Description

The Public Affairs Programs is an administrative unit established in 2016 within the College of Social and Behavioral Science and is the home of three professional masters programs: Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Policy (MPP), and Master of International Affairs and Global Enterprise (MIAGE).  The programs have a strong local, regional, and national reputation, producing alumni in all fields of public administration and policy. The MPA degree has been offered since 1976, the MPP since 2007, and MIAGE since 2013.

 The PPA staff and faculty team is a small yet productive and collaborative group that strives to incorporate the University of Utah’s mission by preparing students from diverse backgrounds as leaders and citizens. We generate and share new knowledge, discoveries, and innovations, and we engage local and global communities to promote education, health, and quality of life. These contributions, in addition to responsible stewardship of our intellectual, physical, and financial resources, ensure the long‐term success and viability of the institution.

The College of Social and Behavioral Science invites applications for the position of Interim Director of Public Affairs Programs commencing July 1, 2021. The Interim Director will work collaboratively with the faculty and staff of the MPA, MPP, and MIAGE programs, while reporting to the Dean of the College and serving on the College’s leadership team. The position will be appointed in the Political Science Department. The two-year appointment as Interim Director for the Public Affairs Program will run through June 30, 2023.

Requirements

The Interim Director’s core functions are administrative and instructional. Administrative responsibilities include:

• Providing internal governance and coordination across the aforementioned programs, including in-office functions, staff roles, and financial and human resource management.
• Providing curricular leadership and coordination, including in the planning of class schedules and curricula, recruitment and orientation of new students, and maintenance of accreditation standards and processes for the MPA Program.
• Supporting PPA initiatives to create an academic and professional context that values the contributions of historically excluded groups, while advancing a vision of public service that actively counters discrimination and oppression in government and society.

Instructional responsibilities will be concentrated in the MPA Program curriculum, and include teaching 3-4 core PPA courses per year, such as (but not limited to Administrative Theory, Public Human Resources Management, Public Administration & Law, Governance & the Economy, and/or Public Administration & Ethics.

We welcome applicants with a doctorate degree (e.g. PhD, EdD, JD) in either professional or academic fields. The applicant must possess excellent oral and written communication skills, have demonstrated leadership and problem-solving experience and ability to work collaboratively. We encourage applicants to use the application process to highlight their demonstrated administrative skills and experience, as well as the courses that they have taught which are pertinent to the MPA core curriculum, and speak to experiences with, and approaches to, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, which are core values of the programs, and of the University of Utah as a whole (see https://diversity.utah.edu/call-to-action/).

Application:
The application period will remain open until the position is filled. Review of applications will begin May 10, 2021. Applicants should submit the following materials online at PRN# :113744   https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/113744. Questions about the position can be directed to Prof Rick Green, at rick.green@mpa.utah.edu.

• Cover letter, no longer than three pages, that addresses the following: administrative experience and qualifications, teaching interests and experience, and approach to and experience with advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• A current CV
• Names and contact information for three references

 The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, national origin, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, status as a person with a disability, genetic information, or Protected Veteran status. Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities. To inquire about the University’s nondiscrimination or affirmative action policies or to request disability accommodation, please contact: Director, Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, 201 S. Presidents Circle, Rm 135, (801) 581-8365.