Assistant or Associate Professor of Political Science

OBU Mission Statement

OBU transforms lives by equipping students to pursue academic excellence, integrate faith with all areas of knowledge, engage a diverse world, and live worthy of the high calling of God in Christ.

Expectations for all Employees

Oklahoma Baptist University achieves its mission through a shared commitment to the following expectations. All employees must embrace these expectations and model them in their behavior.

• Demonstrate commitment to the essentials of the Christian faith.
• Commit to the mission and vision of Oklahoma Baptist University.
• Treat people with dignity and respect.
• Build relationships on honesty, integrity, and trust.
• Strive for excellence through teamwork, leadership, and a strong work ethic.
• Manage human and financial resources wisely and efficiently.

Purpose

Oklahoma Baptist University invites applications and nominations for a tenure-track position in Political Science, beginning August 2027. The successful candidate will teach American National Government, Introduction to Political Science, and upper-level courses in areas such as Congress, the courts, and the U.S. presidency. Other courses may be taught or developed according to the candidate’s expertise and departmental needs, subject to approval.

A Ph.D. in Political Science is strongly preferred by the time of appointment; advanced ABD candidates will be considered. Strong candidates will demonstrate excellence or strong promise in undergraduate teaching, student mentoring, and contributing to a rigorous liberal arts education within a Christian university context. The standard teaching load is 24 credit hours per academic year. Responsibilities also include advising Political Science majors and minors, participating in departmental, university, and professional service, and assisting with recruitment through meetings with prospective students and families.

The successful candidate will teach, advise, and serve in a manner consistent with Oklahoma Baptist University’s Christian mission and will thoughtfully integrate Christian faith with Political Science. The department especially welcomes candidates whose teaching and scholarship demonstrate respect for constitutional democracy, religious liberty, civil discourse, careful institutional analysis, and serious engagement with the Christian tradition.

Applicants should submit a letter of interest addressing their qualifications, teaching interests, and fit with Oklahoma Baptist University’s Christian mission. Additional materials should include a curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, statement of Christian faith, graduate transcripts, and a list of references. Review begins immediately and continues until filled.

Essential Functions

• Teach introductory and upper-level undergraduate Political Science courses.
• Serve as an advisor to Political Science majors and minors.
• Keep accurate class records and submit reports and grades.
• Work regularly with faculty members from other disciplines.
• Keep regular office hours for advising students.
• Be an active member in a local evangelical church.

Other Duties

• Maintain an active program of professional development.
• Assist in recruiting students to the Political Science program.
• Serve on university committees and take an active part in shaping the work of the division.
• Support and guide students in research and practica.

Required Qualifications

• Must be able to teach multiple Political Science courses, including ones covering the major branches of the government.
• Possess and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, communication skills, and pedagogy.
• Be able to conduct a college classroom to maximize the student learning experience.
• Be able to adjust teaching methods to meeting student needs.
• Be able to work effectively with college students in either individual advisement, as well as small and large class environments.
• Be able to relate to colleagues in the OBU community as well as be a representative to the professional community beyond OBU.
• Be proficient in office technology, office software (including various Microsoft tools), and classroom presentation software.

Education

• Required: PhD in Political Science (advanced ABD considered).
• Preferred: Completed PhD in Political Science.

Experience

• Preferred: Experience teaching undergraduates in a Christian, liberal arts environment.

Special Requirements

• Must be a member of a local evangelical* Christian church.

*Evangelical is a broad term referring to segment within Christianity which maintains the authority of the Bible and the belief in salvation by faith in Jesus alone.

• Please apply using the link for “Faculty Applications” on the OBU website at: https://www.okbu.edu/hr/jobs.html

OBU Benefits Summary

OBU understands that our employees are our most valuable assets when fulfilling our mission. We strive to offer an extensive array of benefits and opportunities for employees to choose from. Full-time employees benefit from the generous OBU provision of premium contributions for nationwide family-friendly Health and Dental coverages along with free life insurance that includes accidental death and dismemberment equal to an employee’s base salary. OBU provides access to optional employee-paid ancillary benefits like vision, hospitalization, critical illness, accident, additional employee-paid family life insurance coverages, and education benefits at OBU and other institutions of higher education. There is generous paid time off that includes annual granted vacation time, accrued sick leave, six annual holidays, and week-long breaks for Thanksgiving and Christmas that include energy conservation days. For all employees working at least half-time, there is an employer matching opportunity for retirement investments in a 403(b)(9) plan administered by Guide Stone. There are numerous other perks and opportunities for OBU employees including FREE family membership to the OBU Recreation and Wellness Center or RAWC, Global outreach university mission trips, cafeteria discounts, and parking privileges to name a few. For more information about the current OBU employee benefits and opportunities, please contact the Human Resources staff at HR@okbu.edu.