Assistant or Associate Professor of Public Safety

The University of Virginia’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies helps working adults finish their degrees and advance their careers. SCPS offers online and in-person programs, bringing high-quality, accessible, and affordable education to all Virginians.

The Center for Public Safety and Justice (CPSJ) is housed within SCPS and has a mission to challenge and shape future public safety leaders and key stakeholders to improve public service and strengthen community wellbeing in a diverse and rapidly changing world. We aim to address complex public safety challenges through education, collaboration, research and innovation, strengthening public service and communities.

SCPS seeks applicants for an Assistant or Associate Professor of Public Safety to join the Public Safety faculty to support the Master of Public Safety program (MPS), National Criminal Justice Command College (NCJCC), and related programs. Over the past four years, the academic offerings of UVA, related to public safety and justice have substantially grown, hosting students and graduates in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and internationally.

To be effective in this position—and therefore be considered as an applicant—individuals need to have credibility as a leader in the practice of public safety and academic credentials befitting appointment to the faculty at the University of Virginia. We seek candidates who have exceptional public safety careers with executive leadership experience and a terminal degree from a regionally-accredited, preferably R1 research institution. Applicants who have an interest in academic collaboration, teamwork, and potentially taking on a leadership role among the faculty are welcomed. Candidates with backgrounds as executives (chief, director, district attorney, judge, etc.) in police, fire, prosecution, or the courts are encouraged to apply or inquire.

Academic Responsibilities:

• Responsible for graduate program and course curriculum development and delivery for full and part-time public safety professionals learning in an online environment.
• Provide highly effective instruction, class management, and a vibrant, challenging and engaging academic experience for students.
• Oversee program evaluation and student learning outcomes.
• Serve as subject matter expert for Public Safety and remains current in the academic discipline for fluency and curriculum relevancy/updates.
• The person hired for this position should be qualified to teach a variety of public safety topics, including at least two MPS core courses.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• This individual will also carry the administrative role as Senior Director for Educational Programs.
• Oversee academic compliance requirements and enrollment and admission criteria for applicants
• Traveling for marketing/recruitment purposes.
• Recruit faculty wage instructors and subject matter experts.
• Assist with scheduling of classes, budget expenditures, and logistics.
• Other duties as assigned.

Service:

• Fosters positive and productive academic and professional collaborations within SCPS, UVA, and partner organizations, such as the Virginia State Police and FBI, in order to advance public safety and other School programs. Participates in School and/or UVA committees, workgroups, and activities.

This is a full-time (1FTE), twelve-month Academic General Faculty (Tenure-Ineligible) position on the teaching track.

LOCATION:

The preferred location for this position is Charlottesville; hybrid or fully remote workplace may be considered. If a hybrid or fully remote workplace is approved, regular travel to Virginia locations will be required, in addition to occasional national/international travel. Relocation expenses may be available, subject to negotiation.

SALARY/BENEFITS:

The total range for this position is $90,000 - $160,000. This is based upon a base a salary of 80,000 - 100,000 for an Assistant Professor or 90,000 - 110,000 for an Associate Professor. The additional compensation consists of an administrative supplement for the role as Senior Director for Educational Programs. These positions afford UVA benefits available to fulltime faculty. Salary is negotiable depending on qualifications, experience, and appointment within the total range.

Qualifications

Education:

§ A terminal degree (e.g., PhD, JD, EdD) from a regionally-accredited institution in public safety, public affairs, criminal justice or related field. ABD candidates may be considered.

Required Experience:

§ 3 years of management experience in public safety, criminal justice, or a related field

§ 3 years of higher education teaching/training/research experience in public safety or a related field

§ Curriculum development experience

§ Commitment to nontraditional education for adult students

§ Experience teaching online and/or in nontraditional settings/formats

§ Willingness to learn and stay current with teaching strategies and technologies

Preferred Experience:

§ 5 years of executive experience in public safety, criminal justice, or a related field

§ 5 years of higher education teaching experience in public safety or a related field

§ Relevant industry certifications and/or professional memberships

§ Proficiency using Canvas or similar learning management system

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

§ Passion for public service, public safety, and leader-learners

§ Demonstrated commitment to diversity, excellence, and inclusion

§ Must have the ability to work under deadlines, to adapt to changing priorities and needs, and to assume other duties as assigned

§ Strong customer service orientation, relationship-building skills, and communication skills

§ Ability to engage multiple stakeholders within SCPS and across the University to accomplish cross-functional initiatives

§ Demonstrated ability to work collegially with students, faculty, administrators, and support personnel.

Application Instructions

For consideration, please submit CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin in early September and will remain open until the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.

The University of Virginia offers confidential Dual Career Services to partners of incoming faculty candidates. To learn more, please visit dualcareer.virginia.edu