Assistant Teaching Professor of Political Science

The University of Rhode Island; Kingston (RI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Rhode Island invites applications for an Assistant Teaching Professor of Political Science in our NASPAA-accredited MPA program. The appointment is full-time, academic year, non-tenure track, beginning Fall 2027, with potential for promotion based on performance.

URI emphasizes diversity and social justice in its mission and community. Qualified candidates will teach graduate courses in Public Policy and Public Administration, contribute to online degrees, and advise students.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or expected completion by Sep 1, 2027 in political science or related public service field
• Primary or secondary specialization in Public Administration or Public Policy or related field
• Evidence of college level teaching experience commensurate with academic experience
• Ability to teach graduate-level MPA courses in multiple areas (e.g., Public Administration, Policy, Budgeting/Finance)
• Ability to teach undergraduate political science courses
• Experience working with diverse student populations

Responsibilities

• Teach graduate courses for online MPA program and online graduate certificates
• Support governance of NASPAA-accredited MPA program and advise students
• Potential face-to-face teaching in undergraduate political science courses as needed

Skills

Teaching graduate courses

Online instruction

Diversity and inclusive teaching

Education

Ph.D. in Political Science or Public Administration or Public Policy

Job description

80 Lower College Road, Kingston, RI 02881

Assistant Teaching Professor of Political Science

Job Title 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

• 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.
• Primary or secondary specialization in Public Administration or Public Policy or a specialized public management-related field.
• Evidence of college level teaching commensurate with level of academic experience.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate political science courses in at least one of the following areas: Political Science, Public Administration, or Public Policy.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and a broad range of experiences.

PREFERRED

• Evidence of online instruction or extensive training in online pedagogy.
• 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 Status Academic Year, Full-time, Limited

End Date of Restriction or Limitation The position is full-time, academic year, non-tenure track, limited to 06/24/2028 with anticipated renewal.

Department Political Science

Campus Location Kingston

Grant Funded No