Why Work for Hampden-Sydney College?

A Historic Mission, A Vibrant Future

Founded in 1775, Hampden-Sydney College is among the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States and one of only three liberal arts colleges dedicated to the education of young men.

Since 1775, the core of our mission has remained unchanged: “to form good men and good citizens” in an atmosphere of sound learning. Our mission informs everything we do—our academic programs, our traditions, our campus culture, and the way we support one another as colleagues and community members. At Hampden-Sydney, we revel in the individuality of our students and employees, and value diverse viewpoints and perspectives in our work, because they make Hampden-Sydney a better and more vital college and our students better men and citizens. At Hampden-Sydney, faculty and staff members are partners in shaping future leaders; we share a devotion to our mission, and we are committed to recognizing, rewarding, and supporting our employees.

Our 1,300-acre campus also supports our mission. Historic buildings and beautiful grounds, rolling hills and forests with hiking and biking trails, a Frisbee golf course, a shooting range, and a high ropes and zip line adventure course bring recreation and balance into daily life. Located just seven miles from downtown Farmville, Virginia, Hampden-Sydney offers the serenity of a close-knit campus community and the vibrancy of a historic town with a wealth of cultural and outdoor opportunities.

At Hampden-Sydney, employees are not just staff members—they are partners in shaping future leaders. That’s why we are committed to recognizing, rewarding, and supporting our employees in every aspect of their lives.

Our Compensation Philosophy

a student and professor working at a white board

Achieving Hampden-Sydney College’s mission of forming good men and good citizens requires the contributions and dedication of a talented and diverse community of employees. To recognize and compensate employees for their efforts, the College maintains a compensation program that:

  • Aligns with our mission and is administered in a financially responsible and sustainable manner.
  • Is competitive with relevant benchmark market data, considering local cost of living, living standards, and guidelines for a living wage.
  • Maintains internal equity by ensuring jobs with comparable skill sets and responsibilities have similar pay opportunities.
  • Sets new employee salaries fairly, recognizing their skills and experience while maintaining alignment with peers.
  • Supports retention and performance by linking salary increases to employee performance, market alignment, and internal equity.
  • Includes a competitive benefits program designed to offer employees and their families comprehensive insurance protections, retirement contributions, and services supporting physical, mental, and financial well-being.

Exceptional Benefits

People are at the heart of our mission, and we offer a robust, comprehensive benefits package that goes well beyond paying competitive salaries. Employees and their families enjoy resources designed to support their wellness, financial security, professional growth, and quality of life.

the Tiger mascot hugging and playing with children at a football game

Paid Leave and Work-Life Balance

  • Paid vacation leave
  • Paid sick leave (with the opportunity to share sick leave tim
  • Paid holidays
  • Additional provisions for parental leave, jury duty and other court appearances, military service, EMS/firefighting, bereavement, voting, and volunteer service
 

Health and Wellness

two students doing cardio in the fitness center

  • Medical, dental, and vision plans with Anthem, with significant College contributions to premiums
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions (up to $1,800 annually, depending on coverage) for participants
  • Surgery Plus benefit for planned routine surgeries
  • Right Start 4 Kids program that offers free preventative, basic, and major dental services (no deductible) for dependent children under age 13
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that offers free psychological counseling, financial counseling, and other resources for employees and their families
  • Personal Health Advocates available to help navigate healthcare and insurance-related questions
  • Wellness program that offers
    • Free access to the College’s TigeRec Fitness Center, pool, and outdoor adventure facilities (kayaks, paddleboards, zipline, ropes courses, nature trail, and more)
    • Free annual wellness screenings and on-campus vaccine clinics that reduce employee health insurance premiums by $25-$50 per month
    • Free group fitness classes such as Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and Body Pump
    • Wellness challenges, health fairs, and campus-wide wellness initiatives for employees and households
     

    Financial Security and Retirement

    an aerial view of the iconic Bell Tower

    • Retirement Plan: for employees who contribute at least 5% of their salary, the College contributes 9% on their behalf (with Roth and traditional options)
    • Retirement Healthcare Account: once employees turn 40, the College contributes $45/month; vested after 5 years, this account can be used for healthcare expenses in retirement
    • Financial advisory and retirement planning services provided by CAPTRUST
    • Long-term disability coverage (60% of salary, up to $5,000/month)
    • $200,000 life insurance policy at no cost to the employee
    • Optional supplemental coverage: short-term disability, additional life insurance for employee and family members, pet insurance, accident insurance, hospital indemnity, and cancer policies
     

    Education and Professional Growth

    a professor and student collaborating over a laptop

    • Tuition remission for employees (professional development or personal enrichment)
    • Tuition remission for spouses and dependents (degree programs included)
    • Participation in the national Tuition Exchange program for dependents
    • College-supported professional development opportunities, workshops, and certifications
    • Access to resources at the Bortz Library for research, enrichment, and continuing education
     

    Community and Everyday Benefits

    a group of fans watching the football game from the Hill

    • Relocation stipend for qualifying move
    • Free admission to many cultural and athletic events on campus
    • Discounted meals at the dining hall
    • Discounts on Campus Store purchases
    • Free campus parking
    • A campus garden and greenhouse with resources for employees and families
    • Employee gatherings for College picnics, events, and holiday parties

Life in Our Community

an image looking down the center of the street in downtown Farmville, VirginiaChoosing Hampden-Sydney means choosing Central Virginia—a region rich with history and full of community spirit.

Just minutes from campus, downtown Farmville offers a historic, walkable Main Street with local restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, boutiques, and art galleries. Farmville thrives as a hub of cultural and educational opportunity, enriched by the presence of both Hampden-Sydney College and Longwood University.

Outdoor lovers can enjoy a nearby 18-hole golf course, explore the High Bridge Trail State Park—a 31-mile rails-to-trails path with breathtaking views, or visit one of five state parks within 30 miles of campus offering camping, boating, hiking, swimming, and horseback riding.

aerial view of the High Bridge trail in Farmville, VirginiaCentral Virginia is a place where history comes alive. The Civil War ended nearby at Appomattox Court House, and the Robert Russa Moton Museum, part of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, tells the story of students whose courageous strike for equal education became part of Brown v. Board of Education.

And because the region offers a lower cost of living, it’s possible to enjoy more space, comfort, and opportunity while remaining within easy reach of Richmond, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Washington, D.C., the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Atlantic Ocean.

 

Discover Hampden-Sydney

At Hampden-Sydney, you will find more than a workplace. You’ll find a mission you can believe in, a community that values you and your perspectives, a setting that allows you to thrive professionally and personally, and meaningful opportunities to help form the good men and good citizens that our country needs.

an aerial image of Hampden-Sydney College campus on a clear day