Lecturer, American Government, Department of Government

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy Government Department invites applications for a Lecturer in American Government. The desired start date is August 10, 2026.

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is a highly selective federal military college that provides a rigorous undergraduate program and is committed to building a talented faculty of teacher-scholars who collaborate to provide a multi-disciplinary and hands-on approach to learning and leadership development. We encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for consideration. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Visit www.uscga.edu for more information.

This will be an appointment in the excepted service to a full-time position on the academic faculty for a period not to exceed August 21, 2027. Non-competitive extensions past the initial contract period may be made in accordance with government instructions if a vacancy exists. The first two years of appointment to federal service is a trial period. This position is not eligible for telework and not eligible for remote work. All teaching is done in person. Relocation expenses are not authorized. Travel is not required.

Salary offers may be made outside of the listed range for exceptional candidates.

The successful candidate will teach four sections of the 3-credit introductory American Government course per semester. Over the summer the candidate will assist with teaching, curriculum development, program assessment, and other duties as assigned. The position is not eligible for telework or remote work.

1. Master’s in Political Science, Government, or Public Policy. ABD candidates without a master’s degree are eligible to apply and must include a letter in the application from the applicant’s dissertation advisor attesting that the candidate has successfully passed qualifying/comprehensive examinations and will have defended a dissertation prospectus before July 28, 2026.
2. College-level teaching or teaching assistance experience.

1. Experience teaching an introductory American Government course.
2. Experience teaching upper-level courses in American politics, government, and/or public policy.
3. The ability to operate in a multi-section, multi-instructor course, under direction of a Course Coordinator.
4. The ability to teach and mentor students from a variety of preparation levels.
5. An affinity for active learning and evidence-based classroom teaching methodologies.
6. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
7. Demonstrable experience consistent with full commitment to the Coast Guard’s core values.

Please submit the following:

1. Curriculum vitae (Resume). Please submit this file using the file name “Last Name_CV.”
2. A Letter of Application. Please submit this file using the file name “Last Name_Letter.
   
   1. providing a narrative description of how you meet the minimum degree and specialized experience qualifications, as well as the additional qualifications criteria specified in this vacancy announcement (note: qualifications will not be determined by information provided in this letter; rather, the CV must reflect the qualifications, and this letter provides a narrative description); and
   2. listing names, mailing addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references.
3. Personal statement on teaching and mentorship, a maximum of two double-spaced pages. Please submit this file using the file name “Last Name_Teaching Statement.”
4. Finalists for the position will be required to provide proof of Education Requirement (Unofficial Transcripts). You may submit this now with your application, or, when directed by the search committee chair. If included with the application, please submit this file using the file name “Last Name_Transcripts.”
   
   1. Finalists will be required to provide evidence of your education by submitting legible copies of your unofficial degree transcripts from accredited colleges/universities. The transcript copies must reflect both your name and the college/university name and/or logo and must include the degree and date conferred. If tentatively selected for this position, you must submit official transcripts to the Human Resources office prior to receiving a firm offer of employment. Foreign education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet federal qualification requirements if you can show that your foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence, e.g., an evaluation statement, with your application. Additional information is available on the Department of State site under evaluation of foreign degrees for a U.S. Government application, linked here: https://www.state.gov/family-liaison-office/family-member-employment/family-member-employment-in-the-d-c-area/evaluation-of-foreign-degrees/
5. Applicants who are ABD Ph.D. candidates not holding a Master’s degree must include a letter in the application from the applicant’s dissertation advisor attesting that the candidate has successfully passed qualifying/comprehensive examinations and will have defended a dissertation prospectus before July 28, 2026. ABD Ph.D. candidates holding a Master’s degree in the requested discipline do not need to supply letters attesting to their Ph.D. status. Please submit this file using the file name “Last Name_ABD.”

Finalists for the position will be required to submit documentation verifying the minimum requirements, including official transcripts. Applicants do not need to provide these by the priority cut-off date but should ensure they are ready to supply them when asked. Official transcripts are required to be submitted prior to receiving a firm offer of employment.

Please attach all documents and email them to: CGA-EDU-SMB-FacultyApplications@uscga.edu

Priority consideration will be given to applications submitted in their entirety by 11:59 PM ET on the first cut-off date of the announcement.

Inquiries: Ms. Tammie Kaman (School Business Manager)
CGA-EDU-SMB-FacultyApplications@uscga.edu

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management must authorize employment offers for former or current Political Appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information.

This position is open to U.S. citizens and non-citizens. Non-citizens must provide evidence that they are eligible for appointment to this position on the date they submitted their application and that they will remain eligible to meet all conditions of the appointment. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy cannot sponsor visas. The Department of Homeland Security uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities at E-Verify.

The Coast Guard Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Department of Homeland Security offers an attractive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Relocation expenses, if permitted, will be paid in accordance with governing regulations. All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit.

If you are selected for this position, a determination of your suitability for Federal employment will be made. All selectees are subject to an investigation as a condition of placement into this position, which may include a credit check. The tentative selectee will be required to complete questions contained on the Declaration for Federal Employment, OF-306 at the time a tentative job offer is made.  At the time of appointment, the selectee will be required to update the OF-306. Certain responses on the form could result in disqualification for appointment based on suitability determinations.

If you need reasonable accommodation for the application and hiring process, please call 860-444-8508. Decisions about accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis. For more information, please visit DHS Program of Reasonable Accommodation.

Veterans and active duty members may seek veterans’ preference. Veterans’ preference will not be granted if the appropriate documentation is not submitted with your application.

1. Veterans claiming 5-point veterans’ preference must submit legible Member 4 Copy DD214(s) indicating Character of Service.
2. 30% Disabled Veterans must submit their Member 4 Copy DD-214(s), which includes Character of Service, a fully completed SF-15, and VA Disability Letter with percentage of disability OR documentation of disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces which reflects a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more.
3. Other 10-point Preference Eligibles must submit applicable Member 4 Copy DD-214(s), which includes Character of Service, a fully completed SF-15, and all required documentation described on the back of the SF-15 which proves that you are entitled to such preference.
4. If you are a current active-duty military member who does not have a DD214 and are claiming preference under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces indicating that you will be discharged or released under honorable conditions from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification document. Certifications must be on letterhead from the appropriate military branch and include the following information: military dates of service and expected discharge or release date, character of service, military rank, type of discharge and date when terminal leave will begin. Certifications must be signed by, or by direction of military members’ military personnel offices, unit commanders or higher headquarters.

You will receive an acknowledgement of the receipt of your application.  If you do not receive such confirmation, do not assume your application was received. All applicants will receive notification regarding selection or non-selection.