Working/Functional Title

Assistant Professor - Fixed Term

Position Summary

Michigan State University actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

Position Description

The Departments of Political Science and Economics invite outstanding candidates to apply to an Assistant Professor-Fixed Term position, to serve as Director of the Master of Public Policy Program. The Program is co-administered by the Departments of Political Science and Economics.

Duties

• Overseeing and organizing annual admissions process to the Program, including recruiting, communicating with, and reviewing applicants
• Completing academic reviews of students
• Advising students on course enrollment and degree requirements
• Acting as a resource for students on internship and post-degree employment opportunities
• Seeking partners for funding opportunities for enrolled students
• Teaching annual Capstone for students in final year of program
• Teaching 1-2 other courses in the Program per academic year, dependent on applicant experience & expertise
• Working with Political Science and College communications staff on promoting Program and alumni achievements
• Leading Program fundraising efforts, cultivating relationships with alumni, and engaging key stakeholders to advance the Program's mission and sustainability
• Overseeing administrative responsibilities, including program reviews, accreditation processes, and collaboration with the Departments of Political Science and Economics, College of Social Science, and Graduate School through regular meetings and reporting.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Economics, Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science or related social science field

Desired Degree

Masters

Minimum Requirements

• PhD in Economics, Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science or related social science field by start date of appointment
• At least five years experience working in higher education or public sector
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Potential for high-quality instruction and mentoring at the graduate level
• Potential for working with students from diverse backgrounds and working to improve access to higher education for all students

Desired Qualifications

• Teaching experience at undergraduate or graduate level
• Administrative experience
• Applied public policy experience in the public, private, or nonprofit sectors

Required Application Materials

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vita
• Please provide the names and contact information of three references

Special Instructions

Interested candidates should apply via the MSU job application website at http://careers.msu.edu/.  For more information, contact the chair of the search committee, Josh Sapotichne at sapotich@msu.edu

Review of Applications Begins On

04/21/2025

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

https://polisci.msu.edu/mpp/

Department Statement

MSU is located in East Lansing, MI, with easy access to the state capital, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake Superior (albeit more time-consuming), excellent school districts, affordable housing, Whole Foods, Horrock's, Trader Joe's, and two large metropolitan areas (Grand Rapids, Detroit).

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

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