1

Political Science Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Political Science Instructor information

What Does a Political Science Instructor Do?

As a political science instructor, your job is to teach students about topics like political systems, political decision-making, and political ideology. This position is almost always limited to college and university campuses. Aside from each course you teach in person, you may also need to prepare and instruct an online class. Your school may ask you to perform research and decide when to incorporate recent events into the curriculum. In some cases, you may be asked to provide commentary on recent events. This could take place on television, in a local newspaper, over a podcast, or through any other news outlet. Teaching a night class is also a possibility with this position.

How do Political Science Instructors typically balance teaching responsibilities with research and curriculum development?

Political Science Instructors often split their time between classroom teaching, grading, and developing course materials, while also staying updated on current events and political theories to enrich their curriculum. Many instructors are also involved in ongoing research or publishing, which can be both a challenge and a growth opportunity. Collaboration with colleagues for interdisciplinary projects or curriculum planning is common, and instructors may participate in faculty meetings or student advising. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong time management skills and a passion for mentoring students and advancing the field.

What is the difference between Political Science Instructor vs Political Science Professor?

AspectPolitical Science InstructorPolitical Science Professor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree or master's in political science or related field; teaching certification often preferredDoctoral degree (Ph.D.) in political science or related field; extensive research experience
Work EnvironmentCommunity colleges, technical schools, or adult education programsUniversities and research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions offering undergraduate coursesHigher education institutions with research and teaching roles
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding teaching roles at different education levelsAcademic career progression and qualifications

In summary, a Political Science Instructor typically holds a bachelor's or master's degree and teaches at community colleges or technical schools, focusing on undergraduate education. A Political Science Professor usually has a Ph.D. and works at universities, engaging in both teaching and research. The main difference lies in educational requirements, work environment, and career level.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Political Science Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Political Science Instructor, you need a strong academic background in political science, often requiring at least a master's degree or Ph.D. in the field. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), digital research databases, and curriculum development tools is typically expected. Outstanding communication, critical thinking, and the ability to engage and inspire students are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure effective teaching, foster student understanding, and contribute to a stimulating academic environment.

What does a Political Science Instructor do?

A Political Science Instructor teaches students about government systems, political theories, international relations, and public policies. They design and deliver lectures, lead classroom discussions, and create assignments to help students understand complex political concepts. Instructors also assess student progress, provide feedback, and may conduct research or participate in academic conferences. Their goal is to foster critical thinking and a deeper understanding of political processes among their students.
What cities are hiring for Political Science Instructor jobs? Cities with the most Political Science Instructor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Political Science Instructor jobs? The most popular types of Political Science Instructor jobs are:
What states have the most Political Science Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Political Science Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Political Science Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Title: Political Science Instructor

Position Type: Instructor

College: Red Rocks Community College

Division: Academic Affairs

Department: RRCC Political Science

Campus: RRCC Lakewood Campus

Location: Lakewood

Who We Are:

Red Rocks Community College exemplifies extraordinary. We are dedicated to our Vision and Mission, which promote student achievement, staff empowerment, and community engagement. We live our values: Learning, Collaboration, Community, Belonging, and Empowerment.
RRCC seeks applicants who understand and have first-hand experience working with diverse populations, which may include but are not limited to, historically marginalized populations such as people of color, LGBTQ+ community members, veterans, first generation graduates, and people with disabilities.

Job Summary:

Red Rocks Community College seeks dynamic, dedicated, and student-centered individuals to serve as Part-Time Political Science Instructors. Reporting to the Political Science Department Chair, this role is responsible for delivering high-quality instruction in a variety of political science courses, which may include American Government, Introduction to Political Science, Current Political Issues, Comparative Politics and Government, International Relations, and related political science courses across multiple modalities; face-to-face, hybrid, and online. Teaching assignments may take place during daytime, evening, or weekend hours at either of the collegeโ€™s campuses or online.

The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong commitment to student learning, academic excellence, and equity while fostering an inclusive classroom environment that supports the diverse needs of our student population. Successful candidates will engage students in the study of political institutions, public policy, civic engagement, political behavior, international affairs, and contemporary political issues while helping students develop critical thinking, information literacy, and civic reasoning skills.

All final candidates must designate Colorado as their primary work location, including for online teaching assignments.ย  This posting is used to fill multiple vacancies. Compensation is based on credit hour/contact hour ratios and ranges from $1,177.73.00 to $1,294.58 per credit hour.
This posting will remain open on a continuous basis, and applicants will be selected as needed until the position is filled or the posting expires. Please note:
โ€ข Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.
โ€ข Completed applications will remain active for 12 months from the date of submission.
โ€ข There is no need to reapply during this 12-month period unless there are updates to your application materials.
โ€ข After the 12-month period, applicants are welcome to reapply if the position is still open.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities


โ€ข Demonstrated ability to work with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds.
โ€ข Demonstrated ability and willingness to teach students using traditional and alternative methods of instruction.
โ€ข Demonstrated ability to integrate technology into the classroom.
โ€ข Ability to work from campus (primarily our Lakewood campus with occasional hours at the Arvada campus).
โ€ข Ability to collaborate in diverse teams while demonstrating respect for differing perspectives and fostering a positive work environment.
โ€ข Effective communication, interpersonal, conflict resolution, organization, and time management skills.
โ€ข Technology proficiency and familiarity with learning management systems and online instructional tools.

Required Qualifications:

โ€ข Master's degree in Political Science OR a Master's degree with at least 18 graduate credit hours in Political Science from an accredited institution.
Tested experience may be used in lieu of the degree requirement on a case-by-case basis.
โ€ข Experience teaching and/or training in various subjects within the discipline.
โ€ข Demonstrated commitment to continuous professional growth through professional development, assessment, and reflective teaching practices.
Physical & Cognitive Demands
The following are some of the physical and cognitive demands commonly associated with this position.
โ€ข Occasionally moves, positions, and transports files and office materials weighing up to 10 lbs.
โ€ข This is largely a sedentary role. This position operates in an office environment and constantly uses a computer, and routinely uses standard office equipment including phones, copiers, etc.
โ€ข The person in this position constantly communicates with internal and external constituents and students. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
โ€ข Cognitive demands include comparing, copying, computing, compiling, analyzing, coordinating, synthesizing, negotiating, communicating, instructing, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

โ€ข Experience teaching Political Science at the college level.
โ€ข Experience teaching in face-to-face, hybrid, online, or other non-traditional learning environments.
โ€ข Demonstrated knowledge of American political institutions, political behavior, public pol-icy, comparative politics, international relations, civic engagement, and contemporary political issues.
โ€ข Experience teaching GT Pathways social science courses.
โ€ข Experience using D2L Brightspace or other learning management systems.
โ€ข Demonstrated commitment to working with and supporting students from diverse populations, which may include but are not limited to historically marginalized populations, people of color, LGBTQ+ community members, veterans, first-generation college students, adult learners, and individuals with disabilities.

Selection Process:

Candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications as related to the duties and responsibilities of the position. Candidates may redact any personally identifiable information on their materials including but are not limited to age, date of birth, and dates of attendance and date of graduation for educational institutions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application Instructions:ย 

Advertised Pay
The pay for this position is $1,177.73 to $1,294.58 per credit hour, commensurate with education and experience. This is a part-time, FLSA exempt position and may work up to 28 hours per week, depending on budget and need.
This position has been exempted from the State Classified System.


To Apply
All applicants must submit:
1. Resume
2. Detailed letter of interest (cover letter) addressing the job announcement.
3. Transcripts (Unofficial of graduate and post graduate work)
Candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications as related to the duties and responsibilities of the position. Candidates may redact any personally identifiable information on their materials including but are not limited to age, date of birth, and dates of attendance and date of graduation for educational institutions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Visit our Careers website to submit your application.
If you have questions regarding this position, please contact HR@rrcc.edu.

Additional Information/Benefits:

Reasonable Accommodation Statement
Red Rocks Community College provides reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process and/or during the course of employment, please contact Jennifer Matthews, Executive Director of Human Resources, at (303) 914-6298 or Jennifer.Matthews@rrcc.edu.