Assistant Professor

The Department of Political Science, Public Administration, and History at Florida Gulf Coast University invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Public Administration. The successful candidate will teach introductory and advanced courses in an online Master of Public Administration program and contribute to the department’s undergraduate program in Political Science; be involved in course and/or curriculum development; maintain an active research portfolio; participate on College and University committees and/or initiatives; and perform other duties as assigned.

Florida Gulf Coast University is a regional comprehensive university dedicated to quality education, research, and service. All faculty are expected to: be excellent teachers, responsive to changing professional needs; be committed to innovative delivery of instruction resulting in improved student learning; be committed to effective use of technology including distance learning; produce peer reviewed scholarship; and provide service to the College, University and Community. Teaching assignments may be on the main campus or at off-campus sites within our region.

For information about the Department of Political Science, Public Administration, and History, please visit: https://www.fgcu.edu/cas/departments/pspa/

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Teaches 9 credit hours per semester courses and other assigned courses as outlined in the annual assignment.
• Plans, prepares, and teaches assigned courses, including developing syllabi, instructional materials, and assessments.
• Delivers consistent, interactive, and engaging lectures aligned with curriculum goals and accreditation standards.
• Maintains the highest standards of classroom instruction and engages in reflective self-assessment to ensure continuous improvement.
• Holds regular office hours and provides academic advising and individual support to students.
• Utilizes the University's learning management system and other instructional technologies effectively.
• Collaborates with departmental faculty on curriculum development and program advancement.
• Ensures curriculum outcomes and accreditation standards are met.
• Establishes and maintains an active research program, including opportunities for undergraduate student involvement.
• Demonstrates evidence of scholarly publication and grantsmanship.
• Engages in continued professional development and maintains professional skills appropriate to rank and field.
• Actively participates in departmental, college, and university committees and meetings.
• Contributes to community, institutional, and professional service in support of the University’s mission.
• Participates in faculty evaluation, student learning assessment, and required training activities.
• Communicates professionally and in a timely manner with students, colleagues, staff, and administrators.
• Upholds the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, and excellence in all professional activities.
• Complies with University policies, procedures, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Public Administration or a closely related discipline from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent accreditation.
• Demonstrated experience teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in Public Administration, evidenced either by having served as instructor of record or as a teaching assistant. 
• Demonstrated potential for scholarly research. 
• ABD will be considered if degree is conferred by August 7, 2026. If successful candidate is ABD, appointment will be made at a Lecturer level on a fixed contract.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior teaching experience in Public Administration as instructor of record.  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of major concepts, assumptions, debates, processes of inquiry, and ways of knowing that are central to the discipline(s).
• Understanding how to use digital and interactive technologies for efficiently and effectively achieving specific learning goals.
• Knowledge of critical thinking processes and understanding how to help learners develop high level questioning skills.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of inquiry-based instructional models and strategies.
• Knowledge and ability to use technology in various teaching modalities (e.g. Face-to-face, synchronous online or asynchronous online).
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders both within and outside the University in the development and delivery of instruction, resulting in improved student learning.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Appointment will be made on a 9-month multi-year appointment with an anticipated start date of August 2026.

Because applications and materials are subject to public review and retention under Florida’s Public Records Law, please DO NOT send examples of your project/scholarship unless requested to do so. Therefore, all submitted materials, including articles, disks, slides, books, etc., become the property of FGCU and CANNOT BE RETURNED. As applicable, finalists will be notified of the need to submit specific additional materials. Such materials will become the property of FGCU. Under Florida’s Public Records law, applications will be available for public review upon request.

Required Application Materials:

• Unofficial Transcripts
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Statement of Research
• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Five (5) Professional References

The position is listed as “open until filled”; however, applications received by November 7, 2025 will receive priority consideration.

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an Equal Opportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.