Assistant or Associate Professor of Public Safety

The University of Virginia's School of Continuing and Professional Studies helps working adults finish their degrees and advance their careers. SCPS offers online and in-person programs, bringing high‑quality, accessible, and affordable education to all Virginians.

The Center for Public Safety and Justice (CPSJ) is housed within SCPS and has a mission to shape future public safety leaders and key stakeholders to improve public service, strengthen community wellbeing and address complex public safety challenges through education, collaboration, research and innovation.

SCPS seeks applicants for an Assistant or Associate Professor of Public Safety to join the Public Safety faculty to support the Master of Public Safety program (MPS), National Criminal Justice Command College (NCJCC), and related programs. Over the past four years, the academic offerings of UVA related to public safety and justice have grown significantly, hosting students and graduates nationwide and internationally.

To be effective in this position, candidates should have credibility as a leader in public safety practice, academic credentials befitting appointment to the faculty, executive leadership experience, and a terminal degree from a regionally accredited, preferably R1 research institution. We welcome applicants with a background in executive roles—chief, director, district attorney, judge, etc.—in policing, firefighting, prosecution, or the courts, and who are interested in academic collaboration, teamwork, and leadership among the faculty.

• Responsible for graduate program and course curriculum development and delivery for full and part‑time public safety professionals learning in an online environment.
• Provide highly effective instruction, class management, and a vibrant, challenging and engaging academic experience for students.
• Oversee program evaluation and student learning outcomes.
• Serve as subject matter expert for Public Safety and remain current in the academic discipline for fluency and curriculum relevancy/updates.
• The person hired for this position should be qualified to teach a variety of public safety topics, including at least two MPS core courses.

• This individual will also carry the administrative role as Senior Director for Educational Programs.
• Oversee academic compliance requirements and enrollment and admission criteria for applicants.
• Travel for marketing/recruitment purposes.
• Recruit faculty, wage instructors and subject matter experts.
• Assist with scheduling of classes, budget expenditures, and logistics.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Fosters positive and productive academic and professional collaborations within SCPS, UVA, and partner organizations, such as the Virginia State Police and FBI, to advance public safety and other School programs. Participates in School and/or UVA committees, work groups, and activities.

This is a full‑time (1 FTE), twelve‑month Academic General Faculty (Tenure‑Ineligible) position on the teaching track.

The preferred location is Charlottesville; a hybrid or fully remote workplace may be considered. If hybrid or fully remote is approved, regular travel to Virginia locations and occasional national or international travel will be required. Relocation expenses may be available, subject to negotiation.

The total range for this position is $90,000 – $160,000. Base salary ranges are $80,000 – $100,000 for an Assistant Professor or $90,000 – $110,000 for an Associate Professor, with additional compensation as a Senior Director for Educational Programs. These positions include full‑time faculty benefits. Salary is negotiable based on qualifications, experience, and appointment within the total range.