Faculty Position Political Science

Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota, invites applications for a full-time faculty position in political science at the anticipated rank of assistant or associate professor. Rank and salary will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience. The university seeks candidates with the interest and capacity to embrace the following opportunities as possible:

• Teach multiple sections, annually, of POL 141-U.S. Government and the Constitution, one of the university's core general education courses.
• Contribute select courses to the university's criminal justice program (possible contributions would include Criminal Law; Constitutional Criminal Justice; Trial Experience; and Rules of Evidence).
• Teach additional, foundational courses in political science (e.g., Introduction to Politics, Introduction to American Politics, State and Local Government, Campaigns and Elections, Public Opinion, Public Policy) that could complement offerings in the history program and, in collaboration with the university's McGovern Center for Leadership and Public Service, contribute to the preparation of students to participate meaningfully and efficaciously in various capacities related to democratic self-governance in the state of South Dakota.
• Contribute to the mission and operation of the university's McGovern Center for Leadership and Service.

The university has particular interest in individuals who have knowledge, experience, and expertise in the following areas: legislative functioning in the governance of small states; public policy; and best practices in the governance of small and mid-sized towns and communities. The university also anticipates that the position will come with some release time for the individual's work with the McGovern Center and/or work with the university's general education program.

The successful candidate will:

• Hold, or have, at least one of the following: a Ph.D. in political science; a J.D.; a master's degree in a relevant field with significant experience in law, government, or politics; or hold a bachelor's degree with extensive, successful, and exemplary experience in politics, policy, and state governance.
• Possess strong communication skills.
• Be prepared to successfully teach various courses in political science, criminal justice, and history.
• Be committed to high quality, reflexive teaching.
• Have demonstrable, successful experience as a teacher at the college level (or demonstrable promise thereof).
• Be open to innovation in the higher education experience.

Essential, ongoing responsibilities associated with the position include:

• Successfully teaching assigned courses.
• Contributing to the mission and operation of the university's McGovern Center for Leadership and Service.
• Contributing to the oversight and assessment of the university's civic-focused general education program.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues within the department (and within the college, and across campus as necessary).
• Engaging in assessment activities as necessary.
• Acting in a professional and collegial manner (this includes maintaining confidentiality as required, holding regular office hours, and being accessible to students and colleagues).
• Participating in evaluations as necessary.

All candidates are encouraged to provide evidence of successful college-level teaching, including strong professor-student relationships, commitment to student development, and evidence-based pedagogical practice. All applications must include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information (including phone numbers and email addresses) of four professional references. Original transcripts and background check will be required before an appointment is made.

To learn more about Dakota Wesleyan University, please visit: .

Dakota Wesleyan reserves the right to modify all job postings and job descriptions.

Dakota Wesleyan University is an equal opportunity employer and provider.