Westmont College, a premier Christian liberal arts college (a type of undergraduate institution emphasizing broad intellectual development across humanities, sciences, and arts), sits on a picturesque 110-acre campus in Santa Barbara, California. Founded in 1937 by Wallace L. Douglass, it has grown into a vibrant community of about 1,300 students and dedicated faculty and staff. Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the college offers an idyllic setting that enhances both academic pursuits and daily life.
Jobs at Westmont College attract professionals passionate about faith-integrated education. The institution prioritizes undergraduate teaching, mentorship, and a commitment to the Presbyterian Church (USA) tradition. Employment opportunities span faculty positions, administrative roles, and support staff, all contributing to a close-knit environment where employees shape future leaders. With Santa Barbara's mild climate, cultural richness, and outdoor recreation, working here combines professional fulfillment with an exceptional quality of life.
Westmont's history traces back to its origins as a Bible college in Los Angeles before relocating to Santa Barbara in 1940 amid urban growth. Key milestones include accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges in 1957 and expansions like the addition of graduate programs in recent years, though it remains primarily undergraduate-focused. The college's mission—to provide a rigorous liberal arts education infused with Christian values—defines its hiring philosophy.
This mission influences jobs profoundly: candidates must demonstrate how their work aligns with biblical principles. For instance, faculty roles often require a personal statement of faith, reflecting Westmont's ethos of "To be, not to seem." Historical commitments to excellence have led to nationally ranked programs in physics, music, and economics, creating demand for specialized talent.
Westmont College offers diverse roles tailored to its liberal arts focus. Faculty positions dominate, including tenure-track professors who teach 3-4 courses per semester while advising students. Visiting and adjunct roles provide entry points for emerging scholars. Administrative jobs cover admissions, student life, and advancement, while staff positions include facilities, IT, and library services.
Common categories include:
For a deeper dive into university job types, including how they vary by institution size, review available resources. Westmont's small scale means roles often blend teaching, research, and service.
To understand jobs at Westmont College, key terms include:
Faculty jobs at Westmont College demand advanced degrees: a PhD or terminal degree (the highest qualification in the field, like DMA for music) is standard for tenure-track roles. For example, a physics professor needs a PhD in physics or astrophysics. Administrative positions may require a master's in higher education administration or related fields.
Undergraduate-focused roles emphasize pedagogical expertise over extensive research credentials, distinguishing Westmont from research universities. All candidates must hold degrees from accredited institutions, with preference for those from Christian colleges.
While not a research-intensive university, Westmont values faculty scholarship that enhances teaching. Expertise areas align with 30+ majors, such as environmental science (leveraging nearby natural reserves) or film studies (tied to Santa Barbara's creative scene). Recent hires include specialists in neuroscience and data science.
Research often involves student collaboration, like summer projects funded by college grants. Expertise in interdisciplinary approaches, such as faith-science dialogue, is prized. Publications in peer-reviewed journals strengthen applications, though teaching demos are paramount.
Preferred experience includes 3-5 years of college teaching, curriculum development, and student mentoring. Publications (5+ for senior roles), grants, and conference presentations boost competitiveness. For staff, 5+ years in higher ed administration is ideal.
Key skills and competencies:
Competencies like cultural humility and collaborative problem-solving are essential in Westmont's team-oriented culture.
The application process begins on the Westmont College careers page, where postings detail requirements. Submit a cover letter, CV, faith statement, teaching philosophy, and 3-5 references via Interfolio or their portal. Interviews involve campus visits with teaching demos and meetings with committees.
Actionable tips:
Timeline: Applications reviewed year-round, with peaks in fall for fall hires.
Westmont College actively advances diversity through the Office of Multicultural Development, offering programming like Unity Week and scholarships for underrepresented students. Faculty hiring includes targeted searches for women and minorities in STEM. The 2023 strategic plan commits to inclusive pedagogy training and bias audits. Examples include the Black Faculty/Staff Association and partnerships with Hispanic-serving institutions. These efforts foster a welcoming environment mirroring broader societal diversity.
Westmont prioritizes balance with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio allowing focused teaching without overload. Flexible schedules, summer breaks, and sabbaticals support renewal. Campus life thrives with events like convocations, athletic games, and beach outings. Santa Barbara amenities—wineries, missions, and hiking—enrich off-hours. Wellness includes gym access, counseling, and family-friendly policies like tuition remission (up to 50% for dependents). Employees rave about the supportive community and stunning views, rating work-life high in surveys.
Westmont combines intellectual rigor, spiritual depth, and coastal beauty. Recent hires note the joy of shaping lives in a values-driven setting. For career advice, check higher ed career advice. Ready to apply? Explore higher ed jobs, university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Faculty openings and administration jobs abound in California.
In Santa Barbara, opportunities extend to uni jobs nearby. Learn about professor salaries or recruitment strategies. Westmont stands out for meaningful impact.
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