Director, School of Criminology, Society, and Politics

Position Information

The University of New England (UNE) is seeking dynamic and visionary candidates for the role of inaugural Director of the School of Criminology, Society, and Politics (SCSP) within the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). SCSP is currently home to majors in Applied Social and Cultural Studies, Criminology, Global Studies, Political Science, and Sociology, as well as minors in Anthropology, Global Studies, Health, Law and Policy, Health, Medicine, and Society, Political Science, and Sociology. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for a forward-thinking leader to redefine the School’s future through strategic visioning and innovative program development, including promoting interdisciplinary opportunities. The Director will be instrumental in crafting and implementing innovative curricula, enhancing the diversity and reach of academic programs, and driving growth in student enrollment. A top priority will be to ensure that our programs are not only aligned with current workforce demands but also at the forefront of industry trends, especially in the rapidly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In addition to program development, the Director will lead efforts to recruit and mentor outstanding faculty, cultivate a collaborative and inclusive academic culture, and champion faculty excellence in teaching, research, and service. This role offers a comprehensive 12-month administrative appointment paired with a 9-month tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor. The successful candidate should start at UNE no later than July 2026.

Director, School of Criminology, Society, and Politics Search Profile

Review of applications will occur on a rolling basis and will begin on March 9 and continue until the position is filled. To apply for this position, please submit the following materials:

The University of New England’s School of Criminology, Society, and Politics is a dynamic and collaborative academic community preparing students for personal and career success. SCSP serves as a hub for innovation and dialogue, shaping graduates who are ready to make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond. Established through a significant transformation in 2025, the School prizes disciplinary and interdisciplinary thinking, experiential and applied learning, and robust, ongoing mentoring of students. In addition to housing five majors and six minors, the School is a major contributor to the recently revised Nor’easter Core Curriculum.

SCSP is home to 10 full-time faculty with active, impactful, and sustained research on a range of topics, including critical criminology, judicial politics, genocide, human trafficking, the politics of food, and more. The School is dedicated to cultivating informed, engaged, and ethical citizens equipped with durable skills that enable graduates to pursue professional opportunities of their choosing upon graduation. SCSP is home to an award-winning faculty that regularly mentor students outside of the classroom and involves them in high-impact practices, including research. Across the University, 46% of UNE undergraduates work with faculty on research projects, more than double the national average.

CAS is the largest and most comprehensive academic unit in the University, exemplifying UNE’s commitment to providing a transformative education. Located in Biddeford, the College consists of eight schools and two centers: the School of Arts and Humanities, the School of Biological Sciences, the School of Criminology, Society, and Politics, the School of Mathematics and Data Science, the School of Education, the School of Marine and Environmental Programs, the School of Molecular and Physical Sciences, the School of Psychology and Brain Sciences as well as the Girard Marine Science Center and the Center for Global Humanities. With over 33 majors, 35 minors, and two master’s programs spanning the humanities, arts, education, natural sciences, social sciences, and interdisci