Chairperson-Management

Overview

Michigan State University actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

The Department of Political Science at Michigan State University seeks a full professor to serve as Department Chair for a term of up to five years, beginning August 16, 2026. The Chair serves as the chief academic, fiscal, and administrative officer for the Department. The ideal candidate should be committed to leadership of a department that is research and grant intensive and dedicated to quality teaching as well as to community outreach and service.

• Recruiting and hiring first-rate faculty
• Overseeing department personnel
• Overseeing the salary and raise process
• Managing the faculty evaluation, mentoring, promotion, and tenure processes
• Annual performance evaluations of Department faculty and administrative staff
• Supporting the recruitment and development of outstanding graduate and undergraduate students
• Overseeing Departmental degree programs and academic curricula
• Overseeing activities of the Department Advisory Board
• Leading departmental and advisory committee meetings as needed
• Encouraging faculty and graduate student success in obtaining external funding
• Promoting faculty professional development and enrichment
• Fostering a collegial, efficient and productive work environment for faculty, staff, and graduate students
• Ensuring compliance with University policies and procedures
• Attending College and University meetings
• Facilitating effective collaboration across the College and University
• Advocating department priorities to College and University leadership
• Encouraging the identification and development of new funding sources
• Proposing and managing the annual budget
• Providing leadership for Capital Campaigns
• Managing Department space assignments
• Engaging the faculty in short and long-term planning
• Oversight for the strategic direction of the Department, in alignment with the College’s strategic plan

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Doctorate - Political Science

• A Ph.D. in political science or related field
• Tenured faculty member with the rank of professor.

• A strong record of accomplishment in research, teaching, and grant activity
• A broad and educated sympathy for the diverse array of subfields within political science
• A demonstrated commitment to promoting access and inclusive excellence including supporting faculty and students from different backgrounds.
• A clearly articulated vision for the department coupled with a capacity for energetic leadership.
• Strong management skills relative to personnel as well as to planning, budgeting, and administration.
• A demonstrated ability to work effectively with higher levels of administration.

Required application materials include a submitted application in Page Up, a nomination which must be signed by two faculty members who are eligible to vote (one of whom may be the nominee), a statement by the nominee of her or his qualifications and vision for the department (please attach in place of cover letter), as well as a CV, and the names and contact information of at least three references.

An applicant may be nominated by another faculty member or may nominate him or herself. In either case, the nomination must be signed by two faculty members who are eligible to vote (one of whom may be the nominee). Nominations should be submitted to the department's business manager Ashley Adkins (hurdashl) and are due by 5:00PM on January 30th, 2026. You are also required to complete an application in Page Up by 5:00PM on January 30th, 2026.

The application should be accompanied by a statement by the nominee of his or her qualifications and vision for the department, as well as a CV, and the names and contact information of at least three references.

Begins on 01/30/2026

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

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Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.