LOCATION: Wayland Baptist University – Plainview, TX
SUPERVISED BY: Dean of the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences
POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
POSITIONS SUPERVISED: None
START DATE: AUGUST 2026
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Wayland Baptist University is an intentionally Christian community of higher education that expects its employees to advance the mission, vision, and identity of the University as defined by policy and through the strategic plan. They should maintain an authentic Christian faith that is evident through their personal interactions and activities, commitment to a local church body, and is a model for our students. As a full-time faculty member, the Assistant Professor of - will be primarily responsible for teaching. Faculty should seek out mentoring relationships with the students through opportunities such as academic advising, undergraduate research, and student organization support.
SPECIFIC TASKS AND DUTIES:
- Prepare and teach (24) semester hours each academic year as part of a 9-month contract.
- Understand and abide by FERPA regulations.
- Must be willing to teach both undergraduate and graduate courses, both on the Plainview campus and online.
- Keep required paperwork, including grades and attendance, submitting reports of these when requested.
- Abide by Accommodations sent by Title IX Coordinator and/or Disability Services Coordinator.
- Maintain a minimum of 10 hours of office hours/week.
- Be available on campus five days a week.
- Dress professionally and appropriately for the tasks assigned.
- Academically advise undergraduate and, if applicable graduate, students and assist with registrations and recruiting events.
- Assist the dean and faculty members in developing new courses/programs, reporting data, selecting textbooks, and developing syllabi.
- Serve on University, Faculty, and School Committees; assist with and attend graduations and school events and attend scheduled faculty/staff meetings and professional development activities.
- Maintain competence in the use of Wayland’s adopted online teaching and retention management systems, including the satisfactory completion of all necessary annual training.
- Must be willing to learn degree requirements for Political Science major and participate in academic advisement.
- Provide service to the university through committees, councils, and special projects.
- Complete other duties as assigned.
- All work must be performed in alignment with the terms of the signed contract.
Additional Requirements:
- Endorsement by the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
- Able to pass background checks.
The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees in this job. Employee may perform other related duties as assigned by the Dean or Vice President for Academic Affairs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Earned doctorate in Political Science or a Government-related field from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
Experience and Knowledge: Successful applicants will have the following experience or knowledge:
- Recent experience teaching online in a college or university setting.
- Preference will be given to applicants with one or more of the following qualifications:
- Ability to teach related fields, such as criminal justice administration, sociology, or human services.
- Experience working with traditional and non-traditional students from diverse backgrounds.
Skills and Abilities:
- Organization skills
- Strong time management skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software for financial data and presentations
- Must possess strong interpersonal and written communication skills
- Must possess discretion and integrity
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
Work Environment: The work environment for this position is a standard office setting. Employees will work primarily at a desk or workstation, utilizing standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers. The office maintains a controlled temperature. Noise levels are generally moderate, with typical office sounds such as conversations and office machinery.
In addition, the position requires teaching in a university classroom setting. This environment involves direct interaction with students, delivering lectures, facilitating discussions, and managing classroom dynamics to maintain an effective learning atmosphere. Classroom conditions may vary, but typically include standard instructional technology such as projectors, whiteboards, and computers. Noise levels can fluctuate depending on class size and activity, and the role requires adaptability to engage students and maintain order in a collaborative academic setting.
Hours of Work: Plainview campus - Although full-time, nonexempt Plainview employees are normally scheduled to work 37.75 hours per week, the official work week for full-time salaried employees is forty (40) hours. Normal workdays on all campuses are Monday through Friday.
Physical Demands:
- Frequently stand and walk.
- Frequently flex upper trunk forward while sitting or standing.
- Frequently lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
- Frequently carry up to 10 pounds and occasionally carry up to 25 pounds.
- Occasionally pull or push objects.
- Occasionally flex upper trunk forward at the waist and partially flex at the knees.
- Frequently reach at or below shoulder height and occasionally reach above shoulder height.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Employment is subject to an introductory period to monitor employee performance. If hired, the prospective employee must present documentation within three (3) days of hire date to establish identity and employment eligibility as required by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Must be able to operate a licensed motor vehicle, have access to a dependable motor vehicle, and possess a valid state driver’s license. Must have and maintain a satisfactory driver’s record.
Wayland Baptist University does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.
