Department Chair - Political Science, Criminal Justice, and International Studies

About Us

Since our founding in 2005, Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) has been dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience to our students. At GGC, we believe that our students' success is our success, and we are committed to creating a culture that supports and uplifts them throughout their academic journey.

As a member of our faculty or staff, you will become part of a dedicated and passionate community of educators and professionals. Together, we work towards a common goal of empowering our students to achieve their full potential, both academically and personally. We take pride in our student body, which represents a multitude of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Whether you are involved in teaching or providing essential services, your contribution will make a significant impact on the lives of our students and the broader community.

In addition to our commitment to student success, we also value the well-being and professional growth of our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, designed to support the needs of our faculty and staff. From competitive compensation to health and wellness programs, and professional development opportunities to work-life balance initiatives, we strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive and feel valued.

Located in the thriving community of Gwinnett County, GGC offers a rich cultural and social landscape that enhances the overall college experience. Our backdrop is a beautiful, modern 260-acre campus located just 30 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. Our students and employees benefit from the close proximity to various local amenities, including shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreational opportunities. This vibrant community serves as an extension of our campus, providing a stimulating environment for personal and professional growth.

Join GGC and become part of a dynamic team that plays a pivotal role in shaping the lives and celebrating the achievements of our students. Together, let's make a positive impact and empower the next generation of leaders.

Job Summary

Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) invites applications for Department Chair of Political Science, Criminal Justice, and International Studies (PCIS), with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. Priority reviews of candidates will begin on November 6, but the position will remain open and accepting applications until filled.

PCIS is a multidisciplinary department offering majors in political science and criminal justice/criminology, along with minors, certificates, and coursework in international studies, public administration, legal studies, and world languages. The department supports internships, undergraduate research, study abroad, and other experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for careers and further study in law, government, public service, criminal justice, international affairs, languages, and related fields. The Department Chair provides leadership for PCIS and collaborates with faculty across disciplines to support excellence in teaching, scholarly activity, student engagement, and service. Responsibilities include course scheduling and personnel management; curriculum and program development; fostering alumni and community relationships; and other departmental leadership duties.

The Chair is a 12-month position reporting to the Dean. In accordance with Board of Regents policy concerning GGC faculty, Associate and Full Professors receive a five-year renewable appointment.

Required Qualifications

• Qualifications for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor at GGC
• A Ph.D. or other terminal doctorate in a discipline represented in PCIS, such as political science, criminal justice or criminology, international studies, public administration, public policy, legal studies, or a world language; or a Ph.D. or other terminal doctorate in a closely related field, with at least 18 graduate semester hours in a PCIS teaching discipline and a demonstrated record of teaching or scholarship in that discipline. All candidates must be qualified to teach courses offered by PCIS under GGC¿s faculty credentialing requirements
• A record of effective teaching, scholarly activity, student engagement, and service appropriate to the proposed faculty rank
• Relevant academic leadership or administrative experience
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and to mentor faculty and students
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Academic leadership experience at the program level or higher, with specific interest in those who have experience working within a department with multiple majors/disciplines
• Experience reviewing faculty and writing faculty evaluations
• Experience working in an interdisciplinary environment
• Experience with course scheduling, faculty development, curriculum or program development, assessment, and departmental budgeting
• Qualifications and interest in teaching courses within Core IMPACTS, quantitative methods, or other areas that complement or expand PCIS¿s existing programs
• Experience developing partnerships, internships, or other opportunities that support student learning and career preparation

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States and proof of eligibility will be contemporaneously required upon acceptance of an employment offer. Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC). Eligibility of employment is determined by GGC in its sole discretion, and includes but is not limited to confirmation of credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. 

Offers are subject to the applicable federal laws, state laws, statutes, rules and regulations of this institution, and to the bylaws and policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Georgia Gwinnett College is an equal employment, equal access, and equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Georgia Gwinnett College to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, ADEA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50).

For individuals requiring disability-related accommodations for participation in any event including the application, interview process, or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact HR at (678) 407.5746 or email hr@ggc.edu.

Background Check

• Position of Trust + Education

Other Information

Due to the volume of applications, applicants may not receive a reply from the College unless an applicant is selected for an interview. Review of applications will continue until positions are filled. Georgia is an open records state.

To see additional information about our job opening(s) or to apply, please click on the “Apply Now” button at the bottom of our job posting.

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