INTRODUCTION

The University of Connecticut School of Social Work invites applications for the Director of the Nancy A. Humphreys Institute for Political Social Work. This is a 10-month, non-tenure-track, open-rank, faculty-in-residence position. The UConn School of Social Work seeks highly motivated and community-engaged candidates who are committed to political social work and social work education. The Director will develop a strategic vision for the Institute’s advancement, manage its administration, and teach in the school’s MSW program.

The Nancy A, Humphreys Institute for Political Social Work was founded at the UConn School of Social Work in 1995 by former Professor and Dean, Dr. Nancy A. Humphreys. The Institute’s mission is to increase the political participation and power of social workers and the communities they serve. The Institute supports education and research on political social work. Its signature programs include the Campaign School, a nationally recognized workshop that prepares MSW students and social work professionals to lead in electoral campaigns as volunteers, staff, and candidates, and the Voting is Social Work campaign, which seeks to integrate nonpartisan voter engagement into social work education and practice. The Institute collaborates with UConn departments, peer academic institutions, nonprofits, professional associations, and coalitions to support civic engagement, voting rights and access, and voter education statewide and nationally. The UConn School of Social Work and the Humphreys Institute have had a significant impact on political social work. Former interns and Campaign School alumni serve in top leadership and staff positions for U.S. Senators and other members of Congress, as legislative leaders in the Connecticut’s General Assembly, in state agencies nationwide, and as policy directors and lobbyists for non-profit and public organizations.

The University of Connecticut School of Social Work is a national leader in graduate social work education with a tradition of educating and serving diverse communities. We are ranked in the top 11% of schools of social work nationally (#28 per US News and World Report) and number one in Connecticut. The school’s research doctorate is the only public social work Ph.D. program in the region. Our externally funded portfolio exceeds $66 million dollars. Areas of distinction include child welfare and child well-being; behavioral health, trauma, and violence prevention and reduction; international social work and human rights; immigrant and refugee studies; social and health disparities; diversity and cultural competence; and policy analysis, advocacy, and community organizing. The school is also home to the Innovations Institute, a nationally recognized interdisciplinary implementation and translational research center. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive faculty environment and especially welcome applicants from historically underrepresented groups. Our faculty is collegial and supportive.

The UConn School of Social Work is located on the vibrant downtown Hartford regional campus. This neighborhood campus includes other UConn graduate and undergraduate academic programs and research centers, cultural institutions, and state and city government offices. This situates us ideally for carrying out our central academic mission and provides enhanced opportunities for building upon our existing community collaborations and expanding to new ones within a multicultural capital city.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become highly selective.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Advance a strategic vision for the Nancy A, Humphreys Institute for Political Social Work and manage its activities; Seek and acquire external funding for Institute activities; Teach and contribute to curriculum development in the MSW program; Advise and mentor students. Participate in University, School, professional, local, and national level service on behalf of the Institute and political social work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master’s degree in social work.
2. Record of excellence in teaching and mentoring.
3. Administrative and/or organizational leadership experience.
4. Experience in civic engagement and/or electoral politics.
5. Track record of external funding.
6. Demonstrated commitment to social work values, including social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Doctoral degree in social work or a related discipline.
2. Social work practice experience.
3. Record of peer-reviewed publications.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 10-month, faculty-in-residence, non-tenure-track position at the Storrs campus with an anticipated start date of August 23, 2025. Faculty may also be asked to teach at one of UConn’s regional campuses as part of their ordinary workload. Initial salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #498667 to upload:

• Current curriculum vitae.
• Cover letter that comments on the relevant minimum and preferred qualifications.
• Statement that describes the candidate's experience in political social work.
• Diversity statement that describes previous and potential contributions to promoting diversity and anti-oppressive social work practice.
• Teaching Statement that describes your teaching philosophy, teaching experience, commitment to effective learning, concepts for new course development.
• At least two writing samples (peer reviewed and/or grey literature)
• Names and contact information of three (3) references.

Applicants can address questions by email to:

Scott Harding, PhD, Search Committee Chair, scott.harding@uconn.edu

References will not be contacted without the prior permission of the candidate. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject the budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.