National Criminal Justice Command College Instructor (Faculty Wage)

About the position The National Criminal Justice Command College at the University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies' Center for Public Safety and Justice (CPSJ) is an executive education program designed to prepare senior public safety leaders to navigate the complex operational, organizational, and community challenges facing modern criminal justice agencies. The program brings together command-level leaders from law enforcement and other public safety disciplines to participate in a structured, cohort-based learning experience that combines academic instruction, practitioner expertise, and peer collaboration. Participants engage with faculty from the University of Virginia as well as nationally recognized practitioners, researchers, and policy leaders. The Command College bridges the gap between academic research and operational practice. Participants examine contemporary issues in public safety leadership including organizational strategy, constitutional governance, community trust, technology and innovation, evidence-based policing, and leadership in complex public sector environments. Through facilitated discussions, applied assignments, and capstone projects, participants translate research and best practices into practical strategies that can be implemented within their agencies. The program emphasizes peer learning and cross-jurisdiction collaboration, bringing together leaders from local, state, and federal agencies to share experiences and develop solutions to shared challenges. This collaborative structure enables participants to learn from diverse operational contexts while building professional networks that extend beyond the duration of the program. Delivered through a combination of in-person and virtual sessions, the Command College provides an intensive executive education experience while allowing participants to remain actively engaged in their professional roles. The curriculum integrates academic rigor with practical application, reflecting the University of Virginia’s commitment to advancing public service leadership through education. Each Command College cohort consists of ten instructional sessions. Some cohorts may be delivered fully in person, while others may be structured as a hybrid model combining in-person and virtual sessions. The Center for Public Safety and Justice (CPSJ) at the University of Virginia seeks experienced professionals to serve as Adjunct Faculty supporting the delivery of executive education sessions for senior public safety leaders within the National Criminal Justice Command College. We are recruiting for multiple positions and in multiple locations. Specifically in Richmond, VA/Charlottesville, VA, Central Maryland, Central Pennsylvania or individuals who could support online facilitation with occasional residencies throughout the US. Adjunct Faculty bring subject-matter expertise and leadership experience to specific sessions within the Command College curriculum. In this role, faculty deliver executive-level instruction and guide discussions that connect academic frameworks with real-world public safety leadership challenges. Adjunct Faculty serve as instructors and subject matter experts, providing insight into areas such as leadership, constitutional governance, organizational strategy, community trust, technology and innovation, evidence-based policing, and leadership in complex public sector environments. Faculty help participants critically examine leadership practices, organizational culture, and decision-making approaches within modern criminal justice organizations. Through instruction, facilitated dialogue, and applied exercises, Adjunct Faculty encourage participants to translate research and professional experience into actionable leadership strategies for their agencies. Adjunct Faculty serve as representatives of the University of Virginia and contribute to a professional, intellectually rigorous learning environment that promotes collaboration, executive-level discussion, and the exchange of ideas among experienced public safety leaders. Instruction may be delivered in person or through hybrid formats that combine in-person and virtual sessions depending on program structure and faculty availability.

Responsibilities

• Delivering instructional sessions within the Command College curriculum
• Preparing instructional materials, readings, and course content
• Facilitating seminar-style discussions and applied leadership exercises
• Connecting academic frameworks to operational public safety practice
• Evaluating assignments, applied exercises, or capstone projects when applicable
• Maintaining communication with participants regarding course expectations
• Supporting virtual instruction technologies when sessions are delivered online
• Foster a professional learning environment that encourages executive-level dialogue, peer learning, and the practical application of leadership concepts.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (MA, PhD, JD, or equivalent)
• Significant leadership experience (at least 5 years) in public safety, criminal justice, or a closely related field
• Experience supporting executive education programs in a university or professional training environment
• Demonstrated teaching or instructional experience in executive education, professional training, or leadership development programs
• Experience supporting hybrid or blended learning environments
• Strong group facilitation and discussion leadership skills
• Ability to engage senior leaders in reflective discussion and applied learning
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with evidence-based policing, violence reduction strategies, or public safety leadership frameworks

Nice-to-haves

• Extensive leadership experience in public safety organizations
• Relevant graduate-level education
• Evidence of current or recent professional engagement in the field
• Ability to translate operational experience into an academic and executive learning environment
• Experience leading complex public safety organizations
• Experience implementing organizational change
• Experience working collaboratively across jurisdictions

Benefits

• Flexible opportunity for experienced public safety leaders, scholars, and practitioners to contribute their expertise to the development of the next generation of command-level public safety leadership.