The School of Public Policy (SPP) at the University of Connecticut (UConn) invites applications for the position of School Director. This person will have an outstanding record of professional accomplishments commensurate with the appointment at the rank of advanced Associate Professor or Professor, with the opportunity for tenure at hire. The successful candidate’s duties will include management and oversight of the School’s operations, representing the School before constituencies inside and outside of the University, leading the School’s efforts to pursue emerging research opportunities, sustaining the School’s external engagement and public service activities, and supporting a mission of providing quality public service education. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the School through teaching. The School Director is expected to have and maintain a program of high-quality research and publication.

The School of Public Policy is home to a Master of Public Administration (MPA), a Master of Public Policy (MPP), an online Graduate Program in Survey Research and Data Analysis, an MPA Fellows program (an executive MPA cohort) in Hartford, a soon-to-be-launched MPA Fellows program in Stamford, and four graduate certificates in nonprofit management, public financial management, survey research and leadership and public management. It is ranked 8^th among public finance and budget programs and among the top 50 public affairs programs according to U.S. News & World Report. As of October 2023, the School has 211 graduate students and about 60 fast-track (4+1) students. The School of Public Policy has 16 faculty members – six of whom were hired in the last two years. The School also has 21 adjunct faculty. The School includes several fee-based programs that generated more than $1 million in FY 2023. These fees allow the School to invest in quality student services and provide support to faculty and graduate student research. The School recently developed a strategic plan, bylaws, and a strategic diversity plan. In FY 2023, School faculty submitted funding proposals in the amount of $5.66 million and received $2.72 million in external funding.

The School is also home to the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP). The research projects undertaken by the School faculty and IMRP staff and faculty span several fields including human resource management, criminology, urban, family, education, health and social policy, diversity, equity and inclusion, and public budgeting and finance. The School of Public Policy also houses several outreach and engagement initiatives, including the Public Service Executive Leadership Collaborative, Encore Connecticut, and the Emerging Leaders of Color Program. The School’s public and nonprofit Internship and Professional Practice program annually places 55-75 students in high-quality fully paid internships. The program has enjoyed a 100% placement rate every year for the past ten years. The MPA program has a 97.5% placement rate six months after graduation.

The School of Public Policy is located on the state-of-the-art UConn campus in Hartford, Connecticut’s capital city. Centered on teaching, research, and service in and about the global city, the UConn Hartford campus serves a community of approximately 3,600 students, including larger first-generation (49%) and minoritized (50%) populations. With a vision of academic excellence focused on community-based, collaborative learning, UConn Hartford plays a critical role in advancing the University’s commitment to innovation, leadership, global engagement, and cultural and intellectual diversity. The Hartford campus offers undergraduate classes in 36 departments and graduate programs in four disciplines. Hartford is also home to the UConn graduate programs in Social Work, Business, and the School of Law and is in close proximity to Boston and New York City.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• A Ph.D. (or international equivalent) in public administration, public policy, economics, political science, sociology, or a related field.
• A record of scholarly activity based on rigorous social science research methods commensurate with an appointment at the rank of advanced Associate Professor or Professor in the School of Public Policy.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead the School’s research, teaching, and service growth.
• Ability to foster an environment that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion among students, faculty, and staff.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Professional accomplishments commensurate with appointment at the rank of Professor in the School of Public Policy.
• Prior administrative experience in an academic setting.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with external stakeholders such as alumni and donors.
• Ability to represent and advocate for the School with internal and external constituencies.
• Commitment to supporting the growth and development of students, faculty, and staff.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching.
• Evidence of contributions to the diversity and excellence of the learning experience through research, teaching, and/or public engagement.
• Experience in recruiting highly qualified students, faculty, and staff.

APPOINTMENT TERMS 

This is a full-time, 9-month appointment with a 10th month of service in this administrative capacity. The anticipated start date is August 23, 2024. Rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications and experience. Applicants must meet University requirements for appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor, with tenure.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26470 and submit the following application materials:

• A cover letter.
• Current curriculum vitae.
• Leadership statement explaining how you will provide innovative leadership and contribute to the School’s pursuit of excellence in research, teaching, service, and community engagement (maximum of 2 pages).
• Diversity statement that outlines experience in working with diverse populations and students and in enhancing the diversity, equity, and inclusion of students, faculty, and/or staff (maximum of 2 pages).
• Contact information for three references (name, institution, and email) who can comment on relevant accomplishments.

Review of applicants will begin on December 15, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled. For more information regarding the School of Public Policy, please visit the School’s website at https://publicpolicy.uconn.edu/. For inquiries about this position, email the Search Committee Chair, Deneen Hatmaker, at deneen.hatmaker@uconn.edu.

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject the budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.