Successful applicants will have primary teaching and research interests in local government management, and will be expected to teach core courses in the local government management specialization of the MPA program (Local and Metropolitan Government and Local Government Administration), with preference given to candidates who can teach other elective courses in local government management (economic development, strategic planning, regional government, ethics, and public sector innovation). A description of the local government specialization is at www.mpa.niu.edu/pub_ad/mpa_pr
Successful candidates must also demonstrate a strong research and publication record (or the potential for such) in a substantive area of local government management. Candidates with experience in working with public service practitioners are encouraged to apply, although this is not required.
The main NIU campus is located in DeKalb, Illinois, 60 miles west of Chicago. NIU enrolls more than 22,000 students, including a graduate body of over 6,400, and instruction is offered in DeKalb and three other sites â?? Hoffman Estates, Rockford and Naperville to serve metropolitan Chicago students. NIU is nestled in a vibrant economic region that offers exceptional research opportunities for scholars in local government, and works closely with the University's Center for Governmental Studies. The department is a founding unit within a new School of Public and Global Affairs, along with the Department of Political Science and the NGO Leadership & Development (NGOLD) Center; there is great opportunity for interdisciplinary work with school colleagues.
The MPA program is ranked 5th nationally in local government management and ranked 12th in budgeting and finance as part of its NASPAA accredited MPA. The department fields about 50 full time graduate internships in local government and non-profit organizations throughout metropolitan Chicago. The MPA program is about evenly split between pre-career and in-career students. Typically 95% of MPA students are professionally employed within six months of graduation. In fact, one-third of all Illinois city managers are NIU MPA graduates. The MPA program celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2013-14 and boasts a network of over 1,200 alumni.
The position requires a PhD in Public Administration or a related field by date of appointment. Applicants must email pasearch@niu.edu a letter of application, a curriculum vitae, and a research statement addressed to Dr. Gerald T. Gabris, Local Government Search Committee, Department of Public Administration, Northern Illinois University. Preference will be given to applications received by October 7, 2014, however, the department will continue to accept and review applications until the position is filled. Applicants invited to campus will be expected to submit three letters of reference and evidence of teaching effectiveness. Potential applicants or nominators having any questions can contact Dr. Gabris at 815-753-6145. A pre-employment background check is required. NorthernIllinois University is an AA/EEO institution and strongly encourages applications from women and minorities.