"Assistant/Associate Professor and Director of Public Administration"

Job Details

Posting Number: 20250044FAC

Job Title: Assistant/Associate Professor and Director of Public Administration

Number of Vacancies: 1

About Murray State: Murray State blends educational opportunities found at research institutions with collaborative interactions among students, faculty and staff found at smaller universities. Students receive personalized attention from supportive faculty and staff as the University offers a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Murray State University places our highest priority on student learning and excellent teaching, blending the range of educational opportunities often experienced at research institutions with the nurturing student-teacher interactions usually found at smaller universities.

Located in the West Kentucky region, Murray State University is a public, comprehensive University which offers a low cost of living, low property taxes, and a four-season climate. Murray has a friendly, small-town atmosphere with locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants, an acclaimed community theater, art guild and award-winning public schools. The area is home to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area, which offers a wide-range of activities and amenities for residents and visitors alike. Located in close proximity to major cities and nearby access to Interstate 24, Murray is just a few hours from Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville and Memphis. Learn more about Careers at Murray State University.

About Murray State Benefits: Faculty and staff of Murray State University have access to a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, tuition waivers, generous paid holidays, vacation, sick, and paid parental leave, as well as many other benefit offerings. Please refer to the Murray State Benefits page for more information.

Equal Opportunity Employment: Equal Opportunity Employer/AA. Murray State University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, disability or political or social viewpoint. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Type of Employment: Regular Full-Time

Work Location: Murray, KY

Employment Term: 10 Months

Position Type: Faculty (Tenure-Track)

Department: Political Science and Sociology

Anticipated Start Date: August 2026

Summary of Job Duties and Responsibilities: The Department of Political Science and Sociology at Murray State University invites applications for an advanced assistant or associate professor and director of public administration starting August 1, 2026. Appointment at rank commensurate with experience. This is a ten-month position from August 1st – May 31st each year. Prior service credit may be awarded towards tenure. We offer both an on-campus and online MPA program with several concentrations. While the specialization is open, we are interested in candidates who can teach some combination of Public Policy Analysis, Research Methods, and Public Organizations, along with other courses that contribute to the department’s programs. The candidate must also be able to use multiple delivery methods in non-traditional formats (e.g. online, ITV, and in-person).

As director of the MPA the candidate will: review applications for admission to the MPA program, advise newly admitted and some returning students, work with the chair and program faculty on course offerings, oversee program assessment, and represent the program at meetings and events.

Minimum Education Requirements: PhD, DPA, or related doctorate in political science, public administration, public policy or related field is required.

Minimum Experience and Skill Requirements: Successful candidates should demonstrate a track record of excellence in teaching, research, and service.

Preferred Education and/or Experience Qualifications: Note: Rank to be determined based upon the successful candidate’s qualifications.

Pay Plan: Faculty I

Posting Date: 09/08/2025

Open Until Filled: Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants: Along with the application, the following items must be included: Letter of application, Curriculum Vitae, Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness, Research Sample (please submit under “Writing Sample”). For best consideration, please submit a completed application along with all required materials by November 1, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.