Assistant Teaching Professor of Political Science

University of Rhode Island; Kingston (RI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Rhode Island Department of Political Science invites applications for an Assistant Teaching Professor in our NASPAA-accredited MPA program beginning Fall 2027. This full-time, academic year appointment supports online graduate offerings and certificates in Policy Analysis, Public Management, and related areas.

Responsibilities include teaching graduate courses, advising students, and contributing to governance of the NASPAA-accredited program.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or expected by Sep 1, 2027 in a relevant field.
• Ability to teach graduate MPA courses and undergraduate courses in related areas.
• Experience engaging a diverse student body and fostering inclusive excellence.

Responsibilities

• Teach graduate courses in Public Policy and Public Administration for online MPA and certificates.
• Contribute to governance and effectiveness of a NASPAA-accredited program.
• Advise students and support online and hybrid delivery when appropriate.
• Possibly teach face-to-face undergraduate courses in related topics.

Skills

Graduate-level teaching ability

Experience with diverse populations

Strong communication skills

Online instruction familiarity

Education

Ph.D. in Political Science/Public Administration/Public Policy or related field

Terminal degree by Sept 1, 2027

Job description

Assistant Teaching Professor of Political Science

Job Description Summary, Duties and Responsibilities, Required Qualifications and Preferred Qualifications

Search will be open until filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by 11/15/2026. Applications received after 11/15/2026 may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs but are not guaranteed full consideration.

The Department of Political Science at the University of Rhode Island is hiring to fill an opening for an Assistant Teaching Professor position in our NASPAA-accredited MPA program. This is a full-time academic year appointment at the rank of Assistant Teaching Professor to begin Fall of 2027. Assistant Teaching Professors may be eligible for the promotional process to Associate Teaching Professor or Full Teaching Professor dependent on time in rank, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and possession of a Ph.D. or terminal degree.

We are seeking to attract a pool of job candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. A key pillar of URI's mission is to "inspire an enlightened community that is characterized by vibrant cultural diversity; that embraces difference; that is built upon a learning environment that fosters respect, understanding, and social justice; and that rejects prejudice and intolerance." Our department seeks candidates whose principles align with that mission.

The University of Rhode Island enrolls approximately 17,000 students across its graduate and undergraduate programs. It is the State's flagship, public R1 research university as well as the land grant and sea grant university for the state of Rhode Island. The main campus is located in the historic village of Kingston. Both campuses are near major beaches in a beautiful coastal community. URI is just 30 minutes from Providence, RI and within easy reach of Newport, Boston, and New York City.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Applicants will be expected to teach graduate courses in the areas of Public Policy and Public Administration that serve as requirements for an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree with online graduate certificates in Policy Analysis, Public Management, and an anticipated certificate in Public Budgeting and Finance. Based on the applicant's strength, face-to-face teaching opportunities will be available in undergraduate political science courses on Public Administration, Public Policy, introductory courses in American politics, and other areas of expertise. Applicants are expected to help support the governance of an MPA program that has been nationally accredited by NASPAA, work with diverse student populations, and advise students.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED

• 1. Ph.D., or expectation of completion of degree requirements by September 1, 2027, in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, or a public service-related discipline.
• 2. Primary or secondary specialization in Public Administration or Public Policy or a specialized public management-related field.
• 3. Evidence of college level teaching commensurate with level of academic experience.
• 4. Demonstrated ability to excel in teaching graduate-level MPA courses in at least two of the following: Seminar in Public Administration and Policy, Administrative Law, Public Personnel Administration, Public Budgeting and/or Finance, Policy and Grant Writing, Ethics, Social Equity in Public Administration and Policy, Negotiation and Dispute Resolution, Collective Bargaining and Labor Relations, Public Policy Analysis, Program Evaluation, or courses related to specific public management-related areas.
• 5. Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate political science courses in at least one of the following areas: Political Science, Public Administration, or Public Policy.
• 6. Demonstrated experience working effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and a broad range of experiences.

PREFERRED

• 1. Evidence of online instruction or extensive training in online pedagogy.
• 2. Ability to participate in the governance of a NASPAA-accredited program.

EEO Statement

URI is unwavering in its commitment to equal opportunity, community, equity, and diversity. In furtherance of its mission to serve and support all learners as the state's public flagship university, URI continues to expand efforts to recruit and retain a broadly representative workforce as well as to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of those efforts. All employment decisions, including hiring, are made without regard to protected status. Qualified individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the URI benefits office at 401-874-2416. For TTY assistance, contact R.I. Relay Services at 711.

Union: Non-Tenure Track

Status: Academic Year, Full-time, Limited

Department: Political Science