Job Abstract

The Elizabeth J. Somers Women’s Leadership Program (WLP) at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C invites applications for the position of Visiting Assistant Professor in Political Science to fill a 1-year vacancy beginning as early as Fall 2024. WLP is a selective, living-learning program for first year students to build leadership skills within the context of their discipline and as part of a supportive community. Students enroll in one of 4 WLP cohorts: Globalization, Economics, & Business; International Arts & Culture; Science, Health, & Medicine; or International Politics. Students take foundational courses in their field of study in small classes with their cohort faculty members both fall and spring, as well as a year-long, experiential leadership symposium course.

The selected candidate will serve as the primary faculty and Program Coordinator for the International Politics cohort of approximately 20 students in the WLP. They will teach small classes of first-year students for WLP and the University Honors Program. The selected candidate will report to the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Affairs and Special Programs. They will work with the WLP Director and colleagues to integrate co-curricular offerings and activities to enhance the academic experiences of all WLP students. The Program Coordinator serves as instructor, academic mentor, and advisor to students in the International Politics cohort, teaching Introduction to International Politics and Introduction to Comparative Politics, and helping students navigate their college experience from the first year and beyond. They will also participate in WLP orientation, information sessions for prospective students, and other campus events.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities: The effort breakdown for the position is 70% teaching, 15% administration/service, and 15% scholarship. The teaching component includes four undergraduate courses during the course of the year and co-teaching a year-long, one-credit leadership symposium. Two courses and the symposium are taught to first-year students in the Women’s Leadership Program. The remaining two courses are taught to students in the University Honors Program. Administrative work is related to the Program Coordinator role, and includes planning co-curricular events and symposium structure. Service obligations may be met by serving on a departmental or university-level committee, engaging with prospective students, and attending major campus events. Scholarship for this role is broadly defined and may include activities such as presenting at conferences, creating and disseminating curriculum materials, or publishing political science research.

Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must have excellent teaching skills, a strong desire to teach and mentor undergraduate students, and a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion in the classroom. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in Political Science or a related field by the date of appointment.

Application Procedure: To apply please complete an online application. Applicants should submit a cover letter that includes a statement of interest in the Women’s Leadership Program and discusses contributions to DEI initiatives in their teaching, mentorship, and/or professional engagement.

Applicants should also submit curriculum vitae; evidence of effective teaching through student evaluations; statement of past and/or potential contributions to DEI; and names of three references. Review of applications will begin on July 29, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. Only complete applications will be considered.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are core principles of the WLP, and we are committed to building and sustaining a community that is supportive and inclusive of all individuals. Strong candidates will have experience and vision regarding teaching and mentorship of students of multiple and diverse backgrounds with attention to structural barriers that limit access to educational opportunities. The university has a strong commitment to achieving diversity among faculty and staff, and we are particularly interested in receiving applications from members of historically marginalized groups. Learn more about our commitment via the GW Statement on Diversity and Inclusion.