Visiting Assistant/Associate Professor (Intelligence Analysis)

James Madison University (JMU) seeks applicants for a visiting faculty position in its Bachelor’s Degree Program in Intelligence Analysis (IA). The appointment is for one academic year (with the possibility of renewal for a second year depending upon the Program’s needs) at the Assistant or Associate Professor level. This position will reside within the larger School of Integrated Sciences. The IA program offers a multidisciplinary undergraduate degree with an emphasis on methodology and technology to prepare students to become analysts, with a specialization in intelligence analysis. Its graduates have been successful in securing positions as analysts in both the public and private sectors, to include the Intelligence Community, military and law enforcement organizations, defense contractors, and major consulting firms. The program emphasizes methodology and synthesizes critical and creative thinking methods with technological tools for data collection, visualization, and analysis with situational knowledge of a problem’s political, economic, social, and technological context with strong communicative and professional skills to support decision-making.

The IA program works to advance the overall profession of intelligence analysis through innovative research by its faculty and students, and by serving as a platform for professional reflection. It has previously hosted multiple “Five Eyes Analytic Training Workshops” as well as the “Women in Intelligence” conferences. The IA Program aspires to be a diverse and inclusive community that respects people from all backgrounds and perspectives, and to model the free, respectful, and reasonable exploration of ideas. It emphasizes the thoughtful development of alternative explanations of current problems and future challenges, and considers doing so to be essential to our providing a good education as well as to our students becoming good intelligence analysts. Mutual respect, the free exploration of ideas, and a diverse environment are essential to fulfilling our educational and professional mission. Candidates should demonstrate support of these values.

Duties & Responsibilities:

We are looking for candidates that are well prepared to teach introductory and intermediate courses that focus on learning the process of how to do strategic intelligence analysis. In the Fall, the position involves teaching multiple sections of “Technology Applications in a Networked Age.” This course serves as an introduction to technology for aspiring analysts—including data mining and information visualization—and their uses in analytic production and communication. Other potential topics may include basic aspects of link analysis, social network analysis, and geospatial analysis. In the Spring, the course involves teaching a combination of “Research Design and Writing for Intelligence Analysis,” and an introduction to one of the following intelligence domains (depending upon the faculty member’s background): military, law enforcement, private sector security, cyber security, or geospatial. The teaching load in the school is 3 courses per semester. We currently plan to deliver our courses in person, however candidates should be prepared to shift delivery to hybrid or online if that were to become necessary.

Qualifications:
We welcome applicants from all academic disciplines (to include the humanities, social sciences, and sciences) and all professional backgrounds (to include former intelligence, military, law enforcement, and other security and analytic professionals) that would provide a strong knowledge foundation for doing analysis. Candidates must have prior experience with intelligence analysis either as an educator/trainer or as a practitioner. The program values teaching excellence as well as one-on-one professional mentoring and seeks candidates with potential for both. Ideal candidates will be comfortable in an interdisciplinary, diverse setting and possess the potential for becoming an excellent teacher to future analysts. The position requires either a Ph.D. in a relevant academic field by the date of hire OR a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Preferred) with substantial, demonstrated experience as an analyst in the field.

Review of applications will begin on May 1, 2021; the search will remain open until the position is filled. 

Application materials should include:

1. a detailed cover letter that explains how the candidate’s experiences fit the position’s requirements and values, and should specifically explain the applicant’s views on the importance of diversity and inclusion in higher education
2. curriculum vitae
3. concise but specific description (no more than 2 pages) of how the candidates would approach teaching the courses from the above list (if offered the position) (as Other Document #1)
4. contact information for at least three references

Application materials must be submitted online through JMU’s application system: https://joblink.jmu.edu/. To apply, refer to job #F1590.  Salary shall be commensurate with experience.  Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check. Questions can be directed to the Chair of the search committee, Dr. Noel Hendrickson, at hendrinx@jmu.edu.

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.