History Faculty / Associate Director McGovern Center

Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota, invites applications to serve as a Professor of History and as the Associate Director of the university’s McGovern Center for Leadership and Public Service. Rank and salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience. The university expects to appoint the individual at the assistant or associate rank. The university seeks candidates with the interest and capacity to embrace the following opportunities as their training and experience allow.

Benefits include health, vision, dental and life insurance, access to campus wellness program and facilities, vacation, sick and holiday pay, tuition reimbursement and retirement.

• Through coursework, outreach, and the cultivation of student interest, prepare students to participate meaningfully and efficaciously in various capacities related to democratic self-governance in the state of South Dakota at both the state and local level.
• Teach multiple sections, annually, of POL 141—U.S. Government and the Constitution, one of the university’s core general education courses. 
• Teach additional, foundational courses in history and political science (e.g., various courses in U.S. and European history in alignment with the candidate’s interest and expertise, as well as introductory political science courses such as Introduction to American Politics and State and Local Government).
• 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 American political history and in one or more of 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 position will come with release time for the individual’s work with the McGovern Center. 

The successful candidate will:

• Hold, or have, at least one of the following: a Ph.D. in history; a master’s degree in history coupled with relevant, 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 history and introductory courses in political science.
• 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 efficaciously to the mission and operation of the university’s McGovern Center for Leadership and Service. 
• 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.

Click Apply Today to send your resume & materials to Ms. Janet Hayen, Director of Human Resources, Dakota Wesleyan University. 
Please write History in the subject line. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) is a private, comprehensive university affiliated with the United Methodist Church granting both bachelor's and master's degrees. The University's mission is to provide a transformative learning experience that cultivates enduring intellectual growth, ethically grounded leadership, intentional faith exploration, and meaningful service.

DWU is located in Mitchell, South Dakota, a town of 14,000, nestled in the heart of one of the country's finest outdoor recreation areas. The University is within six hours of several major metropolitan areas (Sioux Falls, SD; Omaha, NB; Minneapolis, MN; Kansas City, MO).

To learn more about Dakota Wesleyan University, please visit: https://www.dwu.edu/about-dwu   Dakota Wesleyan reserves the right to modify all job postings and job descriptions. Dakota Wesleyan is an Equal Opportunity Employer welcoming and encouraging applications from members of underrepresented groups. DWU is a tobacco free campus.