Employment at Pacifica Graduate Institute
Pacifica Graduate Institute is a WASC accredited graduate school offering a variety of masters and doctoral degree programs framed in the traditions of depth psychology. The Institute has established an educational environment that nourishes respect for cultural diversity and individual differences, and an academic community that fosters a spirit of free and open inquiry. Areas of study include Clinical Psychology, Eco and Liberation Psychology, Depth Psychology, Mythology, and some encompass hybrid/distance learning options. Students have access to an impressive array of educational resources on Pacifica’s two campuses, both of which are located between the coastal foothills and the Pacific Ocean, a few miles south of Santa Barbara, California.
If you have any questions, please email humanresources@pacifica.edu or contact Karina Monares, PCB Specialist, at 805-679-6109.
Adjunct Faculty Positions
Pacifica Graduate Institute welcomes Adjunct Faculty applications for each of these graduate programs:
- Clinical Psychology
- Counseling Psychology
- Depth Psychology
- Depth Psychotherapy
Appointment by quarters and by academic years vary by program. Qualifications reflect the course content, delivery method, and any applicable licensing standards.
For more information please contact the Department Chair of the department in which you are interested.
Core Faculty Positions
Job Title: Core Faculty, MA/PhD Program in Mythological Studies
SUMMARY:
About the Program
The Mythological Studies Program at Pacifica cultivates scholarship, self-inquiry, and imagination in those who seek to understand and express the depths of the psyche and earth-centered wisdom through myth, story, ritual, religion, literature, and art. This is an interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and multicultural program leading to an M.A/Ph.D. or an M.A. degree, depending on the students’ goals—it is the only doctoral program in the country dedicated to the exploration of human experience and the wisdom of the earth through myth. The program fosters mythic imagination as a precursor to self-revelation and a dynamic understanding of cultural and ecological relationships. Myth and story have the power to touch our deepest creative energies—they generate images and symbols that confer understanding and significance upon a complex and plural world. They open us to paradox, ambiguity, and the shape-shifting ways that metaphor informs and transforms our lives.
Job Description
The candidate for this position will primarily teach coursework, serve on dissertation committees, and perform administrative functions in the Mythological Studies Program. The candidate might also serve as affiliate faculty in other Pacifica degree programs as needed and per qualifications. The candidate will maintain a profile of active research or creative practice (as per qualifications and specialty).
We are particularly interested in applicants who can teach the following courses and subject areas:
- African Diaspora Traditions
- Methodology and Theoretical Frameworks
- Indigenous Cosmologies and Narrative Traditions
- Research Strategies for Dissertation Writing
- Dissertation Formulation
We are particularly interested in applicants with teaching experience in and willingness to develop courses that include the following perspectives: non-western epistemologies; decolonization; feminist and queer spirituality and goddess traditions; and arts-based research.
The applicant must additionally be conversant in and appreciative of depth psychological perspectives which form the underpinnings of the Institute’s approach to mythological studies. We are open to applicants who identify as scholar-practitioners or scholar-activists and who are interested in incorporating their research and practical specializations into their curricula and research skills training for our students. We particularly welcome applicants with a passion for mentorship, whether in connection with professional development, or sharing work with a wider public.
Minimum Qualifications
- Ph.D. in mythology/folklore, depth psychology, literature, religious studies, or interdisciplinary humanities. Doctorate must be completed by start date of Fall 2025
- Three years of teaching experience at the undergraduate or graduate level
- Record of publications in the field (books, articles) and active research profile
- Demonstrated ability to teach online or in a distance-learning format
- Willingness to contribute innovative approaches to student-centered pedagogy
- Commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in graduate education
- Commitment to Pacifica’s mission to “tend the soul of the world.” We value transformative and collaborative learning, social justice, community building, environmental awareness, imagination, embodied learning, and the arts.
Desirable Qualifications
- Engagement with depth psychological and/or indigenous epistemologies in teaching and research, and ability to combine these theories with other contemporary interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary methodologies (for example, rooted in decolonial practice, feminist and queer approaches, arts-based research, and others)
- Experience serving on graduate-level dissertation committees and ability to supervise graduate research
- Interest and experience in curriculum design and development
- Experience performing administrative duties in graduate education, such as applicant file reviews and interviews, open house/admissions events, and capstone exam coordination
Pay Range:
$85,000-$89,000
How to Apply
The candidate for a core faculty role in Mythological Studies will be a scholar-practitioner with a deep engagement in myth, depth psychology, and the transformative power of storytelling. Ideal candidates will have a passion for teaching, student mentorship, and contributing to the department’s collaborative and interdisciplinary work. Contracting for the role will begin in September 2025.
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, CV, and three letters of recommendation electronically by applying on:
https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/pacifica
Job Title: Core Faculty, Counseling
SUMMARY:
About the Program
The Counseling Psychology Department at Pacifica Graduate Institute is comprised of two depth psychologically focused graduate degree programs, an MA and a PsyD, centered on the preparation of students for licensure as an LMFT and/or LPCC (MA program) or as a Psychologist (PsyD program). The department values a collegial and interpersonal approach to teaching and learning, with a focus on pursuit of licensure and students’ professionalization, where faculty, staff, and students work collaboratively to support student success.
Job Description
The candidate for a core faculty role will be a fully licensed clinician with a passion for teaching, student support, and participating in collaborative department and institutional pedagogical work from a depth psychological lens. Contracting for the role will begin in September 2025. Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, CV, and three letters of recommendation electronically by applying on: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/pacifica
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENTAL SUPPORT & DEVELOPMENT
- Attend all departmental meetings, including:
- Quarterly Faculty & Staff Council Meetings
- Quarterly Department Management Council Meetings
- Department Trainings, Gatherings, and Retreats
- Attend departmental student events, including:
- Student Orientations in Fall Quarter, and as directed in other quarters
- Closing Dinners for all cohorts
- Summer Barbeque events for all cohorts
- Thesis Presentation Day
- Dissertation defenses for committees on which core faculty member serves.
- Contribute to departmental planning and evaluation activities, including curriculum review, faculty search, program evaluation processes, creation and revision of departmental documents.
- Faculty must be able to come to campus for academic sessions, community events, and faculty related meetings.
INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT & DEVELOPMENT
- Attend Commencement ceremonies
- Attend institutional events and gatherings as directed
- Participate in institutional faculty governance and committee work as directed
TEACHING
- Teach the equivalent of 18 units per year in the MA and/or PsyD Counseling Psychology programs (unit release may be accounted for in addendum contracts).
- Support departmental development of curriculum and pedagogy in the MA and/or PsyD Counseling Psychology programs.
- Provide substantive feedback on student papers, providing written feedback throughout the paper and at its end, including a written assessment and justification of the final grade. If a TA is utilized, it is the faculty member’s responsibility to review the TA’s work and ensure that they support comments and final grade.
- Prepare and submit all course materials in established timeframe, including course syllabi, reading list (with clarity on sources and editions), online content creation/review, and back-up plans for coursework to fulfill emergency planning needs.
- Incorporate cross-cultural perspectives and address relevant issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the treatment of course subject matter.
ADMISSIONS ACTIVITIES
- Participate in 2 program breakout information sessions for the MA and/or PsyD Counseling Psychology programs at Pacifica Experience Days each year.
- Participate in 3 months of admissions file review for the Counseling Department each year.
- Participate in 4 scheduled Interview Days for the Counseling Department each year.
- Support departmental admissions processes and developments.
STUDENT SUPPORT
- Respond to all student inquiries within 72 hours, per the Student and Faculty Handbooks
- Be available for student meetings during all academic sessions.
- Post office hours which are the equivalent of one day per week, during which time students may meet in person or electronically.
- Serve as faculty mentor to students as assigned by Department Chair. Reach out to advisees and proactively assist them in completing the program in a quality way, making certain that they understand PGI policies and abide by them.
STUDENT REVIEW & EXAMINATIONS
- Administer 10 Oral Examinations for the MA Counseling Psychology Program OR 10 Comprehensive Examinations for the PsyD Counseling Psychology Program
- Administer Annual Assessments to PsyD Counseling Psychology students as assigned by Department Chair.
STUDENT RESEARCH
- Serve as Portfolio Thesis Advisor for 10 MA Counseling Psychology program students OR provide 10 PsyD Counseling Psychology dissertation commitments (a commitment equals one chair appointment or two reader appointments) OR an equivalent combination across the two program.
ASSESSMENT & ACCREDITATION
- Support departmental assessment and accreditation activities as directed.
- Abide by all BBS (LMFT and LPCC) and BOP (Licensed Psychologist) guidelines and regulations.
- Participate in WSCUC visit and reporting activities as directed.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Maintain active LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, or Psychologist licensure.
- Report any concerns or infractions regarding professional licensure to Department Chair immediately.
- Participate in research, writing, publication, and continuing education activities.
INSTITUTIONAL CITIZENSHIP
- Claim one’s fair share of the collective work of the academic unit as a fully engaged faculty citizen of the Institute.
- Use one’s professional agency to enhance the effectiveness of colleagues within and across the academic program(s) to achieve the work of the unit and institutional health.
- Participate in Chair-directed activities required to create, maintain, and improve the infrastructure that sustains the program and the institute as an effective social institution.
The preceding duties and responsibilities are subject to review and possible revision in conjunction with the annual evaluation process.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above and below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to read and comprehend complex instructions, correspondence and data; strong organizational, administrative, and time-management skills; strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to identify issues and creatively problem-solve on a variety of issues; effective presentation and interpersonal skills; strong ability to exercise sound and experienced judgment based on a thorough knowledge; and ability to engender respect from staff.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Psy.D., Ed.D., or Ph.D. in related discipline required for the doctoral program; minimum M.A. (doctoral degree preferred), in related discipline for the master’s program.
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
Current active licensure required as an LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, or Psychologist.
LANGUAGE AND MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to read, write, speak, and receive instruction in English. Intermediate math required.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Ability to mediate and resolve issues; ability to determine issues and creatively problem-solve; ability to engage other departments in meaningful dialogue and articulate issues faced by the department; and ability to analyze the complex and make simple.
COMPUTER SKILLS
PC literate; MS Office (including Word and Excel).
General Office equipment.
PowerCampus experience preferred.
D2L experience preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Ability to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms and talk and hear. Sometimes required to sit, climb and/or balance and stoop, kneel, and crouch. Close- and long-range vision and ability to lift 20 lbs.
MISSION
Contributes to personal, cultural, and planetary concerns of this era through individual and/or collective activities and shepherd’s students in attainment of their educational goals.
Pay Range:
$85,000-$89,000
Staff Positions
Job Title: Director of Admissions
SUMMARY:
The Director of Admissions (DOA) plays a vital leadership role in shaping and guiding a student-centered admissions experience aligned with the mission and values of Pacifica Graduate Institute, a premier institution focused on depth psychology. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Strategic Enrollment and Student Success (VPOSESS), the DOA will provide strategic oversight of the Admissions department, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience for prospective students while driving data-informed enrollment strategies.
The DOA will lead the admissions and outreach team, foster cross-departmental collaboration, and implement innovative strategies to enhance recruitment, enrollment, and student engagement. This position requires strong management skills, the ability to analyze enrollment data to guide decision-making, and the capacity to build meaningful relationships that support the institute’s long-term enrollment goals.
Examples of Duties:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Strategic Leadership and Operations
- Develop and execute a comprehensive admissions strategy aligned with institutional goals.
- Analyze enrollment trends and prospective student behaviors to refine recruitment strategies and improve conversion rates.
- Provide strong leadership and mentorship to the admissions team, fostering a collaborative, student-focused culture.
- Partner with the VPOSESS to set enrollment targets and establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for the admissions team.
- Ensure the accuracy and integrity of admissions data across multiple platforms, including CRM, SMS, and other institutional systems.
- Oversee the development and distribution of admission-related communications, including enrollment agreements and admissions letters.
- Monitor and reconcile enrollment reports to maintain real-time data accuracy and provide actionable insights.
- Lead the implementation of automated and streamlined processes to improve efficiency and enhance the student experience.
- Ensure compliance with institutional policies, accreditation standards, and federal and state regulations.
Innovation and Process Improvement
- Identify and implement innovative recruitment strategies to attract highly qualified applicant pool that is reflective of the world.
- Develop and test new approaches to improve applicant engagement and enhance the admissions journey.
- Stay current with industry trends and best practices to continuously improve admissions processes and outreach efforts.
- Introduce new data analysis methods to evaluate recruitment outcomes and identify areas for growth and improvement.
Interdepartmental Collaboration
- Partner with academic departments to refine admissions review processes and ensure alignment with academic expectations and program goals.
- Collaborate with Financial Aid, Student Services, and Academic Affairs to create a cohesive and supportive enrollment experience.
- Work closely with faculty and department chairs to communicate admissions trends and ensure alignment with program offerings and institutional priorities.
- Partner with Library Services, Academic Affairs, and Student Services to facilitate orientation and the transition to graduate study.
- Coordinate with the Director of Marketing to develop targeted recruitment campaigns and outreach materials that resonate with prospective students.
Student Recruitment and Counseling
- Implement a student-centered, relationship-driven approach to recruitment.
- Provide admissions counseling that emphasizes the transformative potential of a graduate education rooted in depth psychology.
- Train and support admissions advisors to engage prospective students with authenticity, transparency, and care.
- Develop outreach strategies to attract a diverse and mission-aligned applicant pool.
- Foster meaningful relationships with prospective students through personalized follow-up and engagement.
- Oversee the execution of an admissions communication plan that provides consistent and clear touchpoints from inquiry to matriculation.
Data Analysis and Reporting
- Track and analyze recruitment data, conversion rates, and applicant behaviors to refine admissions strategies.
- Provide regular reports and insights to senior leadership on enrollment trends, forecasting, and strategic adjustments.
- Use data to identify gaps and opportunities in recruitment, ensuring targeted and effective outreach.
- Ensure real-time tracking of prospective students, enabling timely follow-up and personalized engagement.
Compliance and Ethical Standards
- Ensure that all admissions practices adhere to institutional policies and regulatory requirements.
- Promote ethical and transparent recruitment practices that align with the institute’s mission and values.
- Uphold the highest standards of integrity in all admissions decisions and interactions with prospective students.
Typical Qualifications:
Qualifications
Education and/or Experience
- Bachelor’s degree, Master’s preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in admissions and enrollment.
Preferred Experience
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with faculty, staff, and prospective students
- Prior Director level experience within related field.
- Strong data analysis skills with the ability to interpret complex enrollment data and translate it into actionable strategies.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite – Excel, Word, and Powerpoint.
- Experience with CRMs (i.e., Slate), with ERPs (especially Power Campus, Jenzabar), event registration software (i.e., EventBrite), SurveyMonkey, and DocuSign are strongly desired.
- Experience working in an academic environment.
- Excellent interpersonal, communications, public speaking, and presentation skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks and work effectively, independently, and efficiently with tight time constraints.
- Ability to work a varying schedule to include evenings, weekends, extended hours and occasional holidays as needed to support recruitment efforts.
https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/pacifica
Library Assistant I – Job Description
Pacifica Graduate Institute
Pacifica Graduate Institute is an accredited graduate school offering Master’s and PhD degrees in Psychology, Humanities, and Mythological Studies in the tradition of depth psychology. Located in beautiful Carpinteria, CA.
Summary:
Pacifica Graduate Institute is seeking an entry-level to provide exceptional customer service to library visitors by supporting circulation services, and performing clerical tasks. Responsibilities include shelving books, processing reserves, tracking overdue items, collecting fines, and assisting with library website navigation. The role also involves repairing materials, ordering supplies, and shipping items via carrier services during operational hours.
Responsibilities:
- Assist with circulation services, including:
- Shelving books
- Processing reserves and holds
- Tracking overdue items
- Collecting fines and fees
- Utilize the library’s integrated system, Koha, to check books in and out.
- Assist patrons with circulation inquiries:
- In person
- By email
- By telephone or in writing
- Provide basic assistance with:
- Library website navigation
- Use of library resources
- Repair or replace damaged library materials
- Assist with ordering library supplies
- Perform clerical tasks such as:
- Mailings
- Photocopying
- Assist students with basic computer needs (Mac & PC)
- Ship items to patrons via UPS (includes packaging and software use)
- Support the Director of Library Services and/or Library Services Coordinator with special projects
- Must be available to work Saturdays and Sundays on most weekends
- Work hours: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- 24-30 working hours/week
Requirements:
- Excellent customer service skills
- Knowledge of basic library circulation operations
- Basic computer proficiency (Mac & PC)
- Ability to work flexible hours, sometimes independently
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs
https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/pacifica
PAY RANGE:
$19-$22/hour
Pacifica Graduate Institute is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or covered veteran status.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can start employment with Pacifica. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants.
If your qualifications meet our current needs, please send your resume to the email address listed below. Please indicate on the subject line the position you are applying. No faxes or phone calls, please.
You can apply online at: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/pacifica
