"Tenure-Track Faculty, Political Science and Core Studies"

Job Details

Geneva College invites applications for a full-time tenure track Core Studies and Political Science Faculty member, in the Department of History, Political Science, and Sociology. The position begins in August 2026 and will remain open until filled. Rank is open and will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Following is a complete job description with required skills, abilities, education, and experience. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications should submit the following information for consideration.

Application Process:

Application materials are required to include the following items below. Any application that does not include these items, may not be considered.

1. A Cover Letter, which addresses your interest in this position, date of availability, and the specific skills and qualifications related to this position.
2. A one-page statement of faith (“This is what I believe”).
3. A statement of your faith journey and a narrative of your past and present church involvements.
4. A statement which describes the integration of your field and Christian faith in light of the "Foundational Concepts of Christian Education” (these concepts are available at https://www.geneva.edu/about-geneva/foundational_concepts).
5. A current vita/CV.
6. Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts (official copies will be required before being appointed).

Summary of Responsibilities:

The position is housed in the Department of History, Political Science, and Sociology. This position will contribute to Geneva College’s Core Studies program. In particular, this involves teaching the capstone course, Great Issues in Politics, which integrates an understanding of political ideology and Reformed political theology with both historical and contemporary political issues. This position will also teach a broad range of courses across the Political Science curriculum. Faculty appointed to teach Political Science must be committed to teach accurately and positively the doctrine of civil government contained in the Constitution of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. Responsibilities include advising Political Science majors and students pursuing social studies certification. The individual in this role may also have opportunities to contribute to the College’s Humanities sequence. Highly qualified individuals may be considered for departmental leadership, including the role of department chair.

Essential Responsibilities:

(These essential responsibilities are those the individual must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation.)

1. Teach twelve contact hours per semester.
2. Adequately prepare all course materials and lessons (Note: preparation time will vary based on instructor experience in teaching that course).
3. Provide each student with clear course expectations, evaluations, and timelines through carefully written topical outlines and approved syllabus per faculty established guidelines.
4. Provide interesting and relevant assignments for students that demonstrate learning outcomes in a real-life setting.
5. Suitably challenge, engage, support, and communicate with students to encourage their participation and learning while maintaining mutual value and respect.
6. Provide timely grades to students through college software and upload mid-term and final grades by college deadlines.
7. Respond to student questions on a timely basis.
8. Ensure course and program learning outcomes are delivered as defined by the syllabus.

Exhibits behavior that is consistent with and supportive of Geneva’s mission, vision, core values, and standards of conduct:

1. Geneva Mission Statement: Geneva College is a Christ-centered academic community that provides a comprehensive education to equip students for faithful and fruitful service to God and neighbor.
2. Vision Statement: Geneva College will inspire students to integrate faith in Christ into all aspects of life in the real world, and to serve faithfully within their callings for Christ and Country.
3. Core Values:
   1. Serve with grace.
   2. Pursue Godly wisdom.
   3. Foster academic strength.
   4. Engage culture faithfully.
   5. Inspire vibrant hospitality.
   6. Honor one another.
4. Standards of Conduct: Employees of Geneva College will affirm upon hire, and annually thereafter, their promise to abide by the College’s Standard of Conduct Policy. All employees must conduct their personal affairs so there can be no opportunity for unfavorable reflections upon the Christian beliefs and mission of the College, either expressed or implied. It is expected that employees will conduct themselves in a manner consistent with biblical standards, values, and character. These standards of personal conduct do not apply to family members and/or friends of the employee.

Job Requirements - Administrative:

1. General:Individuals must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed or are able to explain and demonstrate that they can perform the essential responsibilities of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations in order to safely perform the essential responsibilities of the job.
2. Physical:Must be able to perform the following: talking, hearing, and seeing. Must have sufficient manual dexterity to be able to operate all office equipment including, but not limited to computers, printers, copiers, scanners, and telephones.
3. Confidentiality: Individuals must recognize that management of data, including personal information, grades, budgets, programs, and policies is necessary to the operation of the College. Such information must be kept private and confidential for the protection of the College and to obey Federal and/or State laws. Should there be doubt as to whether a certain matter is to be protected, it should be discussed with your supervisor before making a disclosure.
4. Mental:Must be able to reason, analyze, prioritize, conceptualize, make judgments, and solve problems.

Qualifications:

1. Minimum:
   1. Education/Certification: Candidate must have earned a conferred Ph.D. in Political Science (or the ability to finish within a year of appointment) from an accredited U.S. college/university or international equivalent.
   2. Experience:Demonstrated aptitude for classroom teaching
   3. Skill/Abilities:Ability to teach in the College’s Core Studies Program, particularly Great Issues in Politics
   4. Christian Commitment: An eligible candidate must be a thoughtful and articulate Christian and an active member of a Protestant evangelical Christian church. Preference will be given to the candidate who supports and has an articulate understanding of the Reformed faith. An eligible candidate must understand and support the College’s “Foundational Concepts of Christian Education” by expressing an evangelical Christian profession of faith and demonstrate the ability to integrate a Christian perspective in their work. Faculty appointed to teach Political Science must be committed to teach accurately and positively the doctrine of civil government contained in the Constitution of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America.
2. Preferred:
   1. Education/Certification:Ph.D. in Political Science in hand prior to appointment
   2. Experience:Previous successful record of excellence in teaching
   3. Skill/Abilities:Experience in academic leadership in higher education would be a plus.

Company

Geneva College is a Christian liberal arts college in the reformed tradition located about 50 miles north of Pittsburgh. Founded in 1848 by the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, Geneva has majors in both liberal arts and pre-professional programs, and offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Geneva's faculty provide a challenging education that prepares students for careers, for further education, and for life. In all fields of study, students are challenged to explore the implications of the Christian faith on their discipline. Geneva has approximately 1,350 students enrolled in its various programs taught by its faculty of nearly 70 members. The college seeks to prepare students to serve Christ and the world in all areas of society, including work, family, and the church. Geneva is a founding member of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).