Assistant Professor of Politics

Warren Wilson College; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina invites applications for an Assistant Professor in Politics in the Department of Public Humanities. The appointment begins August 2027, with a 24-credit teaching load (typically 3-3) under an extended contract system that includes annual reviews and potential continuation.

We seek broadly-trained candidates in Politics/Political Theory who can contribute to the new Ethics, Politics and Public Life major, teach Introduction to American Government

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Politics or closely related field; ABD will be considered.
• Commitment to inclusive teaching and mentoring a diverse student body.
• Experience with experiential learning and liberal arts education.

Responsibilities

• Teach 24 credit hours of undergraduate instruction per academic year.
• Provide academic and career advising to students.
• Contribute to the General Education Program and department goals.
• Support the Ethics, Politics and Public Life initiative and related programming.
• Mentor politics-focused capstone projects and develop study-away or community-engaged courses.

Skills

Teaching experience

Inclusive pedagogy

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Politics/Political Theory/Political Science or related field

ABD allowed

Job description

Warren Wilson College welcomes applicants for a faculty position in Politics, in the Department of Public Humanities. This is an Assistant Professor position in an extended contract system with a 24 credit teaching load (typically a 3-3 class load) beginning in August of 2027. On Warren Wilson's extended contract system, after an initial 3 year period of annual reviews, faculty receive extended-term contracts that provide for continuing appointment, and are linked to academic rank review and promotion.

We seek applicants who are broadly-trained in Politics, Political Science and/or Political Theory; can envision contributing to a new interdisciplinary major integrating History, Philosophy, and Politics; and are committed to teaching and mentoring undergraduates in a liberal arts environment that prioritizes experiential learning.

Position Description

The Department of Public Humanities seeks a teacher-scholar trained in Politics, Political Science and/or Political Theory broadly-conceived, with an approach that aligns with Warren Wilson’s commitment to experiential teaching and learning intended to prepare graduates for meaningful work, and for effective participation in community and civic life. Applicants from a variety of approaches, such as comparative politics or government, political economy, social/political movements, political communication, law or public policy, etc., are welcome. Specialization in more qualitative, conceptual, textual, practical or historical approaches to the field are preferred over primarily quantitative approaches. The Department of Public Humanities is a collegial, interdisciplinary department committed to the ongoing vital importance of the humanities in the 21st century.

The successful applicant will offer Introduction to American Government, and other introductory and advanced courses within their expertise in support of the new Ethics, Politics and Public Life major (a major that combines History, Philosophy and Politics, while permitting concentrations in each), and the College’s General Education program. Successful applicants will also be prepared to contribute courses or programming in support of the College’s gift-funded “Democracy in Action” initiative. Over time the new hire will also mentor Politics-focused capstone projects, which will include public-facing elements. In addition, Warren Wilson faculty have the opportunity to design and offer faculty-led study away courses, first-year seminars, and community-engaged courses. The College offers funding and programming to support faculty growth as teachers, scholars and practitioners.

Responsibilities

• Teach 24 credit hours of undergraduate instruction per academic year.
• Provide academic and career advising to students.
• Contribute to the college’s General Education Program, as determined to be appropriate in consultation with the Department Chair.
• Provide service to the Department and the College.
• Engage in ongoing professional development, scholarly and/or creative activity.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D in Politics, Political Theory, Political Science or related field. ABD will be considered.
• Experience teaching.
• Demonstrated experience with advancing a learning environment that is conducive to all learners. For instance, experience incorporating inclusive teaching modalities, course content, and subject matter experts, and working with diverse student populations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of demonstrated teaching excellence at the undergraduate level.
• Evidence of a pedagogical approach that prioritizes experiential and applied learning.
• Experience of successful contribution to multi/interdisciplinary studies in the humanities.

About the College:

Warren Wilson College is located on a beautiful 1,135-acre campus in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. We enroll approximately 750 undergraduates and 100 graduates. Rooted in liberal arts education, the College provides educational programs that foster students’ curiosity, empathy, and integrity to prepare graduates to engage in groundbreaking scholarship and creative work; to pursue meaningful careers with professionalism; and to lead purposeful lives dedicated to fostering a just, equitable, and sustainable world.

As the National Leader for Learning in Action, our Progressive Promise articulates our innovative educational approach that intentionally integrates academics, campus work and community engagement for a rich, challenging student experience. Our students matriculate through deliberately scaffolded courses and signature capstone experiences that combine intellectual foundations with experiential skill development and problem solving.

Interested candidates should provide the following documents to complete their application:

• a curriculum vitae
• A cover letter that describes how the applicant’s teaching, research, and/or creative scholarly experience prepares the applicant to contribute to Warren Wilson’s experiential learning and a diverse student body in a residential work college setting

Additional materials may be requested of applicants whose candidacy advances.

First consideration will be given to candidates who apply by Sunday, November 8, 2026. Electronic submission is required.

We are committed to a culture of educational access and to ensuring that all students and employees from a diverse range of identities and experiences will thrive in this community. We seek and support an engaged faculty and staff with a genuine interest in our innovative approach to education and the Progressive Promise for all, as well as a willingness to fully participate in the life of the College.

Warren Wilson College is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.