Why Join Penn State’s School of Public Policy?
Pennsylvania State University stands as one of the nation’s most respected public research institutions, celebrated for its commitment to scholarly excellence, innovative public‑policy research, and a vibrant community of learners. The School of Public Policy (SPP) is at the forefront of shaping tomorrow’s public‑service leaders, offering rigorous undergraduate and Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs that blend theory, data‑driven analysis, and real‑world problem solving. As a remote teaching faculty member, you will become an integral part of this dynamic ecosystem, influencing the next generation of policymakers from wherever you choose to work.
Position Overview
This full‑time, non‑tenure‑track teaching faculty role is designed for accomplished scholars and practitioners with expertise in statistics, public finance, and economics policy. The appointment can commence in either Spring 2024 or Fall 2024, depending on mutual agreement. The successful candidate will hold the rank of Lecturer or Assistant Teaching Professor, contingent upon education and professional experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Instructional Delivery: Teach up to six courses per academic year, covering core and elective subjects within the undergraduate curriculum and the MPP program. Courses may be delivered entirely online, in a hybrid format, or as resident instruction, aligning with the university’s commitment to flexible learning pathways.
- Curriculum Development: Design, update, and refine course syllabi, assignments, and assessments that reflect the latest research, policy developments, and pedagogical best practices.
- Student Advising & Mentorship: Provide academic advising to undergraduate and graduate students, supporting their career planning, research projects, and professional development.
- Assessment & Accreditation Support: Contribute to program assessment activities, data collection, and reporting to maintain accreditation standards for both the undergraduate and MPP programs.
- University Service: Participate in departmental and college committees, faculty meetings, and community‑engagement initiatives that advance the mission of SPP and the College of the Liberal Arts.
- Research & Scholarly Activity (Optional): While the position is primarily teaching‑focused, faculty are encouraged to engage in research collaborations, conference presentations, and publication efforts that enhance the school’s reputation.
Essential Qualifications
- Education: A Master’s degree or higher in public policy, public administration, economics, public finance, statistics, or a closely related field is required by the appointment date.
- Teaching Experience: Demonstrated experience teaching at the undergraduate or graduate level, preferably in a remote or blended environment.
- Subject‑Matter Expertise: Proven knowledge in at least one of the following areas: statistical methods for policy analysis, public finance theory and practice, or economics policy.
- Commitment to Inclusivity: Evidence of fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse learning environment, or a clear, actionable plan for doing so.
- Technological Proficiency: Comfort with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard), video‑conferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom, Teams), and data‑analysis software (e.g., Stata, R, SAS, or Python).
Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have)
- Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in a relevant discipline.
- Public‑policy consulting or government experience that enriches classroom examples.
- Record of scholarly publications, research grants, or policy reports.
- Experience developing and teaching online courses using instructional design principles.
- Professional certifications in data analytics, public finance, or related fields.
Core Skills and Competencies
- Pedagogical Excellence: Ability to translate complex quantitative concepts into clear, engaging learning experiences.
- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, essential for effective remote instruction and student mentorship.
- Analytical Thinking: Proficiency in quantitative analysis and the capacity to guide students through data‑driven policy evaluation.
- Adaptability: Readiness to adjust teaching methods to diverse student needs, emerging technologies, and evolving curriculum standards.
- Collaborative Mindset: Willingness to work with faculty colleagues across disciplines to integrate interdisciplinary perspectives into policy education.
- Ethical Judgment: Commitment to academic integrity, intellectual honesty, and responsible stewardship of public‑policy knowledge.
Career Growth & Professional Development
Penn State actively invests in the professional advancement of its faculty, even for non‑tenure‑track appointments. As a member of the School of Public Policy, you will have access to:
- Mentoring programs that pair new faculty with seasoned scholars for guidance on teaching, research, and career navigation.
- Workshops and seminars on online pedagogy, advanced data‑analysis techniques, and emerging policy topics.
- Opportunities to transition to higher faculty ranks (e.g., Senior Lecturer, Teaching Professor) based on performance, contributions, and institutional needs.
- Sabbatical‑style leave eligibility after a defined period of service, enabling focused research or curriculum innovation projects.
- Funding for conference attendance, professional association memberships, and certification courses.
Work Environment & Culture
While the position is remote, you will be an integral part of a community that values collegiality, intellectual curiosity, and public‑service impact. Penn State’s culture is characterized by:
- Inclusivity: A campuswide commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that informs hiring, teaching, and research practices.
- Collaboration: Cross‑departmental initiatives that bring together economists, sociologists, legal scholars, and practitioners to tackle complex policy challenges.
- Innovation: Emphasis on leveraging technology to expand access to high‑quality education for students worldwide.
- Supportive Infrastructure: Robust IT support, dedicated instructional designers, and administrative assistance to ensure smooth remote teaching experiences.
- Work‑Life Balance: Flexible scheduling, generous paid holidays, and a culture that respects personal time and family commitments.
Compensation, Benefits, and Perks
Penn State offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience and rank. In addition to base pay, faculty enjoy a comprehensive benefits suite, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance with low employee contributions.
- Retirement plans (including a 401(k) with university matching).
- Generous paid time off, holidays, and sick leave.
- Tuition remission of up to 75% for the employee, spouse, and dependent children (up to age 26).
- Professional development funds for conferences, workshops, and certifications.
- Access to university wellness programs, counseling services, and employee assistance resources.
Exact compensation details will be discussed during the interview process and will reflect the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and rank (Lecturer vs. Assistant Teaching Professor).
Application Process
Current Penn State employees, staff, faculty, and students should submit their applications through the internal Workday portal. External candidates are invited to apply via the public job posting link provided below. To be considered, you must submit the following documents:
- Letter of interest outlining your teaching philosophy, commitment to diversity, and vision for contributing to the School of Public Policy.
- Current CV or résumé.
- List of three professional references, including contact information.
All applications will be reviewed by the faculty search committee. For additional information, please contact Tammy Hosterman at the email address listed in the posting.
Equal Opportunity & Inclusion Statement
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative‑action employer. We evaluate all candidates without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities who need assistance completing the online application process—please call 814‑865‑1473.
Join Us in Shaping Public‑Policy Futures
If you are passionate about data‑driven policy analysis, enthusiastic about teaching in a fully remote environment, and eager to contribute to a university that values diversity, innovation, and community impact, we encourage you to apply today. Together, we will empower tomorrow’s leaders to make evidence‑based decisions that improve lives across the globe.
Ready to Apply?
Click the link below to submit your application and start your journey with one of the nation’s premier public‑policy schools.
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