Job Overview: Assistant/Associate Professor of Public Administration

Empire State University (SUNY Empire) is seeking a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor to support its Master of Public Administration (MPA) program. As a pioneer in adult education and online learning, SUNY Empire values faculty who can mentor diverse graduate students and bridge the gap between academic theory and practical governance.

This role is ideal for a scholar-practitioner with interests in not-for-profit administration, state and municipal government, or human resources. You will join a “distributed faculty environment” that prioritizes upward mobility for New Yorkers through flexible, high-quality instruction.

Key Responsibilities & Academic Focus

Instruction & Mentoring

Graduate Teaching: Develop and lead online courses for the MPA program, with additional opportunities to teach in related graduate and undergraduate fields.
Student Advisement: Provide consistent mentoring and support for adult learners, guiding them through degree planning and professional growth.
Capstone Supervision: Oversee final capstone projects, ensuring students can apply their learning to real-world public service challenges.

Research & Service

Scholarly Agenda: Maintain a robust and coherent research agenda; candidates with potential for significant contributions to the field are encouraged to apply.
Program Improvement: Participate in continuous program assessment, curriculum development, and university-wide committees.
DEI Integration: Demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion across all facets of the faculty role.

Requirements & Qualifications

Mandatory Credentials

Education: An earned Doctorate in Public Administration, Public Policy, Public Affairs, Health and Human Services, or a closely related field.
Teaching: Proven college or university-level teaching experience.
Technical/Modal Ability: Ability to work in a distributed (remote/flexible) environment and develop graduate-level online coursework.
Core Expertise: Must be able to teach in at least one of these areas: ethics, human resources, health policy, or state/municipal government.

Preferred Qualifications

Online Pedagogy: Experience mentoring specifically in online learning environments.
Industry Experience: Practical “field” experience in public or non-profit administration.
Specialized Interests: Research in public budgeting, finance, communication policy, or information systems.
Certifications: Professional credentials such as ICMA-CM, CNP, or CPHIMS.
Linguistic Skills: Bilingual and biliterate in Spanish and English.

Compensation & State Benefits
Rank: Tenure-track, Assistant or Associate Professor.
Starting Salary: Minimum $80,000, commensurate with experience.
Health & Wellness: Comprehensive NYS health insurance, plus free dental and vision coverage.
Retirement: Competitive New York State retirement options.
Work-Life Balance: Generous vacation, sick, and holiday accruals, plus robust remote/flexible work options.
Development: Access to the annual Institute on Mentoring, Teaching and Learning and the Fall Academic Conference.

Why Join SUNY Empire?

SUNY Empire is a leader in “Prior Learning Assessment” and individualized instruction, boasting an alumni network of 100,000 leaders. The university is a dedicated AA/EEO/ADA employer that actively seeks to enrich its community through diverse faculty perspectives. As a faculty member here, you have the autonomy to drive economic development in New York while benefiting from a supportive, mission-driven academic culture.

Application Instructions

Applications are accepted until the position is filled. To apply, please submit the following through the SUNY Empire Careers Portal:

Resume/CV.
Cover Letter.
Contact information for three professional references.

Note: VISA sponsorship is not available. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis.

The Organization & Culture Empire State University is the State University of New York’s (SUNY) premier online institution, serving as a national leader in flexible, adult-focused higher education. In 2026, the university is defined by its mission of “radical accessibility,” specifically catering to working professionals, military-affiliated students, and neurodivergent learners. The culture is built on individualized mentoring rather than traditional lecture-hall models; every student is paired with a faculty mentor to design a degree plan tailored to their specific career goals. For the workforce, the environment is highly decentralized and innovative, emphasizing Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)—a core pillar that allows students to earn college credit for professional licenses, military training, and even volunteer experience.

The Location: A Statewide Virtual & Physical Hybrid While headquartered in Saratoga Springs, NY, Empire State University maintains a significant physical presence in the New York City metro area to support its hybrid and residency-based programs.

Manhattan Hub: Located at 4 Park Avenue, this site houses the prestigious Harry Van Arsdale Jr. School of Labor Studies, which partners with major trade unions (like the IBEW) to offer degrees in labor relations and social sciences.
Brooklyn Location: The university operates out of 177 Livingston Street (6th Floor), providing a central touchpoint for Brooklyn-based students and administrative support.
Staten Island Office: Located at 1200 South Avenue, catering to the borough’s student population.
Virtual Campus: Approximately 98% of students study fully online, utilizing 24/7 digital support tools, including a fully-online library and virtual mental health counseling.

Workplace & Academic Highlights (2026)

The “Autism Supportive” Distinction: In 2026, SUNY Empire remains the first and only university in New York designated as an Autism Supportive University. This includes specialized infrastructure, neurodivergent-friendly career programming, and instructional designers trained to create inclusive digital learning environments.
2026 Tuition & Cost (Undergraduate):
- NY State Residents: Approximately $295 per credit ($3,535 for 12+ credits).
- Out-of-State (Online): Approximately $353 per credit (after the SUNY Empire nonresident grant).
- Affordability: Over 84% of students receive financial aid, and the “iCPL” program (Credit for Prior Learning) allows students to save an average of $10,000 in tuition by testing out of courses based on life experience.
The “Van Arsdale” Legacy: The Harry Van Arsdale Jr. School of Labor Studies in Manhattan is unique for its face-to-face residency model for union partners, celebrating the achievements of the modern urban workforce through a liberal arts curriculum focused on labor history and power.
2026 AI Initiatives: As a recipient of the SUNY AI Innovation Fund, the university has launched specialized micro-credentials like “Advanced AI for Economic and Business Analysis,” designed to give NYC-based professionals an edge in the rapidly evolving tech market.
Military & Veteran Support: SUNY Empire is the largest-serving four-year military-affiliated institution in the SUNY system, providing “deployment-proof” schedules and specialized credit for military occupations (MOS).

Strategic Values: “Innovation & Upward Mobility”

Individualized Degree Design: A standout strategic value is the ability for students to customize their own major. Whether integrating healthcare management with digital media or business with environmental sustainability, the university prioritizes the student’s unique career trajectory.
Organizational Effectiveness: In 2026, the university maintains a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring that the “online” experience remains high-touch and personal.
Workforce Partnerships: The 2026 mandate focuses on “Stackable Credentials.” Students can earn industry-recognized micro-credentials in just a few months, which can then be “stacked” toward a full Associate or Bachelor’s degree.

To apply for this job please visit sunyempire.edu.