Point Loma

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore encourage applications from culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber, skilled and/or demonstrating great potential in the practice of teaching and scholarship. 

Point Loma Nazarene University, a faith-based institution affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene, invites applications for the position of Visiting Professor of Political Science, beginning August 16, 2024. This is a 9-month full-time or part-time, non-permanent position that will involve some teaching and some service to the department.

Pay Range

PLNU pays its faculty using a payscale based on experience and academic rank. Faculty salaries using this scale for a 2-semester appointment range from $69,630 to $113,916. The actual salary will be based on the experience, rank, and appointment term of the candidate selected to fill this position.

Job Status:

Full time

Job Description:

The Department of History and Political Science is seeking candidates for a full-time or part-time Visiting Professor position in Political Science. The Department is seeking an individual capable of excellent teaching, committed to involvement with students both within and outside of the classroom, and interested in participating in department events. 

The Department of History and Political Science consists of eight full-time faculty members and has a strong commitment to quality teaching, a passion for building Christian community with students, a tradition of high-impact academic practices, and a history of offering off-campus learning experiences, through short-term, faculty-led trips, internships, and class excursions in the community. The Department of History and Political Science requires that students in two of its majors have an off-campus educational experience (typically a full semester abroad) and that students in all three majors work in an internship.

The Department of History and Political Science offers B.A. degrees in History, Political Science, and International Studies. The department is also home to an online undergraduate program in Public Administration. We also house many of the courses that are a core part of the university’s Women’s Studies minor and we work in collaboration with the School of Theology and Christian Ministry on the Theology, Peace, and Justice major.

Responsibilities begin August 2024 and will include teaching a variety of Political Science courses.

Responsibilities: 

• Teach undergraduate, in-person courses on our main campus in the areas of campaigns and elections, research methods, comparative politics and/or introductory political science courses. 
• Oversee the internship course and internship program for our political science and international studies students.
• Work collaboratively with faculty colleagues, students, and community members (both on and off campus).
• Advise students academically, spiritually, and professionally.
• Participate in departmental activities and governance.

Minimal Qualifications: 

• Education: M.A. in Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, Public Administration, or a similar degree.
• Teaching: Evidence of a commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching.
• Philosophical: Commitment to the concept of Christian liberal arts education and a desire to work in a Christian university. 

Desired Qualifications:

• Education: ABD or PhD in Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, Public Administration, or a similar degree.
• Teaching: Evidence of undergraduate teaching and mentoring excellence is preferred, including evidence of effectively teaching and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds.
• Programs: Experience in overseeing an internship program is preferred. 
• Interpersonal: Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills are desired, including evidence of an ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Evidence of past and present support and advocacy for people from all walks of life, including students, staff, and others is preferred.
• Personal: Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, faculty agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant.

Selection Process:

Applicants will be expected to submit an application and corresponding documents. All applicants will be reviewed and evaluated. From this pool of applicants, a limited number will be selected and moved forward in the process. The interview process may include:

• Phone/Zoom Interview
• Interview with the Political Science faculty members
• Interview with the Academic unit leader
• Interview with the Dean of the Colleges

Special Instructions:

When beginning your application, be prepared to answer these questions and upload the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Personal Faith
• Philosophy of Teaching in Christian Higher Education
• Evidence of successful teaching such as teaching evaluations, if applicable
• Description of planned future research/scholarship with a particular emphasis on the ways that students can be involved
• Provide names and contacts for 3 references, at least one professional contact who can speak to your teaching potential (references will only be contacted if you are advanced as a finalist candidate)
• Unofficial Transcripts for highest degree completed

If you have questions about items for the application, please contact the Office of Human Resources at humanresources@pointloma.edu or Dr. Linda Beail, political science faculty member in the Department of History and Political Science.

At PLNU, we believe in pursuing calling together. Deep and meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff is vital in nurturing our shared community and expressing God’s love. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in empowering our students to reach their greatest personal, spiritual and professional potential. 

Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.