Job Opportunities

Soka University of America (SUA) seeks to appoint a professor in Black Studies at the senior level, beginning August 2021, to contribute to the development of a new program in Race and Ethnic Studies. Applicants from all fields of Black, African American, or Africana Studies are welcome. The search is open to specialization and discipline within these fields with preference for scholars working in global, comparative, and justice-oriented contexts. All candidates are expected to conduct innovative research in their area. The successful candidate will assume an integral role in the development of the new program and an integrative, interdisciplinary curriculum.

SUA is a top-ranked liberal arts university with a demonstrated commitment to excellence in faculty teaching and research.  A cross-disciplinary education, coupled with small class size, aims to foster close intellectual relations between faculty and students through mentorship. An appreciation of the centrality of peace, human rights, the sanctity of life in enhancing the happiness of the individual and the world provides the founding impetus for the university and its mission. SUA is open to students of all nationalities and beliefs and is committed to diversity in its academic community.  About half of SUA students have come from the US, and half have come from over 45 other countries.

Qualifications: Applicants must hold a PhD in Black Studies or an appropriate area and demonstrate significant experience and excellence in teaching, scholarship, and program development.

Candidates should demonstrate responsiveness toward and understanding of diverse student backgrounds, especially with regard to socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, culture, ability/disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity and have a willingness to facilitate the university’s mission to develop global citizens.

Benefits / Salary: Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. All full-time faculty members are eligible for medical, dental, and retirement benefits.

Deadline for applications: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, a one to two-page statement of teaching philosophy, evidence of teaching effectiveness, a one-page statement of research interests and three confidential letters of recommendation to be addressed to Michael Weiner, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty. Please submit all documents through the Interfolio link below. Employment is contingent on the completion of a successful background check.

Please apply for professor of Black Studies position using this link.

Email: facultyrecruiting@soka.edu

Soka University of America is an equal opportunity employer.

Back to top

Date Posted: 07/15/2021

The Soka University of America Graduate School seeks an individual to fill a tenure-track faculty position in its MA Program in Educational Leadership and Societal Change. Rank open, the position begins in the fall of 2022. Responsibilities include teaching Masters-level courses in educational leadership, education law and policy, comparative and international education, and ethnographical and qualitative research methods. In addition to advising and mentoring students, the ideal candidate will provide leadership in Program evaluation, cultivate a close working relationship with public school systems as well as educational professionals in non-school settings, and help serve as an advisor for the Summer Research Travel Grant (SRTG) program, a non-credit bearing, field-based research opportunity for all students.  This individual will also actively participate in the professional development of students and mentor students toward the required MA Thesis.

Qualifications: The candidate will have an earned doctorate either in educational administration, educational leadership, comparative and international education, or in a related field with a record of teaching and scholarship that meets the requirements for appointment at the rank of assistant, associate, or full professor. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate an outstanding grasp of global trends and issues in education and educational theory, and will have some level of experience in implementation, application, and assessment of leadership skills to enhance education delivery and learning within P-12 public schools and higher education.

Candidates should demonstrate responsiveness toward and understanding of diverse student backgrounds, especially with regard to socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, culture, ability/disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity and have a willingness to facilitate the university’s mission to develop global citizens.

Benefits / Salary: Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. All full-time faculty members are eligible for medical, dental, and retirement benefits.

Employment is contingent on the completion of a successful background check.

To apply please attach:

• Cover letter
• Vitae
• A list of three professional references (include name, address, phone number)
• A statement giving (or declining) authorization for email communication to be used to convey the status of a candidate’s application during the search process.
• Soka University of America is committed to hiring practices, staff and faculty-based alike, that reflect diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). With the submission process please include a value statement on DEI.

Review of applications will begin in October 2021 and continue until the position is filled.

Send to:

Human Resources

Re:  Professor of Comparative and International Education and Leadership

Soka University of America

1 University Drive

Aliso Viejo, CA 92656-4105

E-mail: jobs@soka.edu

Soka University of America is an equal opportunity employer

Back to top

Date Posted: 07/16/2021

Soka University of America (SUA) seeks to fill a part-time position in a physical science (examples include but are not limited to: Earth/Ocean Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy) for the Fall semester beginning September 9, 2021, and ending December 20, 2021. The successful candidate will teach one general education course, preferably topic/theme-based and/or integrative of two or more disciplines, that would appeal to and be appropriate for liberal arts students with little expertise and not continuing in science/math; this could be a new course or a course already listed in our catalog such as Chemistry for Life. The contact hours for this 3-credit lab course are two hours twice a week for a total of four hours in order to accommodate expected weekly hands-on lab activities.

SUA is a selective four-year institution offering a challenging BA in the liberal arts. The university is committed to cross-disciplinary education and aims to foster close intellectual relations between faculty and students through mentorship. An appreciation of the centrality of peace, freedom, and human rights to the happiness of the individual and the world provides the founding impetus for the university and its mission. SUA is open to students of all nationalities and beliefs and is committed to diversity in its academic community. About half of SUA students come from the US, and half come from over 45 other countries.

Qualifications: Applicants from all fields of physical science are welcome. Applicants should hold a PhD in physical science or be currently enrolled in a graduate program.

Candidates should demonstrate responsiveness toward and understanding of diverse student backgrounds, especially with regard to socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, culture, ability/disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity and have a willingness to facilitate the university’s mission to develop global citizens.

Benefits and Salary: Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

Application Information: Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and a one to two-page teaching philosophy which should include a description of the course they hope to teach. Applicants who could enrich campus diversity are especially encouraged to apply. Please provide contact information for three references. Review of applications will start on July 23, 2021, until the position is filled.

Please apply by clicking on this link: http://apply.interfolio.com/90393 by July 23, 2021 for full consideration. Employment is contingent on the completion of a successful background check. 

Please send any inquiries to this email address: facultyrecruiting@soka.edu

Soka University of America is an equal opportunity employer.

Back to top

Date Posted: 05/20/2021

Soka University of America (SUA) is offering a full-time Reference and Instruction Librarian position. We seek candidates who will proactively build collaborative relationships with the members of the SUA community, provide effective research consultations and engaging instructions, and develop library programs which contribute to the University’s commitment to academic excellence.

The mission of SUA is to foster a steady stream of global citizens committed to living a contributive life. Daisaku and Kaneko Ikeda Library supports our students, faculty, and staff in their endeavors to meet their academic and personal goals as we all work together toward fulfilling the SUA mission. To that end, the library actively engages in teaching information literacy skills, facilitates access to information, and provides spaces for scholastic collaboration and intellectual exploration. The values we uphold are our principles that guide our actions and decisions.

Candidates should demonstrate responsiveness toward and understanding of diverse student backgrounds, especially with regard to socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, culture, ability/disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity and have a willingness to facilitate the university’s mission to develop global citizens.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conduct effective patron interviews and respond to reference/research questions using print and online resources in person, by email/chat, or telephone.
• Design and provide information literacy instructions for specific disciplines, class assignments, capstones, and theses. The instructions must be engaging, relevant, effective, and student-centered.
• Partner with faculty and Writing Center to conduct engaging information literacy sessions to Writing 101 and 301 students.
• Review syllabi, attend campus events, build relationships, and communicate with the campus community to learn and respond to their changing needs. Some events are scheduled during or on weekends.
• Reach out to other departments and student groups to support their educational programs by consultations and collaborative partnership.
• Design assessment instruments, use them to collect data on information literacy sessions, analyze, and write up the results.
• Help maintain thorough and accurate records of reference and instruction activities. Plan, implement, evaluate, and improve the services.
• Follow national standards and best practices, update learning objectives, policies, and procedures to ensure a consistent and effective information literacy program.
• Stay informed of any changes made to online resources and the copyright law. Maintain up-to-date tutorials and research guides.
• Test and evaluate new electronic products.
• Provide library orientations to incoming students and faculty. Promote information literacy instruction classes to the faculty.
• Promote the library collections and services to the campus community by writing monthly articles for SUA Today and maintaining the library’s social media platforms.
• Create and display various library signage, including library display boxes.
• Monitor relevant listservs; attend conferences, workshops, and webinars.

Candidates should have:

Education

• Master’s degree in information and/or library science from an ALA-accredited school

Experience

• Ideally, at least three years of relevant working experience in providing reference service and information literacy instruction. Demonstrated effective teaching skills employing student-centered pedagogy.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Strong evidence of a collaborative spirit and a service-oriented attitude.
• Capacity for developing and sustaining effective relationships with students, faculty, and staff in the university setting.
• Ability to provide responsive service to the entire academic community with tact, courtesy, and an attitude of “going the extra mile.”
• Ability to work both independently and on a team, exercising excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Regular exercise of independent judgment, creativity, and initiative to surpass goals.
• Strong attention to detail. Ability to work accurately with a high level of efficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to organize time and schedule efficiently.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and adjust priorities in a changing environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of social justice issues, diversity, and inclusiveness.
• High proficiency in personal computer systems and knowledge of emerging technologies as they relate to the duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Knowledge of and eagerness to learn new technologies and their applications related to the job responsibilities.
• Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills in English. Strong skills in proofreading and editing. 
• Ability to carry out duties in accordance with the American Library Association Code of Ethics, general work ethics, and professional standards.

Preferred qualifications:

• Knowledge and experiences to support the students and faculty of Life Sciences.
• Experience in creating user-friendly LibGuides and BrightSpace courses.
• Ability to read and write a foreign language(s).
• Experience with grant writing.

This position may include some weeknight and/or weekend hours.

About SUA:

SUA seeks to cultivate global citizens and critical thinkers with expansive worldviews prepared to provide leadership in a rapidly changing world based on the founder Daisaku Ikeda’s remark:  “What our world most requires now is the kind of education that fosters love for humankind, that develops character—that provides an intellectual basis for the realization of peace and empowers learners to contribute to and improve society.”

Students come from all over the world and are invited to take courses in any of our five concentrations: Environmental Studies, Humanities, International Studies, Social and Behavioral Studies, and our newest concentration, Life Sciences.

For more information on the university, please see our website at www.soka.edu.

Application review will begin immediately. The position will remain open, and applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. Employment is contingent upon the completion of a successful background check.

To apply, send a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references to:

Human Resources

Re: Reference and Instruction Librarian 

Soka University of America

1 University Drive

Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

E-mail: jobs@soka.edu

Soka University of America is an equal opportunity employer.

Back to top

Date Posted: 06/16/2021

Soka University of America, Aliso Viejo is seeking an Assistant to the Office of Enrollment Services.  The Assistant will report to the Dean of Enrollment Services.

The Assistant’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to: answering and routing incoming calls; greeting visitors; receiving, routing and answering emails; processing recruitment mailings of various sizes; designing and maintaining spreadsheets and other files; managing calendars; assisting with event preparation; co-coordinating prospective student tours; ordering office supplies; scheduling meetings and providing general administrative office support.  The individual must be comfortable and proficient with electronic student data systems.  The individual must be highly organized and capable of efficient time management, paying close attention to detail, and have the ability to handle multiple priorities and projects while adhering to stringent deadlines. The individual must also have the capacity to work well independently and on a team. The individual must present a warm and professional welcome to visitors by phone and in person.

Candidates should have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field. Some higher education preferred.
• A minimum of one year front office/administrative work experience
• A knowledge of general office practices and procedures.
• High proficiency in personal computer systems utilizing data bases, word processing, graphics, spreadsheets, to include PeopleSoft, CMS, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, and other Microsoft applications.
• Demonstrate understanding and sensitivity regarding diversity, cultural traditions, language barriers and multicultural issues.
• A student-centered philosophy.
• Strong evidence of a spirit of collegiality and a strong service orientation.
• Ability to handle confidential matters and exercise diplomacy and discretion.
• Ability to maintain multiple priorities, projects and adhere to stringent deadlines.
• Ability to independently write general correspondence and reports and maintain accurate filing system and records.
• Ability to work accurately with a high level of efficiency.
• Capacity for developing and sustaining effective relationships with administrators, faculty, staff and students.
• Excellent interpersonal and telephone communication skills.
• High ethical and professional standards.

Candidates should demonstrate responsiveness toward and understanding of diverse student backgrounds, especially with regard to socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, culture, ability/disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity and have a willingness to facilitate the university’s mission to develop global citizens.

Employment is contingent upon the completion of a successful background check. 

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Soka University also offers a competitive benefits package. Review of applications will begin in immediately and continue until the position is filled.

To apply send an email or letter of interest, resume, salary history and three professional references to:

Human Resources

Re: Assistant to the Office of Enrollment Services

Soka University of America

1 University Drive

Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

E-mail: jobs@soka.edu

Soka University of America is an equal opportunity employer.

Back to top

Date Posted: 06/30/2021

Soka University of America is seeking an Admission Counselor to help support the continued enrollment growth of the university’s undergraduate degree program.  Under the Associate Director of Admission and in collaboration with a dynamic recruitment team, this individual will assist the Admission area by supporting the implementation of a strategic recruitment plan.

Soka University of America (SUA), a small, selective, accredited private liberal arts university located in Southern California and was founded on the belief that student-centered education is the best way to promote peace and human rights by fostering a global humanistic perspective on the world in which we live. The university prepares students for graduate studies and the world of work in an increasingly diverse and global society. The mission of SUA is to foster a steady stream of global citizens committed to living a contributive life.

The Admission Counselor will represent SUA by making presentations to prospective high school students on a local and national level.  The counselor is required to travel within an assigned geographic territory; advise students and parents regarding admission procedures through phone, email, and in-person/virtual appointments; represent the University at high school fairs, conduct high school visits, build relationships with high school guidance counselors; participate in campus-wide recruitment events; assist in the preparation of recruitment materials and review admission applications. This individual will also be responsible for managing one or more special projects in the office and is required to perform administrative tasks related to job responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• A background in counseling or advising students is preferred.
• A proven track record in meeting and exceeding established goals as a well as interpersonal and community relations skills.
• Willing to work some evening and weekend hours and travel ten to fifteen weeks throughout a calendar year during annual recruitment related travel periods.
• Must hold a valid California driver’s license.
• Knowledge of the use of technology in the recruitment process.
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated excellent organizational, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Flexibility, creativity, ability to travel in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to think and move independently and creatively while maintaining close communication with management.
• Ability to receive and carry out direction.
• Capacity for developing and sustaining effective relationships with administrators, faculty, staff and students.
• Ability to work in collaboration with the other members of Enrollment Services and the campus community when needed.
• Requires demonstrated ability to operate with limited supervision and effectively manage their time.
• Demonstrate understanding and sensitivity regarding cultural traditions, language barriers, and different experiences in pre-collegiate academic preparation.
• Proficiency in personal computer systems utilizing databases within Slate CRM, word processing, graphics, and spreadsheets.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• High ethical and professional standards.

Candidates should demonstrate responsiveness toward and understanding of diverse student backgrounds, especially with regard to socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, culture, ability/disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity and have a willingness to facilitate the university’s mission to develop global citizens.

Employment is contingent upon the completion of a successful background check.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 

To apply send letter of interest, resume, and three professional references to: 

Human Resources

Re: Admission Counselor

Soka University of America

1 University Drive

Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

E-mail: jobs@soka.edu

Soka University of America is an equal opportunity employer.

Back to top

Date Posted: 07/02/2021

Soka University of America is offering a full time Career Counselor position.

Under the general supervision of the Director, Career Development & Internships, the Career Counselor is responsible for providing students and alumni career-based guidance and support for job exploration, professional skills development, and access to resources for graduate studies, as well as assisting in the development and facilitation of career-based programming. The Career Counselor works to build internal engagement of students, alumni, faculty and staff and is responsible for managing tools and technologies in support of that engagement.  All duties are developed and executed to accomplish the strategic goals of the department and the mission of the University.

Necessary duties include but are not limited to:

• Provide career counseling and support inclusive of resume and cover letter writing, job and internship search, interviewing preparation, and career planning for students and alumni.
• Assists in the development of stakeholder (students, alumni, faculty, and staff) engagement initiatives.
• Works closely with the Director, Career Development & Internships to assess programmatic impact including career-based student learning outcomes for short and long-term strategic planning.
• Oversees, promotes, and tracks student and alumni use of career services including career-based technologies including, but not limited to InterviewStream, GoinGlobal, and Handshake.
• Conducts annual New Student Orientation, increasing awareness of early career planning, and other Career Development resources.
• Assists in developing and facilitating career-based workshops and events (online and on campus).
• Assists students and alumni in exploring lifelong career development options and personal decision-making strategies.
• Uses career development platforms and social media to identify and promote relevant job and career-based opportunities for students and alumni.
• Identifies and reviews career-based literature and develops relevant career-based handouts and resources for students and posts career-related educational articles on social media.
• Represents Career Development and SUA at external career-based events and activities when directed.
• Builds connections between current students and alumni for the purpose of learning more about future career and graduate studies opportunities.
• Gather Career Development activity and participation data for short and long-term strategic planning.
• Other duties and projects, as assigned.

Candidates should have:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Educational background in Career Counseling and/or Human Resources or related field is also preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of one-year experience in related field, i.e. Counseling, Human Resources, Career Services, or Career Coaching. 

Skills

• Demonstrated ability to coach and guide students at entry career levels.
• Strong customer service delivery, creativity, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to organize efficiently with meticulous attention to details.
• Project and time management skills that enable the accomplishment of many tasks on a concurrent basis.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to present workshop content and facilitate group meetings.
• Demonstrated team player, with independent decision making and problem-solving ability.
• Demonstrated ability to listen carefully, to interpret accurately and to respond to a high volume of requests.
• Proficiency in Windows operating environment, along with current Microsoft Office Suite, database management and use of applications and technology in innovative ways.
• Ability to interact with a diverse student and staff populations and demonstrated experience in the use of cross-cultural counseling skills.
• Candidates should demonstrate responsiveness toward and understanding of diverse student backgrounds, especially with regard to socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, culture, ability/disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity and have a willingness to facilitate the university’s mission to develop global citizens.
• High ethical and professional standards.

Application review will begin immediately. The position will remain open until the position is filled.

Employment is contingent upon the completion of a successful background check.

To apply, send a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references to:

Human Resources

Re: Career Counselor

Soka University of America

1 University Drive

Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

Email: jobs@soka.edu

Soka University of America is an equal opportunity employer.

Back to top