The John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University invites applications for a non-tenure track professional practice faculty position in State and Local Government at the rank of Assistant Professor beginning Autumn 2027. We seek a professional faculty member who can bridge academic learning and public affairs practice through student experiential learning, community partnerships, applied research, and engagement with professional practice organizations. We encourage applications from individuals who have extensive, hands-on professional experience in state and/or local government administration or governance. Teaching interests should focus on state and local government, broadly construed to include areas such as organizational management, strategic planning, policy analysis, program evaluation, intergovernmental relations, community and economic development, and public budgeting and financial management. We welcome applicants with training in related social science disciplines, including (but not limited to) public policy, public management, public administration, city and regional planning, applied economics, or political science. Responsibilities will include teaching core and elective courses in the college’s undergraduate and graduate degree programs and building and maintaining relationships with community partners to engage with students, faculty, and research staff. We encourage applicants to describe teaching, professional development, and managerial experiences that have prepared them to teach and mentor learners at all levels and manage and maintain community partnerships in an academic setting.
We desire applicants with the potential to become effective teachers, and conscientious and engaged community members. The land-grant mission is core to the university and the college, and we are particularly interested in applicants who can deliver value to the public. Salary and OSU’s comprehensive benefit package are competitive. Please click here to learn more. Visa/Immigration sponsorship may be available for qualified candidates.
Performance Objectives
Effectively teach and coordinate experiential learning undergrad and graduate-level courses, creating learning environments in which all students are valued and engaged.
Establish and manage relationships with community partners as part of the college’s teaching, research and service missions.
Engage in service to the college, university, community, and public affairs professional associations.
Additional Information:
Education and Experience Requirements
Required
Qualified applicants must:
Have relevant prior teaching, mentoring, and professional experience.
Have, or be on track to complete before starting the position, a Ph.D. inPublic Affairs or a related field.
Desired
Engage with state and local government professional associations (e.g.,ICMA, NaCo, ELGL, NASBO, C2ER, NCSL, CSG, FTA, GFOA) .
Conduct publicly engaged research and technical assistance for public sector organizations and practitioners, including expert advice and consultation, delivery of professional development training, presentations to government-related professional membership organizations, and applied research that translates into impactful technical briefs, white papers, research bulletins, and the like.
Project management experience.
How to Apply
To be considered, please submit your application electronically via Workday. Once you start the application you will need to fill it out to completion and upload each of the required materials. Please be aware that you will not be able to edit your application or required materials after submission.
Application materials must include the following:
Cover letter describing how the candidate meets the qualifications for the position
Curriculum vita (CV)
Statement of Teaching and Mentoring
Writing sample (e.g., recent, report, bulletin, brief, evaluation, article, working paper, or dissertation chapter)
Letters of reference will be requested through Ohio State University’s job application portal after materials are submitted and screened according to the minimum position requirements.Up to three letters of reference may be provided. Additional letters will not be reviewed.
We will begin reviewing applications immediately with priority given to those submitted by January 11, 2027. Please email the Faculty Search Committee, at GLENNSLG@osu.edu if you have any questions about the position.
The College
The John Glenn College of Public Affairs is dedicated to improving public governance and policymaking through education, research and technical assistance. For nearly 60 years, the college has prepared the next generation of public and nonprofit leaders and equipped practitioners with the knowledge and training to address complex challenges. The Glenn College is ranked 14th among our peers in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings of America’s Best Graduate Schools and recognized among the top programs in the following specialty areas: public management and leadership (6), nonprofit management (11), local government (18), social policy (19), public policy analysis (26) and public finance (28).
The University
Ohio State is one of the largest public research universities in the U.S. and the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.
Grounded in Ohio State University’sShared Values, our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.
Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.
The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has established central resources to focus on offering support to new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual career partner consultation, potential employer and/or employment opportunity identification, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community. While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are available. More information about dual career and faculty recruitment can be found here.
Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and vibrant metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. Beyondits Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.
The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. Additionally, there may be further requirements specific to the college or unit, which could include drug and health screenings, as well as faculty misconduct checks depending on the rank of the position.
