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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Pennsylvania State University, College of the Liberal Arts, in University Park, PA, USA, invites applications for the position of Director of the McCourtney Institute of Democracy, which will be filled at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor with tenure within an appropriate academic department within the College. The anticipated start date is Fall 2027, with flexibility.
The McCourtney Institute for Democracy promotes scholarship and practical innovations to understand, preserve, and advance democracy. Through research, teaching, and public outreach, the Institute leverages the resources of Penn State and the College of the Liberal Arts to conduct research on democracy and society, defend democratic practices, and foster democratic citizenship and educate for democratic engagement.
Some of the regular activities of the Center include awarding the Brown Democracy Medal annually, publishing the Podcast “Democracy Works,” providing funding to support for faculty and student research, recruiting students in the Nevins Fellows program, and connecting with other institutions studying democracy. The institute supports two research centers, the Center for Democratic Deliberation and the Center for Research on Democratic Resilience.
We seek a thoughtful Director who will lead the Center administratively and intellectually by supporting rigorous research on democracy, expanding the connections and research activities of the Center around campus, devising new research and outreach initiatives, engaging alumni to support the Center, growing the community of scholars engaged with the Center, and maintaining current signature activities. The Director manages four Institute staff (the managing director, communications specialist, podcast group manager, and administrative assistant).
The Director will be expected to maintain an active research agenda and to be part of their academic unit and disciplinary community. A teaching release and supplement will be provided during the successful candidate’s term as Director.
Candidates for the Director of the Institute (Associate Professor rank) must have demonstrated excellence as a researcher, scholar, and teacher in a relevant field and have an established reputation in scholarly achievement. Duties will involve a combination of teaching, research, and service, based on the candidate’s qualifications.
Candidates for the Director of the Institute (Professor rank) must have demonstrated excellence as a researcher, scholar, and teacher in a relevant field, and evidence of a substantial record of advanced research as well as leadership in their field of specialization. Duties will involve a combination of teaching, research, and service, based on the candidate’s qualifications.
Qualified applicants for both ranks will have a Ph.D. in a relevant humanities or social science discipline by date of appointment.
For both ranks, an applicant’s research should align with the Institute’s interest in promoting research and knowledge about democracy in the United States or global context, broadly defined. Candidates should have an excellent publication record in their field; a commitment to securing external funding; a commitment to working with alumni and development; and a track record of excellence in teaching, mentoring, and academic service. Successful candidates must demonstrate experience in developing and maintaining institutionally sustainable research centers or other initiatives, and the ability to productively engage and support the research of scholars from other disciplines.
Applicants must apply online at Penn State’s Job Posting Board and should include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and a list of three references. In the cover letter, applicants should discuss their experience in managing, creating, or supervising academic programs or research centers, as well as in pursuing external funding. They should also discuss their vision of a research center centered around the mission described above.
We will request letters of recommendation and teaching materials from candidates who advance in the search process. Review of applications will begin October 15, 2026, and will continue until the position has been filled.
Please direct questions about the process via email to one of the committee co-chairs (Scott Bennett, Senior Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, sbennett@psu.edu; Amy Allen, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Advancement, ara17@psu.edu).
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.