The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University invites applications for the next Chair of the Department of Public Management and Policy. Qualified candidates should have a record of publications and sponsored research appropriate for tenure and appointment at the rank of Professor at Georgia State University. As a leader in a department renowned for its influence on public affairs, the Chair will contribute to shaping the future of public management and policy education, research, and community impact, and drive strategic initiatives that align with the university’s commitment to student success, innovation, and engaged research.
The Chair of the Department of Public Management and Policy will report to the Dean of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies and lead the department’s academic programs, faculty, and staff. The Chair’s key responsibilities will include:
collaborating with program directors to drive innovation in public management and policy education;
managing faculty and staff recruitment, retention, mentoring, and professional development;
fostering partnerships to enhance student experience and align programs with the evolving needs of the public, nonprofit, and private sectors;
supporting and advancing faculty in their teaching, research, and community engagement efforts;
representing the department both within the university and externally to elevate its impact and influence locally, nationally, and globally;
spearheading interdisciplinary research;
and working across the Andrew Young School and university on strategic initiatives.
The position offers extensive opportunities to collaborate with public, nonprofit, private, and philanthropic organizations in Atlanta and beyond, where alumni and partners are deeply engaged in creating positive change in their communities. With access to world-class research centers, cutting-edge facilities, and a supportive cohort of thought leaders across the university, the Chair will have the tools and resources to drive innovation in public management and policy.
The Chair will join other new leaders at Georgia State University during a pivotal point in the institution’s history. In 2021, Georgia State welcomed Dr. M. Brian Blake as the university’s eighth president, and in 2023, Dr. Nicolle Parsons-Pollard was appointed Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs. In 2024, Dr. Thomas J. Vicino joined the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies as its eighth dean. The Chair will have a unique opportunity to define and implement new initiatives informed by the strategic plan Blueprint to 2033: Our Place, Our Time.
This position is located on the Atlanta campus of Georgia State University and requires in-person, on campus-based work. The Andrew Young School maintains a flexible work environment. This position is planned as a fiscal-year administrative appointment.
The Department of Public Management and Policy
The Department of Public Management and Policy (PMAP) at Georgia State University is nationally recognized for its research, teaching, and service in public administration, nonprofit management, urban planning, and policy analysis. The department offers a range of degree programs at all levels, including the Bachelor of Science in Public Policy, Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Policy (MPP), Ph.D. in Public Policy, and a variety of certificate programs. PMAP is home to a diverse group of faculty members who are internationally known for their research on public finance, social policy, public and nonprofit management, health policy, social equity, and urban governance. Faculty regularly collaborate with major research centers at the Andrew Young School, such as the Public Finance Research Cluster, the Georgia Policy Labs, and the Georgia Health Policy Center, positioning the department as a leader in addressing key societal issues through applied research. The department’s commitment to experiential learning ensures that students engage with real-world policy challenges through internships, community-based projects, and public service, preparing them to become effective leaders in the public and nonprofit sectors.
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies is one of the nation’s leading policy schools dedicated to addressing critical social and economic challenges through interdisciplinary research and policy. The school is composed of diverse academic units, including the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Department of Economics, Department of Public Management and Policy, School of Social Work, and Urban Studies Institute. With top-ranked programs and research centers and over $35 million in sponsored research funding, the school leverages its location in downtown Atlanta to engage in significant public policy issues on local, national, and global levels. Emphasizing innovation and student success, the school prepares students and professionals to meet the evolving demands of advancing the public good across all sectors.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University, classified as a doctoral university with very high research activity and located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, is one of the nation’s largest and most diverse urban research institutions, with over 52,000 students from 150 countries. The university is nationally recognized for its innovation in student success, ranking #1 in commitment to undergraduate teaching and #2 in innovation by U.S. News & World Report. Georgia State’s student body is noted for its diversity, with nearly two-thirds of students being Pell-eligible, 35% first-generation college students, and 70% from underrepresented groups. As a national model for student achievement, the university has significantly increased graduation rates and reduced achievement gaps. Its vibrant research community, with over $200 million in research expenditures, and its strategic location in one of the world’s leading global cities provide unparalleled opportunities for real-world impact, community engagement, and academic excellence.
Required Experience
Ph.D. in Public Administration, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Urban Studies, or a closely related field;
An academic record suitable for tenure and rank at full professor in the Andrew Young School;
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated record of academic leadership and administrative experience as a department chair, associate chair, center director, or academic program director;
Teaching, student mentoring, and curriculum development experience; and
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within and across departments.
Familiarity with the accreditation requirements of the Master of Public Administration (NASPAA);
Experience with program development (including online degree programs) and enrollment management;
Experience with securing, managing, and supporting sponsored research programs;
Experience with developing, maintaining, and expanding relationships with community partners; and
Familiarity with management of funds to support student and faculty success.
Please direct questions to the Search Committee Chair: Ross Rubenstein, Professor, at rrubenstein@gsu.edu.
Georgia State University Values
COMMUNITY: Fostering a distinctive shared identity and common purpose across our multi-campus university.
INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY: Respecting the dignity and value of all people and perspectives through honorable conduct based on engagement, fairness, access, equity, and civility.
TRANSFORMATION: Intentionally pursuing knowledge, practice, and scholarly rigor to inspire lifelong learning, and to make our community and the world a better place.
INTEGRITY: Adhering to our values, mission, and the truth through respectful cooperation and effective stewardship of resources.
EXCELLENCE: Achieving the highest standards and distinction in teaching, research and service.
STRATEGIC INNOVATION: Embracing invention and creativity in the pursuit of meaningful discovery using our collective talents.
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at: https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct
Georgia State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or protected veteran status in its programs, services, activities, employment, and/or admissions. Additionally, the University promotes equal employment opportunity for women, minorities, persons with disabilities and veterans through its affirmative action program.
Background Check
The successful candidate must be able to pass a criminal and educational background check that includes terminal degree verification.
Disclaimer
This job requisition provides a high-level job definition. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive or exclusive list of job duties. As such, job duties and/or responsibilities within the context of this job requisition may change at the discretion of the employee’s direct supervisor.
