Widener University Campus overhead aerial view

Work at Widener University

Over the past 200 years, Widener has built a reputation for putting students on the inside track to successful careers and rewarding futures. The foundation to this success is our exceptional community of faculty and staff. We invite you to explore the reasons Widener continues to feel like a second family for many and why we roar with Pride.

Widener University Old Main Dome

Start Your Search

We welcome candidates to apply to join our talented community of dedicated faculty and staff and look forward to reviewing your qualifications. Widener University is an equal opportunity employer and will gladly assist applicants who are unable to complete an online application or are in need of an accommodation.

Widener Pride Flag infront of Old Main building

Benefits Overview

We value our employees, and our wide range of university benefits exemplifies our commitment to their success and well-being. It is important to mention that benefits may vary depending on the type of position, with some benefits exclusively available to full-time employees. A comprehensive overview of benefits will be provided to all finalists during the hiring process.

Benefits plans are subject to change.

Widener University provides a variety of benefits to support our employees and their eligible family members, including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance as well as health savings accounts or flexible spending accounts.

Medical coverage is offered through Independence Blue Cross, allowing you to choose from options such as an HMO, PPO, and two high deductible plans. Independence Blue Cross offers extensive coverage and access to the largest network of doctors and hospitals in our surrounding areas. For dental care, we offer two plans through MetLife PDP+ that cover routine exams, cleanings, x-rays, and major services. For vision care, we offer coverage through Davis Vision. Beginning in 2025, you'll be able to select a new Vision Plan through EyeMed. This is a stand-alone plan that provides excellent coverage for eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses.

When selecting your health coverage, depending on your choice, you'll also have the option to offset medical and dependent coverage through a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). We also offer supplemental medical coverage through MetLife which can cover situations such as critical illness, accident insurance, and hospital indemnity. 

At Widener, we prioritize the financial well-being of our employees and their families. As part of our commitment, we provide life and disability insurance products at no cost to employees, ensuring that you and your loved ones are financially protected.

Widener University understands the importance of retirement planning, which is why we offer support to our employees through a Salary Reduction Contribution option in partnership with TIAA. An employee retirement Salary Reduction Contribution is when a portion of an employee's salary is deducted before taxes and directed towards retirement savings.

The university makes periodic, discretionary retirement contributions, providing an additional benefit to help you plan for the future. As an employee, you have the opportunity to direct these contributions according to your investment preferences within our available investment portfolio.

In addition, employees have the opportunity to engage with TIAA for professional advice and guidance.

Widener provides tuition remission benefits to employees, their spouses/domestic partners, and dependent children for many of our academic programs. Additionally, Widener participates in a tuition scholarship program through which dependent children of eligible employees may be awarded scholarships at other participating higher education institutions. For specific details, contact our HR office.

As a Widener employee, you'll get to enjoy paid time off for all major national holidays as well as certain other holidays throughout the year as well as summer hours and an extended winter break.

Full-time and part-time employees who are regularly scheduled to work 20 hours or more per week for 12 months per year will also accrue vacation time with pay. In addition, we also offer one or two personal days (dependent on full- or part-time exempt status) and a floating holiday per year at the university's discretion. 

Widener University also embraces the changing world of work and offers its employees hybrid or flexible work arrangements as determined by each individual department—ensuring we are maintaining the highest level of service to our campus community, while also meeting our employees’ needs.

By working at Widener, you will have access to a host of wonderful facilities, resources, and programs. Here are just a few of the highlights:

  • Employee Assistance Program which assists with short-term counseling, referral services, work/life resources, and legal/financial resources
  • Telemedicine access through Teledoc
  • TouchCare support—a healthcare concierge service that can assist with services such as selecting your benefits, finding a provider, bill advocacy, and cost comparisons
  • MindCare support—access to tele-mental health therapy and psychiatry services
  • Achieve Wellbeing program—tools, resources, and activities for a healthy lifestyle
  • Pride Recreation Center facilities, equipment, and classes.
  • Commuter benefits for expenses such as transit passes and parking
  • Reimbursement programs for fitness, tobacco cessation, and weight management
  • Partnership discount programs for:
    • Nursery & kindergarten programs through the Widener Child Development Center
    • BJs membership
    • T-Mobile
    • TD Bank
    • Verizon
    • YMCA
    • Auto/home insurance
    • Online discounted mall

Life as a Widener Employee

our tradition, our story, our legacy, our widener pride t-shirt

Feeling an Integral Part of the Pride

All employees play an integral role in our vibrant campus community, contributing their unique perspectives and talents. Our leadership is dedicated to transparency and actively keeps the campus informed and engaged through regular town hall meetings. We foster an environment that welcomes open, respectful, and inclusive conversation and is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. You'll also have the opportunity to make an impact by serving on committees that shape the future of the university.

Marina Barnett Giving Her TEDx Talk at Widener

Campus Activities & Engagement

We're dedicated to fostering a strong sense of belonging for all its members, ensuring that everyone feels included and valued. We achieve this through regular programming, such as kindness week, courage week, international education week, honors week, and more, where faculty, staff, and students can engage together. Additionally, faculty and staff have the opportunity to participate in various affinity groups, attend numerous campus events, and volunteer to support students from move-in to graduation, and take part in civic engagement supporting the local community through MLK Day of Givings, playground builds, food and school supply drives, and more.

Eric Kniskern receives Wollman Award pictured with Stacey Robertson

Acknowledgement, Support & Opportunities for Growth

We provide support for our employees' growth and development, and acknowledge their achievements. Through our annual review process, employees engage in open dialogues with their supervisors to set goals and chart their professional progress. Faculty members also have the opportunity to pursue tenure appointments. We celebrate wins and share accomplishments campus-wide through regular internal communications, ensuring everyone can cheer for the achievements of our faculty and staff. Moreover, we recognize employees who go above and beyond through annual service awards and faculty awards.

A map that shows where Widener University is located compared to major cities in the Northeast.

Convenient & Connected Campus Location

Widener’s 108-acre Main Campus in Chester, PA is not only a beautiful place to work, it's easy to get to. Just 20 minutes from Center City, Philadelphia, our campus is situated near major highways such as I-95 and 476. 

If you're considering a move to join Widener, you'll have many vibrant neighborhoods around our area to explore. Being in Philly's backyard also has its perks when it comes to culture, food, and award-winning health and hospital networks.

widener business faculty at sba career day

Spotlight on Faculty Culture

Widener University's faculty culture fosters a collaborative and innovative environment, providing numerous opportunities for professional development. Faculty members are encouraged to engage in scholarly research, global engagement, and community service that align with their academic interests. The university supports tenure appointments, offers funding for research and conference participation, and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration. Faculty also benefit from mentorship programs, leadership development initiatives, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a focus on student success, faculty can make a meaningful impact on the lives of students while being supported in their own career advancement.

Words from Our Community

I am treated professionally and with great warmth by everyone I encounter, whether faculty, staff, or students. I feel valued and respected at Widener so that I never hesitate to seek support/assistance or offer extra effort/time because I know I am truly appreciated. - K. Scanlon

I love the collegial, nurturing environment that supports my growth as an educator and researcher! I love the relationships that I’ve formed with our amazing students! - L. Chin

Widener does an excellent job of investing in its people—I’ve uncovered so many opportunities to evolve as a person and a professional here. - N. Hemming

I enjoy working at Widener because of the family like community, the sense of belonging; along with the opportunities to give back ! In addition, the work-life balance, the personal development and growth opportunities available to us. - R. Kalodner

There's a Lot to Be Proud Of

College of Distinction 2024-2025 Logo

National College of Distinction

Recognized for top-quality teaching, student engagement, and successful outcomes.

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PA College of Distinction

A leading university for faculty mentorship, a vibrant campus community, and successful outcomes.

College of Distinction Equity and Inclusion 2024-2025 Logo

A Culture of Equity & Inclusion

At Widener, our community is celebrated and encouraged to share their unique perspectives.

College of Distinction Career Development 2024-2025 Logo

Known for Career Prep

We prepare students for success through internships, co-op, and other experiences.

Old Main in the fall

Top Tier University

Nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report

Logo for 2022 HEED (Higher Education Excellence in Diversity) award

Top College for Diversity

Widener received the 2022 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Widener University Great Colleges to Work For logo

2024 Great College to Work For

Widener was honored by The Chronicle of Higher Education in one of the largest, most-respected workplace recognition programs in the country.

banners reading we're all widener

Equal Opportunity, Harassment & Nondiscrimination

Widener University adheres to all federal and state civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination in private institutions of higher education. Widener University will not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment, student, or applicant for admission on the basis of sex, gender, pregnancy status, age, race, national origin or ethnicity, religion, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or genetic information, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law, including protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any resolution process on campus or within the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other human rights agencies.

More About Widener

I've Accepted a Position—What's Next?

Congratulations! We’re excited to welcome you to the Widener Pride. Our Human Resources office hosts bi-weekly onboarding orientations and will collaborate with you to determine your start date and handle any necessary paperwork for a smooth transition.