What are the responsibilities and job description for the Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science position at Drake University and Careers?
Position Number: 998795
Unit/Department: Political Science
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Department Summary:
The Department of Political Science offers majors in political science and international relations. With the liberal arts focus of the program, students develop a foundation both for citizenship in a democratic society and for successful training in a career or in graduate or professional school. Students will be prepared for entrance into state, local, and federal government service; business careers; social work; journalism; teaching; and politics; approximately half of Drake's politics and international relations majors go to law school or other graduate study. With more than 120 students and 6 full-time faculty, our department offers 3 majors and 3 minors, featuring small class sizes, outstanding student engagement, and many collaborative opportunities for teaching and research. To find out more about the department, visit www.drake.edu/polsci.
Job Summary:
The Department of Political Science at Drake University is excited to announce a visiting assistant professor position for the 2026-2027 academic year. The successful applicant will have disciplinary expertise to offer courses in American Political Institutions (broadly defined, including judicial), Political Theory, and/or American Public Policy. Primary teaching responsibilities include the Introduction to Political Theory course and development of upper-level coursework based on areas of expertise and specialization. Applicants should possess a Ph.D. in Political Science (ABDs will be considered) and demonstrated commitment to teaching excellence. The teaching load is 3/3. The search committee is particularly interested in candidates who, through their research, teaching, and/or service, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants should possess a Ph.D. in Political Science (ABDs will be considered) and demonstrated commitment to teaching excellence.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please complete the online application and attach (1) a cover letter with emphasis on the candidate’s teaching experience and courses they would contribute, (2) CV/Resume, (3) a statement of teaching philosophy, and (4) a statement about your experience in supporting the success of students from diverse backgrounds.
Please do not attach additional documents at this time. At later stages of review, the search committee may request two references and a portfolio documenting teaching effectiveness (including past course evaluations and/or sample syllabi).
Questions about this position can be directed to the search chair: Rachel Paine Caufield, Department Chair and Professor of Political Science, rachel.caufield@drake.edu
Questions about the application process, working at Drake, spouse/partner support, reasonable accommodations, benefits, or additional information about Drake or Des Moines, Iowa may be directed to Drake Human Resources at jobs@drake.edu.
All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of authorization to work in the United States.
Review of Applications Begins:
Review of applications will begin on March 5, 2026.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate
At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts.
Tuition Benefits.
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
ABOUT DRAKE
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. As reflected in our Core Values, we embrace a diverse and inclusive community.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Drake University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (p: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.