Assistant Teaching Professor of Political Science

About the role

The Department of Political Science at the University of Rhode Island is hiring an Assistant Teaching Professor for its NASPAA‑accredited Master of Public Administration (MPA) program. This is a full‑time academic year appointment beginning Fall 2027. Assistant Teaching Professors may be eligible for promotion to Associate Teaching Professor or Full Teaching Professor based on time in rank, teaching effectiveness, and possession of a Ph.D. or terminal degree. The department seeks candidates whose principles align with URI’s mission to foster a diverse, inclusive, and socially just learning community. URI enrolls approximately 17,000 students and is the state’s flagship public R1 research university, as well as its land‑grant and sea‑grant institution. The main campus is in historic Kingston, near coastal beaches and within 30 minutes of Providence, with easy access to Newport, Boston, and New York City.

Responsibilities

• Teach graduate courses in Public Policy and Public Administration for the online MPA degree and online graduate certificates in Policy Analysis, Public Management, and the anticipated Public Budgeting and Finance certificate.
• Based on qualifications, teach face‑to‑face undergraduate political science courses in Public Administration, Public Policy, introductory American politics, and other areas of expertise.
• Support the governance of the NASPAA‑accredited MPA program.
• Work with diverse student populations and advise students.

Requirements

• Ph.D. (or expectation of completion by September 1, 2027) in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, or a public service‑related discipline.
• Primary or secondary specialization in Public Administration, Public Policy, or a specialized public management‑related field.
• Evidence of college‑level teaching commensurate with 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 areas.
• Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate political science courses in at least one of: Political Science, Public Administration, or Public Policy.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Employment Details

Full‑time, academic year, non‑tenure‑track appointment limited to June 24, 2028 with anticipated renewal. First consideration for applications received by November 15, 2026; later applications may be reviewed depending on search progress but are not guaranteed full consideration.