Associate Professor of Political Science - Oklahoma Baptist University

Job Description

Job Description

Associate Professor of Political Science - Oklahoma Baptist University

OBU Mission Statement

OBU transforms lives by equipping students to pursue academic excellence, integrate faith with all areas of knowledge, engage a diverse world, and live worthy of the high calling of God in Christ.

Expectations for all Employees

Oklahoma Baptist University achieves its mission through a shared commitment to the following expectations.  All employees must embrace these expectations and model them in their behavior.

• Demonstrate commitment to the essentials of the Christian faith.
• Commit to the mission and vision of Oklahoma Baptist University.
• Treat people with dignity and respect.
• Build relationships on honesty, integrity, and trust.
• Strive for excellence through teamwork, leadership, and a strong work ethic.
• Manage human and financial resources wisely and efficiently.

Purpose: Oklahoma Baptist University invites applications for an Assistant or Associate Professor of Political Science position (beginning August 2026). Area of specialization is open. The successful candidate will be required to teach American National Government and Introduction to Political Science, as well as courses on congress, courts, and U.S. presidency. They may also teach other courses in the catalog or develop new courses that align with their interests and background, with prior approval. The standard load is 24 credit hours per academic year. In addition to teaching, the successful candidate will advise political science majors and minor with their course and career options. Candidates must be committed to the mission of OBU as a Christian liberal arts university. PhD in Political Science preferred (advanced ABD considered).

Essential Functions:

·        Teach introductory and upper-level undergraduate Political Science courses.

·         Serve as an advisor to Political Science majors and minors.

·         Keep accurate class records and submit reports and grades.

·         Work regularly with faculty members from other disciplines.

·         Keep regular office hours for advising students.

·         Be an active member in a local evangelical church.

Other Duties:

·         Maintain an active program of professional development.

·         Serve on university committees and take an active part in shaping the work of the division.

·         Assist in recruiting students to the Political Science program.

·         Support and guide students in research and practical.

Required Qualifications:

·         Must be able to teach multiple Political Science courses, including ones covering the major branches of government.

·         Possess and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, communication skills, and pedagogy.

·         Be able to conduct a college classroom to maximize the student learning experience.

·         Be able to adjust teaching methods to meeting student needs.

·         Be able to work effectively with college students in either individual advisement, as well as small and large class environments.

·         Be able to relate to colleagues in the OBU community as well as be a representative to the professional community beyond OBU.

·         Be proficient in office technology, office software (including various Microsoft tools), and classroom presentation software.

Education:

·       Required : PhD in Political Science (advanced ABD considered).

·      Preferred : PhD in Political Science.

Experience:

·          Preferred: Experience teaching undergraduate in a Christian, liberal arts environment.

Special Requirements:

·         Must be a member of a local evangelical* Christian church.

*Evangelical is a broad term referring to segment within Christianity which maintains the authority of the Bible and the belief in salvation by faith in Jesus alone.

OBU Benefits Summary:

OBU understands that our employees are our most valuable assets when fulfilling our mission. We strive to offer an extensive array of benefits and opportunities for employees to choose from. Full-time employees benefit from the generous OBU provision of premium contributions for nationwide family-friendly Health and Dental coverages along with free life insurance that includes accidental death and dismemberment equal to an employee’s base salary. OBU provides access to optional employee-paid ancillary benefits like vision, hospitalization, critical illness, accident, additional employee-paid family life insurance coverages, and education benefits at OBU and other institutions of higher education. There is generous paid time off that includes annual granted vacation time, accrued sick leave, six annual holidays, and week-long breaks for Thanksgiving and Christmas that include energy conservation days. For all employees working at least half-time, there is an employer matching opportunity for retirement investments in a 403(b)(9) plan administered by Guide Stone. There are numerous other perks and opportunities for OBU employees including FREE family membership to the OBU Recreation and Wellness Center or RAWC, Global outreach university mission trips, cafeteria discounts, and parking privileges to name a few.