Greater Chicago Midwest HERC

Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies

Overview:  Illinois Wesleyan University invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies (Teaching Track). The start date for this position is August 15, 2026.

About the Teaching Track:  The teaching track focuses on developing and delivering innovative curricula as well as contributing to the success of students, the department, and the university. It is a renewable appointment built on consecutive six-year contracts. Typically initial appointments are at the rank of Assistant Professor, with the possibility of promotion to the ranks of Associate Professor and Professor. While not eligible for tenure, appointments on the teaching track are designed to support long-term engagement and professional growth. Teaching track faculty are eligible for sabbatical following the successful renewal of the initial 6-year contract and every seven years thereafter. Additional benefits for the position include:

• three course releases to be taken in the first six years of appointment
• the possibility of modest start-up funds
• information about internal grant opportunities and external grant development support, which are available online: Faculty Development

About IWU:  Founded in 1850, Illinois Wesleyan University is a nationally ranked, small, private undergraduate liberal arts university with highly selective admission criteria and a tradition of teaching excellence emphasizing the integration of the liberal arts and professional education. We are located in Bloomington, IL, a metro area of 190,000 people, which is about a two or three hour drive from Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. We are strongly committed to fostering an environment that values varied perspectives and backgrounds.

Responsibilities:  The successful candidate will fulfill the responsibilities listed below, contribute to faculty governance through campus committee service and engage with appropriate professional development. Professional development funding is available, as is mentoring both within and outside of the department.

• 8-course teaching load per year, typically

• Academic advising in the discipline
• Professional achievement and activity: Teaching track faculty are expected to maintain currency in the profession and pedagogy. While scholarly or artistic achievement is not mandatory, it may help with promotion. 
• Departmental and University service

Qualifications:  The successful candidate should have a Masters (required) or Ph.D. (preferred) degree in environmental policy, international studies, urban studies/policy, sustainability, or a closely related field and a strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate education. Candidates with experience in GIS will be given additional consideration, but this is not a requirement for a successful application. Preference will be given to candidates with prior teaching experience at the university level.  

Application Information:  Please submit the following: 

• a cover letter addressing qualifications; 
• a curriculum vitae; 
• a statement regarding teaching philosophy; 
• a statement that:
  • addresses how your philosophy and practice have contributed to fostering an environment that values varied perspectives and backgrounds and 
  • notes how you would collaborate at IWU to embrace a wide range of experiences and viewpoints.
• the names and contact information for three professional references
• and unofficial copies of all academic transcripts

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled. 

Applications can be directed to: Amy Aldeman, Administrative Specialist, aaldeman@iwu.edu

Questions may be directed to: W. Aaron Wilson, Director, Environmental Studies Program, wshoults@iwu.edu

Illinois Wesleyan University may offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Nine-month appointment
• Salary Range: $55K-60K, and based on experience
• The final candidate will pass a pre-employment background investigation.   
• An overview of IWU benefits can be found here. 

Illinois Wesleyan University is committed to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a community that values a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds among our outstanding faculty, staff, and students. We seek candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to contributing to and enhancing our community in these areas. Illinois Wesleyan University is an EEO Employer. Illinois Wesleyan University’s sexual misconduct policy may be accessed at www.iwu.edu/human-resources/SexualMisconductPolicy.html.

About Illinois Wesleyan University

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