COLLEGE: Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies
DEPARTMENT: Public Policy and Administration
POSITION TITLE: Tenured Faculty (Associate or Full Professor) and Department Chair
DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
Public Policy and Administration (PPA) is a department within the College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies at California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State). The mission of the PPA Department at the Capital Campus of Sacramento State is to prepare diverse future leaders to address the complex issues that face California. We serve the State of California and the Sacramento region by developing leaders with strong analytical tools and a deep commitment to public service and inclusion. We are excited to be part of Sacramento State Downtown — a hub for innovative teaching, learning, research, and fostering collaborative partnerships to address real-world issues and improve the quality of life in the Sacramento region.
Our core academic program is the Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration (MPPA). The MPPA provides professional training for graduate students—many of whom work in state or local government. Our student body is diverse and represents populations historically underserved in both undergraduate and graduate education.
We also offer a Certificate in Collaborative Governance for matriculated graduate students. We participate in, and affiliate with, the Doctorate in Educational Leadership degree, the Judicial Administration Certificate Program, and the Executive and Judicial Fellows Programs (part of the nationally recognized Capital Fellows Programs). We are a vibrant department, expanding in students and faculty, and are looking for a department chair who will lead our growth.
PPA faculty focus on developing engaging and inclusive curricula that include project-based work and application to current policy and administrative issues in California. We teach our courses in the evenings to accommodate students who are full-time working professionals. Our curriculum is evidence-based, with a strong focus on ensuring that students leave the program with the ability to: (1) synthesize, analyze, and offer ideas to improve policy and practice; (2) apply knowledge and skills in a professional setting; and (3) recognize the role of policy and administrative professionals in society. We encourage our graduates to analyze systems and practices to expose systemic biases, including structural racism, that advance or impede a more just and equitable society.
POSITION DETAILS:
The Department of Public Policy and Administration (PPA) in the College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies at California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State) invites applications from highly-qualified candidates for Department Chair, beginning August 2024. This position is based on an academic year appointment as an Associate or Full Professor, tenured or deemed qualified for tenure at the time of work.
The position will have an initial assignment as Chair of the Department of Public Policy and Administration (12-month position and 3-year term, renewable pending re-election in accordance with department and campus policies). We are searching for a public-policy-oriented scholar whose approach incorporates equity and social justice.
The essential duties as the Chair of the Department Public Policy and Administration (PPA) include responsibility for administering department level operations, collaborating with faculty to plan for the Department’s future growth and development, and representing the PPA Department to the College, University, and Sacramento region. Such administrative duties include faculty development, mentoring, and retention. In addition to the Chair’s administrative duties, we expect the incumbent to contribute in the areas of teaching public policy courses and/or master’s project supervision, student advising, research/scholarly work, and service.
The intent is for this position to begin with the Fall 2024 semester, however, the option to begin in January 2024 will also be considered depending on the selected candidate’s circumstances.
The anticipated annual base salary for the academic year faculty position ranges from $84,192 - $158,064 (if hired at grade 4 Associate Professor) and $97,848-$165,564 (if hired at grade 5 Full Professor). The department chair salary portion will be augmented per Unit 3 CBA requirements.
JOB DUTIES:
- Serve as Chair of the Department of Public Policy and Administration (60%), including, but not limited to, the following duties:
- Supervise faculty and staff hiring, onboarding, retention, and ongoing support
- Supervise instructional schedules, course assignments, and enrollment
- Provide oversight for departmental budget and other operations
- Represent the Department at the College, University, and community levels
- Provide oversight for student recruitment, retention, advising, and success
- Provide leadership in curriculum development and program planning
- Provide instruction that may include courses in public policy and master’s project supervision.
- Engage in scholarly and professional activities related to public policy, as appropriate for someone in a departmental chair role.
- Provide service to the institution at the Department, College, and University levels.
- Provide service to the community in the expertise area of public policy.
- Implement University initiatives related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and community engagement.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
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Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (e.g., Doctorate in Public Policy) in public policy and/or a closely related discipline (e.g., Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Urban Studies, Public Administration)
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Teaching experience and success in at least one of the core topics in the MPPA curriculum that includes one or more of the following: public policy analysis, applied qualitative or quantitative research methods, politics of policymaking, or public budgeting and finance.
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Track record of publications (peer-reviewed journal articles and/or professional articles) in areas related to public policy.
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Academic leadership experience in a university setting
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A strong and demonstrated commitment to diversity and issues of just, equitable, and inclusive education.
- Expressed commitment to teaching evening classes in a primarily in-person modality to a largely part-time and professionally focused post-baccalaureate learning community.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience working in an interdisciplinary academic department and/or college.
Interest in and experience with inclusive forms of student engagement and pedagogy in the classroom.
Strong commitment and previous experience in post-baccalaureate teaching to a diverse student body.
Experience with curricular development (e.g., existing and new undergraduate and/or graduate degree programs).
Experience working with a regional public service community and interest in developing such work in Sacramento, consistent with Sacramento State’s Anchor University Initiative and the Sacramento State Downtown location.
APPLICANT INSTRUCTIONS:
Review of applications will begin October 8, 2023 and the position will remain open until filled.
Curriculum Vitae, including contact information for three professional references
Unofficial transcripts of highest degree, indicating proof of terminal degree completion before start date
Cover Letter of application that specifically addresses the candidate’s ability to meet expectations and fulfill stated position responsibilities.
Diversity Statement: Discuss how your professional skills, experiences, and plans in the areas of teaching, research, service, and/or leadership can help advance our campus’ equity, diversity, and inclusion goals.
Evidence of Scholarly Qualifications: Provide up to three examples of publications that demonstrate the qualification standards listed above (all items must be combined into one file prior to uploading).
Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness: Provide a brief narrative about how your teaching of public policy-related courses has changed over time (maximum 500 words) and recent course evaluations. Optional evidence may include peer evaluations of teaching and course syllabi. All items must be combined into one file prior to uploading.
About Sacramento State
Sacramento State is located in the heart of California’s capital city, five miles from State Capitol. The lush, 300-acre campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the “Farm-to-Fork Capital,” is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a million. Sacramento State is a Hispanic and AANAPISI serving institution with about 31,000 students come not only from the Greater Sacramento Region, but also from across the state, country, and world. Our 1,800 faculty and 1,500 staff are committed to meeting our mission:
“As California’s capital university, we transform lives by preparing students to lead, serve, and succeed. Sacramento State will be a welcoming, caring, and inclusive leader in education, innovation, and engagement.” As the regional hub of higher education, Sacramento State is dedicated to learning and student success; teaching, research, scholarship and creative activity; justice, diversity, equity and inclusion; resource development and sustainability; dedicated community engagement, and wellness and safety.
As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code, Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and valued. Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and learning.
To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please visit the Why Sac State? page.
Equal Employment Opportunity
California State University, Sacramento is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.
It is the policy of California State University, Sacramento to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. If you need a disability related reasonable accommodation as part of the application and/or interviewing process, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/benefits/reasonable-accomodation.html.
The University is committed to creating an education and working environment free from discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. For more information on mandatory training for new employees, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/learning-development/csu-learn.html.
Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Fire Safety Right-To-know Act Notification:
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery.
The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request at the Police Service Center located in the University Union.
Background Check Disclaimer
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position.
COVID19 Vaccination Policy
Effective May 2023, per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all California State University, Sacramento employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications. The systemwide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/.
Out of State Employment
Per CSU-wide policy (HR2021-04), all faculty who will begin initial employment (or return from a 12-month break in service) on or after January 1, 2022 are required to perform their work from within the State of California. Faculty hired prior to January 1, 2022 must be available to perform work in the State of California if their assignment is in-person.
Eligibility Verification
Candidate will be required to provide official transcripts of their highest degree earned and must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. California State University, Sacramento is a sponsoring agency ( ie. H-1-B Visa).