Shaping Future Leaders: Faculty Positions at the United States Air Force Academy
The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) is not just a military institution; it is a world-class undergraduate university. Located in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, the Academy is currently seeking dedicated educators to join the School of Integrated General Studies. This is a unique opportunity for academics to influence the civic and moral development of the next generation of Air Force and Space Force officers.
Job Responsibilities
Faculty members at the USAFA are primarily focused on teaching excellence. Depending on your rank, responsibilities include:
- Instructors: Delivering core undergraduate instruction and evaluating student performance.
- Assistant/Associate Professors: Taking on course leadership, contributing to curriculum development, and mentoring junior faculty.
- Professors: Providing senior academic leadership and shaping institution-wide initiatives.
Comparison of Roles
| Rank | Key Focus | Primary Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Instructor | Instructional Delivery | Teaching core courses |
| Assistant Prof | Curriculum Development | Course planning & improvement |
| Associate Prof | Institutional Leadership | Leading multi-section courses |
| Professor | Strategic Impact | Senior curriculum design & mentoring |
Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate disciplinary expertise along with intellectual breadth. You should be comfortable teaching beyond a narrow specialization and engaging with primary texts. A Master’s or Terminal degree is required, along with proven ability to contribute to an integrated, general-education setting.
Salary Overview
The compensation for these positions is competitive, ranging from $85,423 to $168,838 annually, depending on experience, academic rank, and disciplinary focus. Salary is determined by an assessment of the candidate's professional background and national standards for their specific field.
Benefits
- Federal retirement and health insurance options.
- Opportunities to contribute to a prestigious national mission.
- Professional development resources.
- Potential relocation incentives for qualified candidates.
Application Tips
- Tailor your CV: Ensure it clearly highlights undergraduate teaching effectiveness.
- Check the Format: Use the 'Other Documents' section for your CV to ensure it remains readable and complete.
- Stay Compliant: Do not include photographs or personal information (like social security numbers) in your application package.
- Proofread: Ensure all employment history includes clear dates and hours worked.
If you are an educator seeking a meaningful career that combines rigorous academic pursuit with institutional service, the U.S. Air Force Academy offers an unparalleled environment. Apply today to begin your journey in shaping the leaders of our nation.
Why This Instructor/Assistant/Associate/Professor - Civics Humanities Arts And Social Sciences Job Matters
Shape the leaders of tomorrow by joining the prestigious faculty at the United States Air Force Academy, where your expertise in the humanities and social sciences will directly influence the development of future Air Force and Space Force officers.
Instructor/Assistant/Associate/Professor - Civics Humanities Arts And Social Sciences Job Overview
The United States Air Force Academy is seeking dynamic, dedicated educators to join the School of Integrated General Studies. This faculty role is centered on teaching excellence within a rigorous, common curriculum. You will play a pivotal role in guiding cadets through the civic, human, and moral dimensions of leadership, helping them synthesize knowledge across history, philosophy, political science, and the arts to become reflective citizens and capable warfighters.
Requirements for Instructor/Assistant/Associate/Professor - Civics Humanities Arts And Social Sciences
- Masters or Terminal degree in a relevant field such as history, political science, philosophy, literature, or related social sciences/humanities.
- Proven expertise in a primary discipline combined with broad intellectual versatility.
- Ability to teach within a common, integrated general education curriculum.
- Strong proficiency in seminar-based and discussion-based undergraduate instruction.
- Capacity to link academic subject matter to leadership, warfighting, and the profession of arms.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working within course teams and faculty governance structures.
Preferred Qualifications for Instructor/Assistant/Associate/Professor - Civics Humanities Arts And Social Sciences
- Demonstrated excellence in general education or interdisciplinary teaching settings.
- Experience with 'Great Books' or primary-text focused educational frameworks.
- Background in course leadership, curriculum design, and assessment.
- Evidence of scholarly engagement in fields like military education, public service, or national security.
- Mentorship experience, particularly in assisting junior faculty or advising students.
- Record of leadership in academic or institutional programs.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure based on experience and rank
- ✓Access to a comprehensive federal health and retirement benefits package
- ✓Opportunity for professional development and institutional service
- ✓Potential for one-time recruitment or relocation incentives if authorized
- ✓Supportive and collaborative academic environment
- ✓Telework eligibility
💡 How to Apply Instructor/Assistant/Associate/Professor - Civics Humanities Arts And Social Sciences Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Instructor/Assistant/Associate/Professor - Civics Humanities Arts And Social Sciences Job
- Create or log into your account on the official USAJOBS platform.
- Prepare a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) and a cover letter addressing the specified qualifications.
- Ensure your CV explicitly lists dates of employment and hours worked per week.
- Upload your CV using the 'Other Documents' section to bypass standard resume length restrictions.
- Complete the application questionnaire within the platform.
- Submit your application and verify its receipt before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Your cover letter should specifically highlight how your teaching background aligns with an integrated, core-curriculum model.
- Include contact details for three professional references in your application materials.
- Ensure your CV includes specific evidence of teaching excellence rather than just a list of publications.
- Verify that your uploaded documents do not contain any photographs to avoid automatic disqualification.
- Check the status of your application periodically through the USAJOBS portal after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a terminal degree required for all positions?
The position requires at least a Master's or a Terminal degree in an appropriate field. Applicants will be evaluated on the quality of their credentials relative to the academic rank sought.
Can I email my application materials directly to the Department Head?
No. All application materials must be submitted through the official USAJOBS platform. Emails sent to the contact address will not be processed as official applications.
How does the faculty ranking work?
Positions are classified from Instructor (AD-21) to Professor (AD-24). Rank is determined based on your experience, academic accomplishments, and potential for leadership within the curriculum.
What is the focus of the CHASS curriculum?
It focuses on Western civilization, the American constitutional order, and the ethical/historical questions relevant to officership.
Is relocation assistance available?
It may be available; check with the hiring team upon potential selection.
Job from U.S. Air Force Academy
The USAFA is dedicated to educating, training, and inspiring men and women to become leaders of character. With a student body of approximately 4,000 cadets from every state, the Academy fosters an environment where military and civilian educators work side-by-side. The School of Integrated General Studies provides the foundational curriculum for all cadets, focusing on the intersection of civics, humanities, arts, and social sciences (CHASS).