Assistant or Associate Professor of Government

Wayland Baptist University; Plainview (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, TX, is seeking an Assistant or Associate Professor of Government. The position focuses on teaching and mentoring students, with responsibilities including advising and supporting academic research. Candidates should possess an earned doctorate in Political Science or a related field and have experience in online teaching.

The role requires maintaining office hours, completing necessary paperwork, and participating in university committees. Strong interpersonal skills are essential, along with a commitment to the university's Christian mission.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching online in a college or university setting required.
• Ability to teach criminal justice administration or sociology is preferred.
• Experience working with diverse student backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and teach 24 semester hours each academic year.
• Provide academic advising to undergraduate and graduate students.
• Serve on University, Faculty, and School Committees.

Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Strong interpersonal communication skills

Ability to work independently

Education

Earned doctorate in Political Science or Government-related field

Job description

Assistant or Associate Professor of Government

LOCATION: Wayland Baptist University – Plainview, TX

SUPERVISED BY: Dean of the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences

POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: None

START DATE: August 2026

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Wayland Baptist University is an intentionally Christian community of higher education that expects its employees to advance the mission, vision, and identity of the University. Faculty should maintain an authentic Christian faith evident through personal interactions and activities. As a full‑time faculty member, the Assistant Professor will be primarily responsible for teaching and mentoring students through academic advising, undergraduate research, and student organization support.

SPECIFIC TASKS AND DUTIES:

• Prepare and teach 24 semester hours each academic year as part of a 9‑month contract.
• Understand and abide by FERPA regulations.
• Be willing to teach both undergraduate and graduate courses, on the Plainview campus and online.
• Maintain required paperwork, including grades and attendance, and submit reports when requested.
• Abide by accommodations from the Title IX Coordinator and/or Disability Services Coordinator.
• Maintain a minimum of 10 hours of office hours per week.
• Be available on campus five days a week.
• Dress professionally and appropriately for assigned tasks.
• Provide academic advising to undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate students and assist with registrations and recruiting events.
• Assist the dean and faculty in developing new courses/programs, reporting data, selecting textbooks, and developing syllabi.
• Serve on University, Faculty, and School Committees; participate in graduations, school events, and scheduled faculty/staff meetings and professional development activities.
• Maintain competence in using Wayland’s adopted online teaching and retention management systems, including completing all necessary annual training.
• Be willing to learn degree requirements for the Political Science major and participate in academic advisement.
• Provide service to the university through committees, councils, and special projects.
• Complete other duties as assigned.
• All work must be performed in alignment with the terms of the signed contract.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Endorsement by the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
• Able to pass background checks.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Earned doctorate in Political Science or a Government‑related field from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

Experience and Knowledge: Successful applicants will have the following experience or knowledge:

• Recent experience teaching online in a college or university setting.
• Preference will be given to applicants with one or more of the following qualifications:
  • Ability to teach related fields such as criminal justice administration, sociology, or human services.
  • Experience working with traditional and non‑traditional students from diverse backgrounds.

Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software for financial data and presentations.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Discretion and integrity.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment for this position is a standard office setting. Employees primarily work at a desk or workstation, utilizing standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers. This environment involves teaching in a university classroom, delivering lectures, facilitating discussions, and managing classroom dynamics. Classroom conditions include standard instructional technology such as projectors, whiteboards, and computers.

HOURS OF WORK: Although full‑time, the official work week for full‑time salaried employees is forty (40) hours. Normal workdays on all campuses are Monday through Friday.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Frequently stand and walk.
• Frequently flex upper trunk forward while sitting or standing.
• Frequently lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds.
• Frequently carry up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds.
• Occasionally pull or push objects.
• Occasionally flex upper trunk forward at the waist and partially flex at the knees.
• Frequently reach at or below shoulder height and occasionally reach above shoulder height.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Employment is subject to an introductory period to monitor employee performance. If hired, the prospective employee must present documentation within three (3) days of hire date to establish identity and employment eligibility as required by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The employee must be able to operate a licensed motor vehicle, have access to a dependable motor vehicle, and possess a valid state driver’s license with a satisfactory driver’s record.

Wayland Baptist University does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. The University may discriminate on the basis of religion in order to fulfill its purposes. In compliance with Title IX, the University does not illegally discriminate on the basis of sex in the administration of educational policies, programs and activities.