Department/Organization
200020 - The Shelby Institute
Rank
Assistant/Associate/Full Professor
Position Summary
The Academic Director of the Shelby Institute leads the academic and pedagogical programming for this nationally recognized, highly selective two-year policy leadership program.
Detailed Position Information
The University of Alabama Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership invites applications for the Academic Director of the Shelby Institute. To be eligible applicants must hold a rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full professor and be a current faculty member at the University of Alabama. Position is open to Tenured/Tenure Track or Renewable Contract Faculty
Reporting to the Executive Director of the Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership, the Academic Director of the Shelby Institute will lead the academic and pedagogical programming for this nationally recognized, highly selective two-year policy leadership program.
On February 3, 2023, the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama created the Shelby Institute to continue the legacy of public service and leadership of Senator Shelby and his wife, former UA and Georgetown professor Dr. Annette Shelby, who have long shared a dedication to the growth of Alabama's capstone of higher education, as exhibited in their lifetimes of respective service in the U.S. Congress and in higher education. The Shelby Institute will benefit from the official Senate papers, records and materials graciously donated by Senator Shelby at the conclusion of his career in Congress. The Shelby Institute is supported by a $20 million endowment and is envisioned as a student-focused academic and service program concentrating on the education and training of students interested in public policy. About 20 undergraduate students will be selected annually into the Shelby Scholars Program. Students in the program must complete a minor in public policy and will receive scholarship support for each year in the program. Shelby Scholars will participate in specialized coursework in policy and unique experiences outside of the classroom, including internship and professional development experiences, national conferences, a speaker series, and interactions with prominent political leaders and policy analysts on a local, state, and national level. The first scholars are expected to be selected for the Fall Semester 2024. We seek a director who will build a program that attracts and includes students with a range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences; generates a sense of community among the students; exposes students to a range of philosophical and practical perspectives that inform political and policy debates; develops students' skills in writing, speaking, research, and analysis; and helps students identify and achieve the next step in their career plans. The position will include time and resources to maintain an active public-facing research and service agenda.
The University of Alabama is a student-centered research university and the flagship campus of the University of Alabama system.
The Academic Director holds a part-time appointment with the Shelby Institute, allowing them to maintain a faculty appointment in their home academic college with appropriate adjustments to their workload.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum qualifications include (1) an earned doctorate or other terminal degree appropriate to their discipline and (2) teaching experience at the college-university level.
Applicants must be a current faculty member at The University of Alabama and hold a rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor. Position is open to Tenured/Tenure Track or Renewable Contract Faculty
Preferred Qualifications
Preference will be given to applicants with Scholarly and/or professional expertise in Economics, American Politics and/or Public Policy. Applicants must demonstrate expertise and interest in transdisciplinary education and enthusiasm for and interest in working with high-performing undergraduate students Successful candidates must have the ability and desire to build creative, transdisciplinary syllabi, foster dialog among students, and help individual students hone their skills as critical and creative thinkers, ethical and empathetic citizens, and collaborative leaders. Legislative or policymaking experience is preferred.
Instructions and Required Materials for Application
A cover letter of application that addresses the applicant's teaching philosophy, instructional excellence, outlines specific courses that the applicant could teach, and describes their research interests and trajectory, as well as a statement on the future vision for the position
Curriculum Vitae
Contact Information for three professional references
Review of applications will begin 02/22/24 and will continue until the position is filled. Prior to hiring, the final candidate must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and submit "official" university transcript(s) of all graduate level coursework.
About the University
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state's flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus.
A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. The University of Alabama has R1: Doctoral Universities - Very High Research Activity status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and is among the top doctoral research universities in the United States.
As the state's largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.
About Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa is so much more than a college town.
It's a vibrant community that's filled with legendary history. Located along the Black Warrior River, the city features a walkable downtown that's complete with live music, locally owned shops, outdoor spaces to explore and local restaurants to meet every palate. With a geography ranging from suburban to rural, the area offers a variety of housing options along with excellent public and private schools and a wealth of recreational and entertainment options.
With a metro area population of 235,000, the Druid City lies about an hour southwest of Birmingham, in west-central Alabama. It's within a few hours' drive of Gulf Coast beaches and major cities like Nashville, New Orleans and Atlanta, making it a great base for growing better acquainted with the South's finest offerings.
Background Investigation and EEO Statement
Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants to and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf
University of Alabama
March 27, 2024