Career Center

International Relations Policy Task Force Director

The George Mason University Schar School of Policy and Government, invites applications for an open rank term instructional faculty position in International Relations / Comparative Politics / Policy. We encourage applications from talented educators who are committed to directing the Schar School’s International Relations Policy Task Force (IRTF) learning community and contributing to a nationally and internationally recognized school of policy and government. The IRTF, a year-long, six-credit learning community, helps students develop the analytical and policy-writing skills for careers in government, NGOs, international organizations, and research. The IRTF Director, in addition to teaching seminars on research design and policy-writing, organizes field trips and invites guest speakers to introduce IRTF students to policy experts working in the areas of International Relations, Comparative Politics, and Policy.

George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.

About the School:

George Mason University is an innovative and entrepreneurial Tier-1 research university. Over the past half century, Mason has grown into the largest and most diverse university in Virginia. Mason is one of the few US universities to have no marked disparity in graduation outcomes for students regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. The Schar School is known among policy and government schools for its multi-disciplinary breadth in scholarship, and for its successful educational programs at all levels. The school’s distinguished faculty currently includes 62 tenure-line members in a variety of disciplines, all with expertise linked to policy-relevant analysis and practice. The location of our campuses in Fairfax and Arlington, Virginia provides faculty and students with unparalleled access to policymakers, international media, governmental and non-governmental organizations in the National Capital Region.

Responsibilities:

The IRTF Director will teach a 2:2 course load, including a fall semester research design course and a spring semester policy analysis and writing course. The Director will lead a 1-credit spring break study abroad trip. The Director will arrange opportunities throughout the academic year for IRTF students to meet with policy experts through field trips and a speaker series. The study abroad trip, field trips, and speaker series expose IRTF students to real-world opportunities in the fields of International Relations, Comparative Politics, and Policy.

We seek candidates who are enthusiastic about inspiring undergraduates to explore causes of and policy responses to the pressing global challenges of poverty, inequality, racism, food insecurity, armed conflict, and autocratic populism. The Director will join a team committed to supporting Mason students, including a professional undergraduate programs manager, two undergraduate advisors, and a faculty undergraduate curriculum director. The Director will work with the programs manager to create an engaging speaker series and organize field trips; recruit strong students to the Schar School; and establish metrics by which to evaluate the quality and impact of the IRTF program.

Required Qualifications:

Applicants must have earned a PhD or JD effective by the anticipated start date of August 2023 and have experience working in a relevant field, including but not limited to, political science, law, public policy, sociology, anthropology, or economics; teaching experience; and experience or demonstrated potential capacity for the following:

• Showed commitment to mentoring students at the undergraduate level;
• Demonstrated ability to generate enthusiasm and a sense of identity for a nascent group or organization; and
• Research, scholarship, practitioner, or policy experience in the International Relations or Comparative Politics fields.

For full consideration, applicants must apply at https://jobs.gmu.edu/postings/56693; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter and CV. Candidates at the Assistant Professor level should also provide a list of three professional references with contact information; senior candidates will be asked for references if they are short-listed. For full consideration apply by March 27, 2023. Applications may continue to be submitted until the position is filled.

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.