ed career advice, or post a job if recruiting. For faculty insights, see employer branding secrets and academic CV tips.