Job description

Mobile, A

Division: Humanities and Social Sciences

Position Summary: Spring Hill College invites applications for a full-time faculty position in Criminology at the rank of Instructor or Assistant Professor (tenure-track), beginning Fall 2026. This is an exciting opportunity for a broadly trained scholar to contribute to a growing concentration in criminology, which is offered within our Sociology major, and to help shape the future of the program, including the planned development of a new major.

Essential Functions:

• Teach undergraduate courses in criminology and/or sociology, including the development of new course offerings.
• Collaborate with colleagues to design and potentially launch a BA or BS degree in Criminology or Justice Studies.
• Engage in curriculum development consistent with a liberal arts framework.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate students.
• Contribute to service at the program, division, and college levels.
• Maintain an active program of scholarly development.
• Support student opportunities for research, internships, and community engagement.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong foundational training in Criminology, Criminal Justice, or related fields.
• Understanding of liberal arts education and curriculum design within such a context.
• Familiarity with current trends and issues in justice studies and criminology.
• Ability to design innovative and engaging course materials.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Capacity to foster inclusive learning environments.
• Commitment to teaching excellence and student success.
• Ability to teach broadly across the disciplines of sociology and criminology.
• Willingness to collaborate across disciplines and contribute to program development.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Terminal degree (Ph.D.) in Sociology, Criminology, Criminal Justice, Justice Studies, or closely related fields by time of appointment (ABD candidates near defense will be considered).
• Evidence of successful teaching or strong potential for effective instruction at the undergraduate level.
• Familiarity with or sincere interest in learning about the mission of Spring Hill College and the meaning of a Jesuit education, thus enabling the employee to support and strengthen the Jesuit, Catholic mission of Spring Hill College.
• Proven ability to support and contribute to a culture of inclusion, equity, and respect for diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and traditions in alignment with SHC’s mission.

Notes: A J.D. alone is not sufficient for tenure-track appointment. Candidates holding tenure at another institution may be considered for appointment at the Associate Professor level.

Position Details:

• Rank: Instructor or Assistant Professor (tenure-track), depending on qualifications
• Start Date: Fall 2026
• Teaching Load: 4/4 (four courses per semester) is standard with course releases available for administrative responsibilities

How to apply

Screening begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. To apply, send a statement of interest—including interest in actively supporting Spring Hill College’s mission—current vitae, transcripts (initial submission may be unofficial copies), and a list of three references to Kristyanne Crawford at [email protected]. Please include “Criminology Search” in the subject line. Letters of recommendation will be requested later in the search process, with the candidate’s consent.

About Spring Hill College:

Founded in 1830 and located in Mobile, Alabama, Spring Hill College is a private, Jesuit, student-centered, liberal arts institution. Rooted in Jesuit Catholic heritage, Spring Hill College trains students to become responsible leaders in service to others. Spring Hill College is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values inclusion, respect, and the inherent dignity of every person, consistent with our Catholic, Jesuit mission.