Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science

Randolph-Macon College (RMC) invites applications for an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science to begin September 1, 2025. This is a tenure-track appointment.

The successful candidate will be expected to teach a broad range of Comparative Politics courses as well as to contribute courses to the College’s general education program. In addition, all faculty members in the department are expected to teach either Introduction to Politics or Introduction to American Government. Although the department welcomes applications in support of a range of geographic areas, it is particularly interested in course offerings that focus on the developing world, including Asia and Latin America. The ability to teach an upper-level Research Methods course – either quantitative or qualitative in focus – is preferred. The standard teaching load will be seven courses per year, normally in a 3-1-3 configuration across the College’s academic calendar, which consists of Fall and Spring terms, along with a four-week January term.

This position requires a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching excellence in a liberal arts environment; as such, evidence of teaching effectiveness is required. We also encourage interdisciplinary contributions to the curriculum. Opportunities may be available to teach in interdisciplinary programs at the College, including Asian Studies; Black Studies; Environmental Studies; Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies (GSWS); Hispanic Studies; the College’s Honors Program; and more. RMC faculty are also expected to have an active research program, and are encouraged to conduct research in collaboration with students. The College’s Schapiro Undergraduate Research Fellowships are available to support students and faculty in all disciplines to conduct summer research. The College offers generous research, travel, and sabbatical funding.

Institution Information

Randolph-Macon College is a nationally-recognized residential institution of 1650 students located in Ashland, Virginia, just north of Richmond. Founded in 1830, the college offers a broad range of academic programs, including a graduate program in PA studies. The RMC curriculum, grounded in a liberal arts core, and our culture personal attention foster intellectual growth and personal development, with a steadfast focus on helping students find and navigate pathways through college and to successful outcomes. With a commitment to inclusivity and hands-on learning, Randolph-Macon College provides an extraordinary educational experience –enhanced by exceptional athletic and extracurricular activities and supportive alumni – and prepares graduates for success in their chosen fields and in their lives.

The Department of Political Science gives students a firm footing in the core concepts of political science, and unique internship, research, and hands-on learning opportunities in a specialization of their choosing: American politics; international relations; foreign and comparative politics; and political theory. An RMC political science degree provides students with a strong foundation for careers in law, public administration, election campaigns, social justice, and public service.

Major/Essential Functions:

Randolph-Macon College faculty teach, advise, conduct research and engage in scholarship, and serve the college and department. Primary teaching responsibilities will include courses in Comparative Politics, and contributions to the College’s general education program.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in Political Science, Comparative Politics, or a related field by the time appointment begins in Fall 2025
• Demonstrated effectiveness in undergraduate teaching
• Ability to teach upper-level undergraduate courses in at least one area of comparative politics
• Evidence of a clear research agenda with the potential to produce scholarly publications in an area(s) of comparative politics
• Evidence of a commitment to undergraduate teaching and student engagement
• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to pedagogical methods that enable students with diverse backgrounds to reach their maximum potential

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to teach an undergraduate Research Methods course
• Evidence of ability to engage undergraduates in the applicant’s area of study
• Ability to contribute to interdisciplinary programs outside of the political science department

Application Procedures

Please complete an online application at bit.ly/407HzPB to include uploading the following as a single pdf addressed to Sabrina Granderson, Administrative Services Coordinator, no later than November 4.

• Letter of application that addresses the position qualifications
• Curriculum vitae
• One page statement of teaching philosophy and commitment to undergraduate teaching
• One page statement of scholarly research interests
• A single example of scholarly writing (this can be a link to a publicly available sample)
• One page statement describing past, present, and future (planned) contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Transcripts (unofficial and scanned copies acceptable)
• The names and contact information for three professional references. At least one must be able to address teaching experience and teaching effectiveness; please indicate the teaching reference in your letter of application. Please do NOT ask references to submit letters of recommendation; the committee will conduct reference checks by phone.

For full consideration, applications must be received by November 4. While applications may be accepted after this date, it is not guaranteed that they will be considered. At this time, please only upload the required documents listed above; finalists may be asked to submit additional documentation as needed. Incomplete applications will NOT be considered by the search committee.

Randolph-Macon College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status in its education or employment programs or activities. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Randolph-Macon College believes that students learn best in a diverse, inclusive community and is therefore committed to academic excellence through diversity in its faculty, staff, and students. We welcome applications from members of underrepresented populations.