Job Details

Department Chair in the Department of Political Science

Position Number: 6593398
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Liberal Arts - Political Science

Department Chair in the Department of Political Science

Details

The Department of Political Science at the University of Utah invites applications for the position of Department Chair at the rank of Full Professor. We are a collegial and research-active department, distinguished by award-winning teachers and scholars, a strong record of faculty grants, thriving enrollments and major numbers, and a strong commitment to graduate education. We seek a dynamic and accomplished scholar with a strong record of academic leadership, and an inclusive and collaborative leadership style who is passionate about building on our strengths and guiding the department into its next phase of academic distinction. This is a tenured position open to all subfields of political science.

The Department Chair provides academic and administrative leadership for the faculty, staff, and students of the department.

Responsibilities include:

Provide strategic and visionary leadership that advances the department's research profile, student success, and community engagement.

Provide administrative oversight of the department.

Recruit, retain, and mentor faculty.

Support undergraduate and graduate programs, curriculum development, and student success.

Foster a culture of collaboration, academic excellence, shared governance, and service to the community.

Manage departmental budgets and resources.

Serve as Managing Editor for the Political Research Quarterly (PRQ) journal.

Represent and advocate for the department within the College of Social and Behavioral Science and the University.

Represent the department to external stakeholders and promote interdisciplinary connections.

Maintain an active research and teaching portfolio appropriate to the mission of an R1 university.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in Political Science

Appointment as Full Professor with tenure, or qualifications suitable for tenure at this rank in the Department of Political Science at the University of Utah.

Distinguished record of research and scholarly achievement with evidence of sustained impact.

Evidence of excellence in teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Evidence of an inclusive, transparent and collaborative leadership style that fosters excellence in research, teaching and service.

Demonstrated administrative or leadership experience, such as serving as department chair, associate chair, center director, or equivalent role.

Commitment to fostering faculty, staff, and student success.

Preferred qualifications include:

Experience managing budgets and resources.

Record of success in securing external research funding.

Experience mentoring faculty and graduate students.

Demonstrated ability to foster interdisciplinary initiatives.

Application Instruction: Applicants should submit

Cover letter describing leadership philosophy, administrative experience, and vision for the department.

Curriculum vitae.

Statement of research accomplishments and future research agenda.

Names and contact information of at least three professional references (references will not be contacted without prior notification).

Review of applications will begin October 24, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.
For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Matthew Burbank (mburbank@poli-sci.utah.edu), Chair of the search committee.

To apply, please submit all materials through the University of Utah's application portal

The University and Community
Founded in 1892, the Department of Political Science at the University of Utah is among the oldest in the western United States and is recognized for excellence in both teaching and research. The department offers B.A., B.S. MA, MS and Ph.D. degrees, serving a large and diverse student population. Faculty research spans American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. The department is housed within the College of Social and Behavioral Science which supports cross-disciplinary collaboration across multiple departments and research centers. More information can be found at https://poli-sci.utah.edu. The department also collaborates closely with the Hinckley Institute of Politics (The Hinckley Institute), a nationally recognized nonpartisan institute dedicated to promoting civic engagement, which supports one of the country's largest local, national and global internship programs, and hosts regular forums featuring political leaders and speakers.

The University of Utah is a top-tier public research university and a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). It is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a R1: Doctoral University with Very High Research Activity. Located in Salt Lake City, the university if the flagship of the Utah System of Higher Education, enrolling over 37,000 students and employing more than 3,000 faculty. The university is committed to academic excellence, student success, and engagement with the community, region, and world.

Our campus is situated in Salt Lake City, the capital of the state and a vibrant urban center offering unique combination of urban amenities and unparalleled access to outdoor recreation, including national parks, skiing, hiking, and biking. The city boasts a high quality of life, with a vibrant arts and culture scene, a diverse and growing economy, and increasing ethnic diversity.
The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, national origin, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, status as a person with a disability, genetic information, or Protected Veteran status. Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with university policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities. To inquire about the University's nondiscrimination or affirmative action policies or to request disability accommodation, please contact: Director, Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, 201 S. Presidents Circle, Rm 135, (801) 581-8365.

Department: 00142 - Political Science Department
City: Salt Lake City, UT
Track: Tenure Track
Close Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes
Requisition Number: PRN01406CF

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/189296

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at:
https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu