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Director Political Science Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

TNBR Careers

Legislative Intern

Nashville, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Working directly with the Director of Legislation and Advancement and the Government & Public ... Major in law, political science, history, public administration, social work, economics, sociology ...

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Tennessee Board of Regents

Legislative Intern

Nashville, TN · Hybrid

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Working directly with the Director of Legislation and Advancement and the Government & Public ... Office work experience; and Major in law, political science, history, public administration, social ...

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All JobsPolitical Science JobsDirector Political Science JobsDirector Political Science Jobs in Tennessee

Director Political Science information

See Tennessee salary details

$73.1K

$101.5K

$130.7K

How much do director political science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for director political science in Tennessee is $101,540.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,900.00 and $113,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a director political science?

Director Political Science positions refer to leadership roles within organizations, universities, think tanks, or government agencies that oversee political science programs, research, or policy analysis teams. Individuals in these roles are responsible for setting strategic direction, managing staff, securing funding, and ensuring the quality and impact of political research and education initiatives. They often collaborate with academic, governmental, and industry stakeholders to advance understanding of political systems, public policy, and governance. Directors may also represent their organizations at conferences, in the media, or in public forums.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director political science?

To thrive as a Director of Political Science, you typically need an advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in political science or a related field, along with proven experience in academic research and program leadership. Familiarity with research methodologies, statistical analysis software (such as SPSS or Stata), and learning management systems is essential. Exceptional communication, strategic planning, and team leadership skills help you collaborate with faculty, guide students, and shape academic programs. These skills and qualifications ensure academic excellence, foster a productive educational environment, and enable effective management of departmental goals.

What are typical challenges faced by a director political science when managing a multidisciplinary team in an academic setting?

A Director of Political Science often oversees faculty and researchers from diverse backgrounds, which can present challenges in aligning different research interests and teaching approaches. Balancing administrative duties—such as curriculum development and departmental budgeting—with fostering a collaborative academic environment requires strong communication and conflict-resolution skills. Additionally, adapting to evolving institutional priorities and securing resources for the department are ongoing challenges. Regular meetings, transparent decision-making, and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration can help address these issues effectively.

What is the difference between Director Political Science vs Political Analyst?

AspectDirector Political SciencePolitical Analyst
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Political Science, extensive research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Political Science, strong analytical skills
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, research organizations, government agenciesMedia outlets, think tanks, government offices
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, policy organizationsNews organizations, consulting firms, government departments

The main difference is that a Director Political Science typically oversees research projects, academic programs, or policy initiatives, while a Political Analyst focuses on analyzing political trends and providing insights for media or policy decisions. Both roles require strong analytical skills and a background in political science, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What is the best career for a director of political science?

A director of political science typically pursues careers in academia, government agencies, policy analysis, or think tanks, utilizing skills in research, analysis, and leadership. They often hold advanced degrees such as a Ph.D. and may require strong communication and project management abilities to succeed in leadership roles or policy development positions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Political Science jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Political Science jobs in Tennessee are:

Director Political Science jobs near you

Part-time Instructor (Pool) - Political Science & Public Management

Clarksville, TN

APSU, Inc.
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about APSU, Inc.external

Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Applications are being accepted for the position of Part-time Instructor in the Department of Political Science & Public Management. Preference will be given to applicants who can teach political science courses in any of the following sub-fields: American government and politics, international relations, or comparative politics.

 Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

- Teach political science courses pending the needs of the department.  

Physical Requirements 

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. 

Required Minimum Qualifications 

- Ph.D. in Political Science. 

- The J.D. substitutes for the Ph.D. in Political Science as the minimum qualification for legal studies courses in Political Science including: Introduction to the Law, Legal Research and Writing, Legal Mediation and Dispute Resolution, Family Law, and Juvenile Law 

- A background search will be required of the successful applicant.

Required Documents 

1. Cover Letter 

2. Curriculum Vitae 

Optional Documents 

1. Unofficial Transcript 

2. Letter of Recommendation 1 

3. Letter of Recommendation 2 

4. Letter of Recommendation 3

The number of adjunct instructors hired varies from semester to semester, depending upon the needs of the department.
 
 Each applicant must include the names and contact information for three references,
one of which must be from your most recent or current employer, with your application
materials. Many people add this to the end of the CV/Resume.
 
If you would like to additionally attach Letters of Recommendation to your online
application, letters must be dated one year or less from the date of your application.
 
Letters of recommendation may be sent by email to
"facultyapplications@apsu.edu" or hard copy to "Austin Peay State University, Human
Resources Dept., PO Box 4507, Clarksville, TN 37044" with your name and desired
position clearly indicated after your online application is completed.
 
If granted an interview, unofficial transcripts will be required of applicants and official
transcripts will be required of the selected candidate before the candidate will be offered
a position. It is highly recommended that you attach unofficial transcripts in PDF format
to your online application.
 
You will not be able to attach your letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts or
any other supplemental document(s) nor modify your application after it has been
submitted.
 
Please refer all questions to facultyapplications@apsu.edu

Austin Peay State University is a four-year public, doctoral-level university, with six colleges and four Chairs of Excellence. The University has an enrollment of over 11,000 students and is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, a community of an estimated 150,287 people located approximately 40 miles northwest of Nashville, TN.

Austin Peay State University is a proud supporter of hiring veterans. We hire veterans with equivalent experiences and pay grades from their military service, rather than requiring or preferring only college degrees. Please visit our website for more information on how veterans can qualify for additional employment opportunities at APSU: https://www.apsu.edu/human-resources/hiring-veterans/.

Austin Peay State University (APSU) prohibits discrimination in all employment, programs, and activities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), disability, age, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. For Title IX inquiries or complaints, contact: Chief of Institutional Culture & Title IX Coordinator, LaNeeca R. Williams at williamslr@apsu.edu | 931-221-7690, Browning Building, Room 140, Clarksville, TN 37044. For other non-discrimination concerns, contact: Director of Institutional Culture & Title VI & Title VII Coordinator, Dr. Jo Baldwin at baldwinjapsu.edu | 931-221-7178 or Associate Director of Accessibility Compliance & ADA/504 Coordinator, Jayme Glover at gloverj@apsu.edu | 931-221-7160. View APSU's full nondiscrimination policy at Policy 6:001.

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