MPA Program Coordinator & Instructor at Columbia College – Columbia, Missouri

MPA Program Coordinator & Instructor (Part-Time, 12-Month Instructor)
Department: Social & Behavioral Sciences
Location: Columbia, MO or Remote
Type: Part-Time Instructor, 12-Month
Proposed Start Date: May 2026
Pay: $34,666-$41,333

Job Summary:

The Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences in the School of Arts & Sciences at Columbia College invites applications for an MPA Program Coordinator (Part-Time, 12-Month Instructor) to support the launch of a fully online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program beginning Fall 2026. This role offers an exciting leadership opportunity for a faculty member or senior practitioner motivated by building programs, shaping curriculum, and advancing graduate education in public service.

Beginning in May 2026, the Program Coordinator will play a foundational role in preparing for the program's inaugural launch. This 12-month appointment emphasizes program leadership, coordination, and administration, with a lighter teaching load of 9 credit hours annually. The Coordinator will work closely with the Department Chair and faculty colleagues to establish program systems, support curriculum implementation, mentor adjunct faculty, and create a strong, student-centered online learning experience.

The MPA program prepares students for ethical and effective leadership in public, nonprofit, and civic organizations. The Program Coordinator will help shape the program's identity and infrastructure by maintaining curriculum relevance, using assessment to support continuous improvement, and fostering a connected and supportive online learning environment. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence systems, processes, and program culture from the ground up.

Columbia College is known for its student-centered approach, small class sizes, and commitment to accessible, high-quality education. The College values collaboration, professional expertise, cultural humility, and faculty leadership that advances both academic excellence and public service. Faculty and program leaders are encouraged to engage in recruitment, student support, curriculum development, and cross-program collaboration as part of a collegial and mission-driven academic community.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Public Administration or a closely related field (e.g., public policy, nonprofit management, public affairs).
• Relevant professional experience in public, nonprofit, or civic organizations, or a combination of professional and graduate‑level teaching experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate program‑level work across an academic year.
• Strong communication, organizational, and collaborative skills.
• Commitment to public service values, ethical leadership, and student success.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in Public Administration or a closely related field.
• Experience with program coordination, curriculum development, assessment, or academic administration.
• Experience teaching or supporting teaching in online or hybrid graduate programs.
• Experience working with adjunct faculty and supporting instructional quality.
• Interest in helping launch and shape a new graduate program, including building systems and program culture.