Open Rank Term Professor (non-tenure), Higher Education

Mission or Goal of Unit:

At Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), we are UNcommon in learning, research, creativity, service, and discovery for our students, staff, faculty, and community members. We create UNcommon opportunities and strive for UNmatched excellence. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It’s a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work. VCU also has excellent research/grant technical support. In FY23, the SOE brought in over 40 million dollars in external research support.

In 2022, VCU achieved federal Minority Serving Institution (MSI) status and was designated by the U.S. Department of Education as eligible for the federal Title III and Title V MSI and Strengthening Institutions Programs for having met rigorous standards in the service of minority students, low-income students, and student success. We believe different perspectives and areas of expertise enhance possibilities and solutions. This philosophy drives our recruitment process. We welcome applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds who will contribute to an already diverse community of faculty, staff, and students. Candidates need to have demonstrated experiences advancing access, equity, and quality education for underrepresented learners, particularly within low-resource communities. This includes a commitment to addressing diversity, inclusion, social justice, equity, and antiracist practices in education/educational leadership through teaching, service, and mentoring.

The School of Education (SOE) is committed to inclusive excellence in the initial preparation and continuing development of professionals for leadership, teaching, service, and scholarly inquiry in culturally diverse settings across the lifespan. Our mission and values are grounded in and committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and engagement of all students, faculty, and community stakeholders. The SOE has been named the 16th best public School of Education by U.S. News and World Report and has been ranked second education school in Virginia. Candidates need to have demonstrated experiences advancing access, equity, inclusion, and belonging for learners who hold marginalized identities. This includes a demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, social justice, equity, inclusion, and belonging in leadership through teaching, service, and mentoring.

The Department of Educational Leadership (EDLP) in the School of Education (SOE) at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is committed to preparing leaders able to influence equity, excellence, innovation, and impact in urban and other settings serving students and/or communities with unmet needs. By combining innovative research, teaching, and critical reflection with authentic community-engaged learning experiences, the department prepares leaders who can address crucial needs in culturally rich and diverse environments, including educational organizations and a variety of education-adjacent organizations such as nonprofits,
military, corporations, and the public sector. EDLP has been ranked 15th in online master’s in education in administration and supervision by U.S. News and World Report. EDLP is ranked 7th for online EdDs by Fortune. According to EdDPrograms.org, we are 6th in Online Organizational Leadership and 9th in Online Higher Education Leadership. The EdD in Leadership was also a finalist for the Carnegie Project on the Educational Doctorate (CPED) Program of the Year in 2024 and 2020.

Purpose of this position: 

EDLP seeks applications for the position of an Open Rank Faculty, Term (non-tenure-track). We seek a candidate who supports our mission of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and can collaborate and innovate effectively within our nimble department with specialization in one or more of the following areas:
● Higher education administration, leadership, and/or policy;
● Comparative and/or international higher education; and/or
● Global leadership.

This is a full-time, twelve-month academic professional track (non-tenure) position with an anticipated July 1, 2025 start date. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Position Responsibilities:

 Teaching (80%)
● Four classes per semester in Fall and Spring and two courses in the Summer.
● Teaching masters and doctoral courses in higher education administration, leadership,
and areas of expertise.
● Advising master’s students.
● Serving as member or chair of dissertations and/or capstones.
Service (20%)
● Potential program coordination of the MEd in Leadership, Higher Education
concentration (course releases for coordination are negotiable).
● Serve on program, department, school, and University-wide committees.
● Service to national or international associations and the community is also valued.
Research (0%)
● Term faculty are not required to but may conduct research, publish, and secure grants.
● Workload may be negotiated annually with the department chair; however, the focus of
this position is teaching, advising, and service.

This position is in-person locally based in Richmond, VA.

Required Qualifications: 

● Terminal degree in education or related field (Ph.D. or Ed.D.).
● A combination of professional experience and/or content knowledge related to higher
education leadership, higher education administration, or related fields.
● Evidence or potential to teach successfully at the master’s level.
● Well-developed practices (instructional methods, advising, collaboration) that are
inclusive, asset-based, and address power dynamics and intersectional identities (e.g.,
race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, disability, language, etc.).
● Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a team of
professionals.
● Methodological expertise in quantitative, mixed methods, or qualitative research in
support of doctoral Capstone projects and dissertations.
● Ability to regularly interact in person with students and colleagues.

Preferred Qualifications: 

● Experience with online delivery of instruction;
● Evidence or potential to coordinate and grow programs at the master’s level.
● Evidence of or potential for advising graduate students and chairing or serving on
dissertation committees;
● Evidence of or potential for successful teaching at the doctoral level; and/or
● Experience with or potential for developing programs for interdisciplinary and/or
international settings.

Completed applications received by December 1, 2024, will be assured full consideration. Late
applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position.

Position Type: Teaching & Research Faculty
Full time equivalent: 1
Tenure: Ineligible
Rank: Open
Months: 12
Department: SOE, Educational Leadership

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Dr. Beth Bukoski
Contact Email: [email protected]