Position Description

Duke University - Adjunct Professor of Public Policy (multiple positions)

The Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University invites experienced practitioners to apply for adjunct teaching positions in the school’s new executive Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program. This program accepts applications on a rolling basis and is currently reviewing applications for the 2026-27 academic year (Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and Spring 2027).  

The Duke MPA is a hybrid, accelerated program for mid-career professionals working in government and politics, the non-profit and philanthropic sectors, or private-sector roles such as consulting and government relations, and for professionals in other sectors seeking to make a mid-career transition into public affairs. Its curriculum combines a core emphasis on policy analysis and data analysis with a concentration in leadership, management, and ethics, offering applied, skills-based training to established or emerging public affairs leaders. Every course in the program uses a customized hybrid format that includes an initial in-person residency, a weekly virtual class meeting, and additional virtual activities and assignments.

Adjunct professors are an essential part of the MPA program, contributing valuable practical expertise to complement the strengths of our full-time faculty and respond to the needs and interests of our mid-career students. All MPA faculty are expected to:

-          Develop and design their course(s) for delivery in the program’s hybrid format, with guidance and support from MPA program leadership and Sanford’s Digital Learning staff;

-          Attend and provide instruction during the in-person residency at the beginning of the semester(s) in which they are teaching, which will last five days and will occur either on Duke’s main campus or in its Washington, DC facility;

-          Lead a virtual class meeting once per week for the remainder of the semester(s), which will last 75 minutes and will occur on a weekday evening;

-          Create a weekly module of course materials and activities to be completed by students on their own time, using Duke’s Canvas learning management platform;

-          Develop, administer, and evaluate all course assignments, projects, exams, quizzes, and other coursework;

-          Hold weekly virtual office hours and otherwise make themselves available for student advising, mentorship, and networking.

Successful candidates will have significant experience as practitioners of public policy, public affairs, or public administration, with a preference for candidates who have held executive leadership roles in government, non-profit or philanthropic organizations, or the private sector. A terminal degree (Ph.D. or J.D.), or a master’s degree plus 15+ years of relevant practitioner experience, is required. Previous instructional experience at an accredited institution of higher education, or comparable experience leading educational programs in a professional setting (e.g., trainings or simulations), is strongly preferred. A record of scholarship in academic and/or mainstream publications is welcome but not expected.

Adjunct professors will receive an initial nine-month appointment, which may be renewed annually pending a performance evaluation. Compensation is competitive for adjunct positions and includes a base teaching stipend, a course development supplement for each new course taught, and reimbursement of travel and lodging expenses for in-person residencies. Adjunct professors may maintain their other professional engagements while teaching and may continue to reside in any state or territory with which Duke has an employment agreement.*

Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, a resume or curriculum vitae, and names and contact information for three professional references. Letters of application should explain how your professional and/or academic experiences relate to the goals and mission of the Sanford School and the MPA program, briefly describe one or more courses you are interested in teaching, and specify the semesters (Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and/or Spring 2027) in which you are available to teach.

Founded in 1971 by Terry Sanford—President of Duke, former Governor of North Carolina, and later a U.S. Senator—the Sanford School of Public Policy is one of the oldest, largest, and most respected public policy schools in the United States. Today, Sanford is home to one of the university’s largest undergraduate majors, five professional master’s degree programs, and a Ph.D. program. Its full-time faculty of nearly 70 is widely recognized for their contributions to public policy, political science, economics, history, sociology, psychology, law, philosophy, and other disciplines, and for their distinguished record of policy engagement and public service.

The Sanford School’s mission is to improve lives by researching the most pressing public policy issues and preparing students for lives of leadership, civic engagement, and public service. To advance this mission of academic excellence, we are committed to building and maintaining an environment in which individuals and groups with multiple and varied experiences, perspectives, and interests can work collaboratively toward common goals. Values of human dignity, civil discourse, evidence-informed dialogue, and respect for social and political differences are essential to our identity, our cultural norms, and our operations as a school.  We seek candidates for employment who share our commitment to honoring these core values.

Duke University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

*Duke currently has employment agreements with Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, DC.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.