Description

The Howard H. Baker, Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is seeking to fill two tenure-line faculty positions at the senior assistant through full professor rank in public administration and public management beginning August 1, 2027. These are 9-month positions. Areas of particular interest include state and local governance, nonprofit financial management, and emergency management, though outstanding candidates in other substantive areas will receive full consideration. For a candidate with a distinguished record in state and local government/governance, one of the two positions may be filled as a named professorship.

Named Professorship in State and Local Government/Governance. In addition to the tenure-line positions described above, the Baker School is seeking an accomplished scholar for a named professorship focused on state and local government and governance. This is a senior appointment carrying an endowed title and commensurate research support. We are especially interested in candidates whose scholarship has shaped the study of state and local governance, intergovernmental relations, or related areas, and whose national reputation would strengthen the Baker School’s profile in this domain. The named professorship is closely linked to the Baker School’s new Tennessee Center for Local Governance (described below). Uniquely qualified candidates with distinguished records of research, teaching, and professional leadership are encouraged to apply.

We seek scholars who will contribute to teaching across our undergraduate major in Public Affairs and our Master of Public Administration (MPA), including a rapidly growing online MPA program. Candidates should demonstrate experience with or clear potential for high-quality teaching in both in-person and online formats across core public administration courses and specialized electives aligned with their expertise. Candidates should identify in their cover letter the core courses they would be able to teach. The teaching load is 2-2.

The successful candidate should have an active research agenda addressing contemporary questions in public administration. The Baker School places particular value on scholarship that engages practitioners, contributes to evidence-informed decision-making, and addresses policy and management challenges facing Tennessee communities. As part of its continued growth, the Baker School is launching the Tennessee Center for Local Governance, offering faculty a platform to develop applied research partnerships with state and local governments and nonprofit organizations. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to this effort and help shape its development. All Baker School faculty are expected to provide service to the School, University, State, and community, and to engage with local policymakers and leaders.

Who We Are

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is the state’s flagship research institution, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates, and a premier graduate institution. As a land-grant university, it is committed to excellence in learning, scholarship, and engagement with society.

The Baker School was established in 2023 to honor the distinguished life and legacy of Howard H. Baker Jr., a former US Senator, Senate Majority Leader, White House Chief of Staff, and Ambassador to Japan. Located in a 51,000-sq. ft. purpose-built facility, the Baker School evolved from the Baker Center, which for twenty years has operated as a think-tank producing research, public engagement programming, and an active set of student programs. The Baker School is very excited to add degree programs and to grow its research programming into independent research centers. In addition, the Baker School houses the Institute of American Civics, which is responsible for encouraging civic knowledge and civic participation among UT undergraduates and the state at large.

We are a dynamic and close-knit team of dedicated and hardworking individuals who are devoted to research, education, and public service initiatives that address real-world problems in local, state, national, and global communities. Each member of our team is a valuable contributor to achieving our mission and we work together to find innovative approaches to moving the Baker School forward. We are fast-moving and growing. Our work is constantly evolving to meet changing needs.

Who We Are Looking For

We are in search of a solution-finder, someone who enthusiastically embraces opportunities to address novel situations through teamwork and collaboration. We need a hardworking and flexible professional who thrives in developing out-of-the-box approaches and addressing new challenges. We are looking for an achiever, someone who is searching for a chance to grow their skills and who is open to learning from others. We need a critical thinker who exercises good judgment and who can be relied upon and trusted to provide sound counsel to colleagues and leadership inside and beyond the academy. We need teammates who are dedicated to public service.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

All candidates must possess a doctoral degree prior to August 1, 2027, in Public Administration, Public Management, or a related field.

Rank-Specific Qualifications

Candidates for Assistant Professor must have completed their Ph.D. and demonstrate a clearly defined research agenda, a substantial likelihood of teaching excellence, and a record or strong potential for publishing in reputable, peer-reviewed journals.

Candidates for Associate Professor must demonstrate a strong record of publication in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals, a sustained record of teaching excellence, and meaningful contributions through internal and external service to the profession. Experience securing and managing externally funded research is preferred but not required.

Candidates for Full Professor must demonstrate a distinguished and sustained record of scholarly achievement, evidenced by a substantial body of publications in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals and a recognized national or international reputation in their field. Candidates must have a sustained record of teaching excellence and mentoring of students and junior colleagues, as well as significant contributions through leadership and service to the department, institution, profession, and broader community. A record of securing and successfully managing externally funded research, where appropriate to the discipline, is strongly preferred.

Application Instructions

 Applicants should submit the following via Interfolio: 

• A cover letter explaining their research and teaching experience
• A current CV
• A sample of scholarly writing
• Teaching evaluations (if available)
• Names and contact information for three references

Successful candidates will be required to submit official transcripts and undergo a background check. Review of applications will begin on September 15, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. For questions or inquiries, contact the search chair: Dr. Tara Bryan, tbryan29@utk.edu.