Description

Cleveland State University
Assistant Professors (2 positions)

                                              Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs

Job Summary:
The Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs seeks two dynamic faculty members at the rank of Assistant Professor. The start date is August 17, 2026.

Successful candidates will contribute fully to the Levin School through teaching, research, and service. While we will consider all areas of expertise related to urban planning and/or urban affairs, we are particularly interested in candidates who can bolster our research and teaching portfolio in urban real estate development and finance; community development; environmental planning and policy; urban design and the built environment; and/or sustainability. We are also interested in candidates who have an interest in the applications of data science and/or AI in urban affairs research and practice. We especially encourage candidates who have experience and interest in engaged teaching and research.

The Levin School of Urban Affairs is ranked among the top urban affairs schools in the nation, including #4 in urban policy and #12 in local government. The school offers four master’s degrees including the fully accredited Master of Public Administration and Master of Urban Planning and Development, along with a Master of Nonprofit Administration and Master of Science in Urban Studies. We also have a Ph.D. in Urban Studies & Public Affairs and six undergraduate majors in community planning, environmental studies, nonprofit administration, organizational leadership, public policy and management, and public safety management.

The Levin School is housed within the Levin College of Public Affairs and Education, which also includes the School of Education & Counseling, the School of Communication, and the Department of Criminology and Sociology. The Levin College houses a number of research and career enhancement centers such as the Center for Economic Development, the Energy Policy Center, and the Center for Public and Nonprofit Management. This dynamic environment provides opportunities for interdisciplinary, applied, and engaged research and teaching.

CSU aspires to be a national leader in social and economic mobility. We will be a great place to learn and work. CSU is striving to be a nationally recognized and student focused public research institution that provides accessible, affordable, and Engaged Learning opportunities for all.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Urban Studies, or a closely related field completed by July 1, 2026 (persons who are ABD will be hired at the rank of Instructor);
• Teaching experience;
• Research agenda focused on urban affairs or related field;
• Excellent communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: urban real estate development and finance; community development; environmental planning and policy; urban design and the built environment; and/or sustainability; applications of data science and/or AI in urban affairs research and practice;
• Commitment to community engagement in both teaching and research;
• Experience teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses in urban planning;
• Experience with online, remote, and/or hybrid teaching formats;
• Familiarity with urban affairs issues relevant to Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.

Applicant Instructions:
Applications will only be accepted online at https://hrjobs.csuohio.edu/postings/25447. Mailed or emailed application materials will not be accepted. Preference will be given to applications received by November 30, 2025. All inquiries about the position should be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Thomas Hilde at t.hilde@csuohio.edu.

List of documents applicant is required to submit:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching statement, including a summary of course evaluations (if available)
• Research statement
• Contact information for three references – references will be contacted via email and asked to upload a letter of support on your behalf

CSU is an urban university with more than 14,000 students located in the heart of Cleveland, OH. According to the Brookings Institution, CSU is No. 18 in the U.S. among public universities that fulfill a critical dual mission: providing upward mobility and conducting impactful research. CSU is the only Ohio university in the top tier of the Brookings list. For additional information about the city of Cleveland, see https://www.thisiscleveland.com/.

Hire is contingent upon the maintenance of existing levels of funding from the State of Ohio. Offer of employment is contingent on satisfactory completion of the University’s verification of credentials (including evidence of a Ph.D.) and other information required by law and/or University policies or practices, including but not limited to a criminal background check.

It is the policy of Cleveland State University to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran, or genetic information.