Associate Professor of Political Science and Coordinator, Masters of Public Administration Program

Job Summary
The Department of Political Science at East Tennessee State University invites applications for a tenure-track appointment at the level of associate professor beginning August 15, 2027. We are seeking a Coordinator of our Master’s in Public Administration Program and a candidate that can offer classes throughout Public Administration Core of our online MPA with particular interests in Nonprofit Management and Public Finance.

The position is a 12-month faculty appointment which normally carries a 2/2 teaching load and comes with generous startup funding designed to promote a promising research agenda leading to peer reviewed publication. We are seeking a program leader with experience in earning NASPAA accreditation. Additionally, candidates must also be capable of excellent teaching in online graduate courses and in person sections of introduction to public administration. Service to the department, university, profession and community are also expected.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience with securing NASPAA program accreditation.
• The ability and expertise to teach in the online MPA program.
• The ability to teach in the undergraduate political science program when necessary.
• Advising students and representing the department on university and college committees is also expected.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.

Required Qualifications

• Experience with NASPAA program accreditation.
• PhD in Public Administration, Political Science, or a related discipline, with ability to teach in the online MPA program as described.
• Evidence of original manuscript publication.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD subfields and teaching experience in Public Administration with concentration specialties in at least two the following: Local Government Management, Nonprofit Management, and Public Finance.
• Experience teaching online graduate courses in Public Administration.
• Experience teaching on ground undergraduate courses in Public Administration.
• Evidence of recent publication in the discipline.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary - $90,000
• Startup funding- $5,000
• Benefits – please visit

Application Instructions

• Exempt positions are required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days.
• Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check.
• Please attach the following: Cover Letter, CV, Statement of Teaching Philosophy, Declaration of Research Agenda, One-Page Description of Experience with NASPAA Accreditation, and Contact Information for Three References.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Dr. Colin Glennon at View email address on aiapply.co.

ETSU is an equal opportunity employer.

University Overview

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students enrolled in highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.

Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position's essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.