Postdoctoral Fellows in Democratic Deliberation

In Balance; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Hope College in Holland, Michigan invites two Postdoctoral Fellows to advance the theory and practice of civil dialogue through the GRACE Program. Fellows will teach one course per year and engage in research shaping civil discourse pedagogy.

The two-year appointments begin in 2027 and are funded by a US Department of Education grant, with a residential liberal arts setting and active campus involvement. These fellows will work under faculty mentorship, contribute to community engagement, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with focus in rhetoric, democracy, politics, or closely related field, ABD considered.
• Evidence of effective undergraduate teaching.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Teach one course per year
• Provide leadership for the student learning community
• Provide leadership for campus events and programming
• Provide leadership for community engagement
• Provide leadership for curriculum development
• Develop public scholarship

Skills

Effective undergraduate teaching

Written and oral communication

Education

Ph.D. in rhetoric or related field (ABD considered)

Job description

Position Information

Position Title

Postdoctoral Fellows in Democratic Deliberation

Classification Title

Administrative Full Time (.75-1.0 FTE)

Benefits Eligibility

Department

Provost Office

Job Description

Hope College is hiring two Postdoctoral Fellows who studydemocratic deliberation, civil dialogue, and/or virtuous publicdiscourse to support the GRACE Program at Hope College. Thesetwo-year positions are funded by a FIPSE Grant from the USDepartmentofEducation; they begin in 2027 (start date is flexiblebut no later than August 2027) and conclude at the termination ofthe Spring 2029 semester.

The GRACE Program at Hope College is a campus-wide initiative ledby Provost Griffin and Dr. Sarah Kornfield. It includes a studentlearning community, campus events and programming, communityengagement, public scholarship, and curricular development.Successful candidates will demonstrate their ability to contributeto the life and success of this program.

Two Postdoctoral Fellows will contribute to advancing the theoryand practice of civil dialogue. Under the guidance of facultymentor, Professor Sarah Kornfield, the Postdoctoral Fellows willteach one course per year and engage in research that strengthenscivil discourse pedagogy. The Postdoctoral Fellows will help Hopein advancing civil dialogue on campus and will become excellentcandidates to champion civil dialogue at premier colleges anduniversities across the nation. This role provides valuableteaching experience while enhancing the project’s academic andresearch impact.

Hope College is a residential, Christian Liberal Arts Collegelocated in Holland, Michigan. Hope College is committed toundergraduate research and education and the GRACE Programhighlights Hope College’s leadership in educating students forlives of civic leadership and service in a global society.

Responsibilities include:

• Teaching one course per year
• Supporting and providing leadership for the student learningcommunity
• Supporting and providing leadership for campus events andprogramming
• Supporting and providing leadership for communityengagement
• Supporting and providing leadership for curriculardevelopment
• Developing public scholarship

Qualifications

• Ph.D. with focus in rhetoric, democracy, politics, or closelyrelated field, ABD considered
• Evidence of effective undergraduate teaching
• Strong written and oral communication skills

Physical Demands

This position requires remaining in a sitting or standing positionfor frequent periods of time; uses office machinery such as acomputers, printers, copy machines; Occasionally involves movingitems over 10 pounds; frequently will move between differentoffices/workspaces/buildings; and requires effective communicationabilities. In the case of temporary or permanent condition(s) thatrequire(s) accommodation(s), reasonable accommodation(s) may berequested.

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check.Some positions may have position specific requirements, such aseducation/licensure/certification verification, a physical, drugscreening, credit checks and/or transportation record review.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number

2026-026SR

Job Posting Open Date

08/11/2026

Job Posting Close Date

10/01/2026

Open Until Filled

No

Is this position available for sponsorship

No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Teaching Philosophy
4. Unofficial Graduate Transcripts