Title: Special Purpose Faculty position - Economics

Application Review Date: 2/27/2026

Campus Location: Radford City - Main Campus

Work Authorization: Radford University employs individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States. Applicants requiring new H-1B visa sponsorship will not be considered.

Job Description

The Department of Economics in the Davis College of Business and Economics at Radford University invites applications for a full-time Special Purpose Faculty position beginning August 2026.

We are seeking a dynamic educator who is passionate about teaching and mentoring first-year business/economics students. Responsibilities include teaching courses in the College’s first-year experience program as well as additional courses in the area of international business/economics as needed. The standard teaching load is 4 courses per semester (8 courses per year). As part of these courses, the successful candidate will help students understand the functions of business, the role of business in society, globalization and international commerce, and the power of economic decision-making to transform lives. The position also involves supporting initiatives that help students transition into university life, explore majors and careers, and build a strong foundation for success in business and economics. In addition, the successful candidate will contribute to departmental and college service, provide student advising, and maintain an active profile in scholarship or professional practice.

Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching—both face-to-face and online—and have experience with applied learning, experiential education, high-impact practices, and innovative teaching methods. The successful candidate may be expected to complete training designed to support excellence in first-year teaching.

This appointment is contingent on final approval from the Provost’s Office and may be renewed subject to budgetary approval.

Required Qualifications

- A Master’s degree or PhD in Economics, Business, or related field.
- Evidence of maintaining scholarly or professional activities.
- Teaching experience in higher education.

Preferred Qualifications:

- 18+ credit hours of graduate-level coursework in Economics, International Business, or Personal Finance.
- Experience with using high-impact teaching practices, online teaching, and experiential/applied learning methods.
- Experience with first-year programming, retention/recruitment initiatives, major/career advising, and/or advising student groups.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must submit the following:
- A cover letter describing teaching experiences, preferred teaching methods, and a vision for an effective first-year course that introduces students to business and economics (2 pg limit).
- A curriculum vitae.
- Teaching evaluations for up to 3 courses with student comments (as the instructor of record).
- Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts will be requested from final candidates only).
- Names and contact information for 3 references (letters of reference will be requested for final candidates only).

Employment Conditions: Radford University is a comprehensive public university of over 7,800 students that has received national recognition for many of its undergraduate and graduate academic programs, as well as its sustainability initiatives. Radford University serves the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation through a wide range of academic, cultural, human service and research programs. Well known for its strong faculty/student bonds, innovative use of technology in the learning environment and vibrant student life on a beautiful 211-acre American classical campus, Radford University offers students many opportunities to get involved and succeed in and out of the classroom. The University offers 75 bachelor's degree programs in 47 disciplines and six certificates at the undergraduate level; 27 master's programs in 23 disciplines and five doctoral programs at the graduate level; and 21 post-baccalaureate certificates and one post-master's certificate. A Division I member of the NCAA and Big South Conference, Radford University competes in 16 men's and women's varsity athletics. With over 200 clubs and organizations, Radford University offers many opportunities for student engagement, leadership development and community service. In addition to robust academic offerings and engaging student experiences on the main campus located in Radford, Virginia, Radford University also offers a clinical-based educational experience for more than 1,000 students living and learning in Roanoke, Virginia as part of Radford University Carilion, a public-private partnership focused on the cutting-edge delivery of health sciences programming, outreach and service.

Is this position Grant Funded: No

Is this position restricted: No

Is this position eligible for telework: No

Hours Per Week: 

Months per Year: 9

Statement of Economic Interest Required: No

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Classification: Teaching & Research Faculty

Normal Work Schedule: 

Employee Classification: Instructor / Assistant Professor

Department: Economics, Dept of

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Department Contact Name: Dan Farhat

Department Contact Phone: 5408315191

Department Contact Email: dfarhat@radford.edu

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Radford University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at Radford.edu/police. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the Radford University Police Department located at 810 East Main Street PO Box 6883, Radford, VA, 24142.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process please contact the hiring department.

Criminal Background Check Statement

Radford University is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees, students, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of our hiring and screening process, we conduct criminal background checks in compliance with Virginia Code § 19.2-389 and other applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal background check.