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The Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics

A bipartisan research, teaching and experiential learning institute dedicated to increasing understanding of the political process with special emphasis on political parties, grassroots activity, civility and ethics, and hands-on learning through internships and events.

EVENTS

The Color of Environmental Health: The Effects of Environmental Justice on Human Well-being

Dec. 1, noon - 1 p.m., Virtual Event

This panel discussion will cover key issues related to environmental health and justice; how these issues disproportionately impact communities of color; and ways individuals can get involved to improve physical, mental, and community environmental health outcomes.

State of the Parties: 2020 and Beyond

Scholars and practitioners from across the United States explored the state of American party organizations, constituencies and resources at the national, state and local level at a virtual conference on Nov. 4 - 5, 2021.

Panel Papers and Videos

See past events

THE GREATER AKRON CIVILITY CENTER

Setting standards, providing resources, and working to create a culture of civility in the Greater Akron community.

Learn more

Why study applied politics

Catey Breck, MPA, BA '06, discusses her career path and how the Bliss Institute helped her.

Valuable internships

UA graduate student, Kevin Cohen, shares his internship experience with the Tim Ryan for Congress Campaign.

JOB SEARCH — Director, Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics

The University of Akron’s Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, in cooperation with the Department of Political Science, is seeking applicants for the position of Director. This 12-month position, starting as early as January 2022 but no later than July 1, 2022, includes an appointment as a tenured Professor or Associate Professor of Political Science.

The successful candidate will oversee the activities of the Bliss Institute, including managing its budget, supervising its full-time and part-time staff, coordinating research projects (including polling activities), administering its extensive internship program, and hosting conferences. The Director will be a faculty member of the Department of Political Science with teaching responsibilities and will be responsible for administering the Institute’s academic programs, including the Master of Applied Politics [MAP] degree program and the Undergraduate and Graduate Certificate in Applied Politics. Further responsibilities include liaising with university, local, state, and national officials, engaging with the media, and promoting the overall mission of the Institute.

Candidate Qualifications:

The successful candidate must be a highly experienced scholar with a Ph.D. in Political Science or a closely related field, with a record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or academic presses; have a record of teaching at the university level; and have a strong record of administrative experience. It is desirable for the candidate to have a competency in research methods with a demonstrable interest in applied politics at the state and/or national levels; experience in public policy, especially at the state and local levels; and previous experience in hosting conferences in an academic and/or governmental setting.

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position (Job ID 12850), you must complete the online application and attach a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and a list of three (3) professional references to your profile. Please include contact information, including email addresses, for your professional references. After submission of your application, return to the "My Activities" link and upload the required documents under the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with reference to the minimum and preferred qualifications. This is the information on which the initial review of materials will be based. A resume will not be accepted in place of any information requested on the application. Inquiries about the position can be sent to Dr. James T. McHugh at: mchugh@uakron.edu. For assistance with your application or attachments please call Hannah Kemp-Severence in Human Resources at 330-972-8399.

Open until filled, however, initial review of applications will begin on October 1, 2021.