Faculty Chair (Humanities)

Deep Springs College is hiring the Robert Aird Chair of Humanities which is open to any area including philosophy, history, religion, literature, and visual or performing arts.

Job Description

The ideal candidate will be a committed and passionate teacher with an enthusiasm for Deep Springs College’s unique educational program. As long-standing members of the College community, Faculty Chairs have the dual responsibility of supporting students throughout their time at Deep Springs and leading innovations within the academic pillar. Chairs have a unique ability to foster the intellectual culture of the school; a specific interest in how pedagogy may inform a life of service would be invaluable in this role. Deep Springs is a small, self-reliant community. As such, Faculty Chairs are expected to engage with the community beyond the classroom by fostering rapport with students and colleagues; opportunities include sharing in meals, projects, recreation, research, and ongoing conversation.

Chairs typically teach two self-designed courses each semester (four courses per academic year) with fewer than 10 students. They are expected to teach courses within their area of expertise, as well as more general classes to support the breadth of the liberal arts education offered by Deep Springs. In addition to the standard course load, faculty typically mentor 2-3 students through independent studies each year.  Faculty are encouraged to solicit student participation in their work, or to work with them to design projects of mutual interest. Faculty Chairs are also expected to serve on one of the college’s standing committees, which manage annual processes, such as admissions and curriculum development. 

Faculty Chair appointments are full-time with extensive benefits such as free housing, with paid utilities, and meals. Additional benefits include health, vision, and dental insurance as well as a monthly retirement contribution equal to 14% of salary. Traditionally Faculty Chairs do not teach during our spring and summer short terms, resulting in a four-month annual teaching release (May-August). The starting salary for Faculty Chairs is $75,000 with additional salary consideration for prior years of service in an existing faculty position. Initial appointments are for three years, renewable for a second three-year term. Deep Springs College does not offer tenure but our Faculty Chairs often stay for 4-6 years, transitioning to tenure-track positions at top public and private institutions of higher learning. Deep Springs is committed to supporting Chairs in their own professional development, research and scholarship so that they may pursue life-long success in academia after they leave the College.

Deep Springs College is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, national origin, religion, age, or disability. More information about our commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion can be found on our website.

Qualifications 

Faculty Chairs are expected to have a terminal degree such as a Ph.D. and previous teaching experience. Ideally, our chairs are more than specialists and consider their discipline in the context of liberal arts education as a whole. We seek candidates with a demonstrated commitment to supporting students and working collaboratively with their colleagues. Given the need to partner with students on all aspects of the academic program, we require someone with great enthusiasm, high expectations, and patience for working with young adults who are deeply committed to the three pillars of academics, self-governance, and labor. Additionally, the right person for this role will be excited to serve and live in a small, close-knit community located in an isolated and beautiful desert environment. Deep Springs is a place that changes lives and sustains a profound hold on the imaginations of its staff, faculty, and students while they are here and long after they leave.

Application Procedures for Faculty Chairs

We will begin reviewing applications on November 5, 2024 and will continue to accept and consider new applications after this date until the position is filled. To apply, please email the following materials to:

[email protected] for the Robert Aird Chair of Humanities position 

●      Cover Letter that addresses your connection to the Deep Springs mission

●      Curriculum Vitae

●      Statement of Teaching Philosophy and Experience

●      Statement of Research or Professional Works

If you are offered an interview, we will also request:

●      Three (3) Letters of Recommendation

Additional inquiries or questions about the positions or application process can be sent to [email protected].

About Deep Springs College

Deep Springs College is a private, nonsectarian, fully accredited 2-year college program for academically gifted young people, located on a small cattle-and-alfalfa ranch in a beautiful, remote area of the White Mountains on the California-Nevada border. Admission to Deep Springs is highly selective; in recent years the applicant acceptance rate ranged from 2-4% and the College requires great commitment from admitted students as reflected in the President’s letter. All of the college’s 26-30 students receive full scholarships plus free room and board. After two years at Deep Springs, students transfer to highly selective universities and colleges.

The college aims to educate students for a life of leadership and service by combining high-level academic coursework in the liberal arts, self-sustaining labor by students, and broad student self-governance of community and academic affairs. Students milk cows, wash dishes, assist in the office, cook, clean, harvest alfalfa, and tend cattle, horses, and gardens. All members of the Deep Springs community—the students, faculty, staff, president, and resident families—live on-site and take part in fostering and developing community life, at the same time respecting each others’ need for privacy.