Calvin University Hiring for American Politics Faculty, Full-time at Grand Rapids Campus Full Time

Calvin University invites applications for a full-time regular faculty member to join the Department of Politics and Economics to teach American politics beginning in August 2024. This opening is at the rank of assistant professor or associate professor.

REQUIREMENTS

The university seeks applicants with vibrant Christian faith who are dedicated to integration of that faith with their field of study.

Qualified candidates will hold a Ph.D. in political science or related field from an accredited university. The department is particularly interested in candidates with interests in religion and politics, judicial politics, Congress, and the Presidency. Strength in research methods is a priority.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate excellence in teaching at both the undergraduate and master’s levels as well as an active stream of relevant research and publication. Preference will be given to candidates with experience teaching using a variety of methods and instructional technologies.

The university will prioritize candidates with broad interdisciplinary interests, demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ability to integrate questions of meaning, significance, and ethics into all course content, and deep commitment to engaging students beyond the classroom.

FACULTY RESPONSIBILITIES

Faculty members typically teach 24 semester hours per academic year. Faculty are expected to grow in Reformed Christian commitment, to pursue an active scholarly agenda, to teach effectively, and to serve the university, department, students, and the wider community. Candidates will be asked to affirm their commitment to the educational mission of Calvin University as a Christian liberal arts university in the Reformed tradition. (See Educating for Shalom and Faculty Expectations.) Calvin University provides numerous faculty development opportunities to foster growth in these commitments.

FACULTY RESOURCES

Calvin University stands at the forefront of Christian scholarship across disciplines. The University hosts a number of Centers and Institutes and provides other funding opportunities to support faculty teaching and research, including sabbaticals, grants, course releases, summer research stipends, travel funds, and student research opportunities.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF POLITICS AND ECONOMICS

The Department of Politics and Economics offers Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees in Political Science and in International Relations and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Economics. The department also serves the interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree program in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) and the Master of Public and Nonprofit Administration (M.P.A.) program.

The mission of the department is to equip both students and members of our broader community to build and to participate in institutions that contribute to justice, equity, and universal flourishing. Our curricula provide students with a balanced and comprehensive understanding of politics, policy, and political and economic inquiry. Students receive instruction and experience in disciplinary content areas, writing and speaking professionally, and serving civic purposes as members of multiple communities – local, national, and global.

ABOUT CALVIN UNIVERSITY

Calvin University is a top-ranked national university in the Reformed Christian tradition that equips students to think deeply, to act justly, and to live wholeheartedly as Christ’s agents of renewal in the world. Approximately 3,000 Calvin students study the liberal arts and select from a broad range of majors and professional programs. The university is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in a thriving metropolitan region of approximately one million people situated equidistant from Chicago and Detroit.

Calvin is building a tradition of diversity and accessibility and welcomes applications from persons whose personal characteristics will further that commitment. Calvin does not discriminate in the employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex, or age.

TO APPLY

Applicants must complete the online application process and attach the following:

• Letter of application that addresses the requirements and responsibilities of the position
• Full curriculum vitae, including contact information for three professional references
• Teaching evaluations (if available)
• Statement of teaching philosophy, including specific teaching interests
• Statement explaining how you would seek to engage with and contribute to Calvin University’s mission (250 words)
• Statement explaining how you would support and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at Calvin University (250 words)
• Writing sample

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

FAITH and EDUCATIONAL COMMITMENT

1. Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.

2. A commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.