Assistant Professor of Public Policy (Tenure-Track)

The School of Public Policy of Pepperdine University invites qualified candidates with a strong background in public policy analysis, state and local policy to apply for the Assistant Professor of Public Policy position for the academic year 2023-2024. To be seriously considered, applicants will demonstrate in their very first correspondence that they are familiar with the mission of Pepperdine University and the unique approach of the Pepperdine School of Public Policy, with its interdisciplinary emphasis on the moral and historical underpinnings of free institutions. In this, an understanding of the vital role state and local governments play in America’s federalist system will be considered favorably.

The School of Public Policy, founded in 1997, enrolls 80-90 graduate students in its facility overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In addition to the Master of Public Policy degree, the school also offers joint MPP/MBA, MPP/JD, MPP/MA in Dispute Resolution programs, as well as a number of professional certificates focused on municipal governance. In the local government arena, the School’s Davenport Institute for Public Engagement has become a leading center, training thousands of municipal officials in participatory governance and “smart city” governance. The Institute runs the ICMA Student Chapter, the annual “City Manager in Residence” program, as well as the Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) Student Chapter.

The school’s unique James Q. Wilson Core requires coursework in economics and statistics, as well as study in the history and philosophy of American political institutions and a survey of the "Great Ideas" that have influenced the citizen/government relationship. Students emphasize one or more of five curricular specializations including state and local policy in which this position would focus. Faculty must be qualified to interact with a diverse student population including full-time residential students who may have one to ten years’ experience in various professional fields.

The Assistant Professor will teach a core class in Political, Organizational, and Strategic Aspects of Public Policy Analysis in addition to elective courses in the fall and spring semesters. Elective courses taught in public finance or state and local policy regarding budgeting, planning, land use, environment, or education would be considered positively. The teaching load is six courses annually, offered over two 15-week semesters with an option for one course release time for applied research. Responsibilities for the position will also include advising graduate students in their career considerations and serving on University and school committees.

Candidates can come from academic or think tank environments but should have at least one to three years’ teaching experience (graduate-level coursework preferred). Minimum basic qualifications required are PhD, DPhil, JD, or equivalent degree at the time of application. Successful candidates will be innovative scholars able to demonstrate expertise in the policy arena and the role of public policy analysis and public leadership in state, regional, and local policy arenas. Successful candidates will be innovative scholars able to demonstrate expertise in public policy analysis and the role of public leadership in state, regional, and local policy arenas. Areas of policy expertise may include, but are not limited to, education, state and local public finance and budgeting, healthcare, civic engagement, entitlement, and criminal justice.

Applicants will also have demonstrated scholarly capabilities and evidence of strong teaching ability. While an assistant professorship, a candidate with academic administration experience will also be considered favorably. Salary and benefits for the tenure-track assistant professor position will be commensurate with experience. 

Preference will be given to applications postmarked before December 1, 2022. To apply, submit curriculum vitae and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references.  

For more information, please contact Karin Taylor, Office Manager at Karin.Taylor@pepperdine.edu
Office Manager
School of Public Policy
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263