Assistant Professor - Political Science

Mission or Goal of Unit:

The mission of the College of Humanities and Sciences is to serve as the intellectual heart and soul of our institution and wider community. The College of Humanities and Sciences:

• Prepares lifelong learners to participate actively as engaged and responsible citizens
• Propels scientific research and scholarship to improve the human condition, cure and treat diseases, and promote healthy environments
• Grounds us in our history, critically examines our present human condition and empowers students to create more equitable local and global communities
• Provides communities with a passionate and creative workforce that serves as a powerful engine for economic development and innovative solutions to problems

As the intellectual lifeblood of VCU and our community, the College of Humanities and Sciences seeks to inspire our students to explore their passions and dreams as individuals and provide the context to understand their place in the world and connections with others—locally, globally and throughout time. Most importantly, our educational and research environment addresses an array of technological, health-related and societal problems, as well as providing profound insights and reflections of what it means to be human and humane.

 Chief Purpose of this position: The Department of Political Science at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is seeking applications for an Experiential Learning Coordinator (ELC), to begin August 2025. This is a nine-month, non-tenured faculty position at the Assistant Professor rank, with additional teaching responsibilities in support of the political science curriculum.

Position Responsibilities: The ELC has substantial mission-driven administrative responsibilities that contribute to the Department’s student success goals, including:
●Overseeing and expanding POLI’s internship, undergraduate research, and study abroad/away programs, supporting the expansion of project-based learning in the Department, partnering with faculty and staff to identify learning opportunities, and ensuring more of our students gain valuable real-world experiences;
●Developing POLI’s career readiness programs and resources; and
●Providing experiential learning and career development resources to students, including events, online content, networking guidance, and others.

The position has a work effort allocation of 50% to administration and service as the ELC, and 50% to teaching. Candidates must be able to teach political science courses that align with work of the ELC, such as courses involving career development and those bearing VCU’s REAL designation, as well as courses related to their areas of expertise. Though not required, the ability to teach Research Methods (POLI 320), a core course for our majors, is a plus.

Required Qualifications: The position requires a PhD in political science, or a closely related field, at the time of employment. Successful candidates will have demonstrated expertise or experience in the areas of experiential learning and career development, and/or significant relevant experience in non-academic careers. The faculty member in this position will be eligible for later promotions to the ranks of Associate Professor and Professor, in accordance with departmental, college, and university guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications:  N/A

VCU is a large and diverse public research university in Richmond, a thriving city with abundant cultural and outdoor activities. Our campus is a 15-minute walk from the State Capitol. We’re also close to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and Washington, DC. For more information about living and working in Richmond, see https://hr.vcu.edu/careers-at-vcu/why-work-at-vcu/.

Diversity is among VCU's greatest assets, a critical part of our universal excellence and success. Successful candidates will have demonstrated experience working in and fostering inclusion and diversity, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU. VCU is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. VCU provides access to education and employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, veteran's status, political affiliation, or disability.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applications can only be submitted at http://vcujobs.com/. Applicants must upload a CV and cover letter, a teaching statement, and a diversity and inclusion statement. Applicants are also encouraged to submit course evaluations, if available, as well as course syllabi. Questions should be directed to Dr. Chris Burdett at clburdett@vcu.edu. This position will be open until filled, but the Department prefers applications by October 1, 2024. Start date will be August 2025.

Position Type: Teaching & Research Faculty
Full time equivalent: 100
Tenure: Ineligible
Rank: Assistant Professor
Months: 9
Department: Department of Political Science

Salary:

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Dr. Jason Arnold
Contact Email: jrarnold@vcu.edu
Contact Phone: 828-2076