Detailed Description

The Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies (Kroc School) at the University of San Diego invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Social Innovation beginning in September 2026.

About the Position

We seek a dynamic and innovative scholar-practitioner dedicated to advancing social innovation to address pressing global challenges. The ideal candidate will be an outstanding interdisciplinary scholar and educator committed to fostering social innovation, social entrepreneurship, sustainability, and impact-driven leadership in the context of a School of Peace Studies, but in cooperation with other units across campus.

As a multidisciplinary emerging field, social innovation draws from diverse disciplines. We welcome candidates with expertise in sociology, management, entrepreneurship, psychology, anthropology, political science, and related fields whose research and teaching intersect with social innovation. Candidates should hold a doctorate in a field related to the theories and practices of social transformation through innovation within the social sciences, business, or humanities. We also encourage applications from individuals with both academic and professional entrepreneurial experience. Thematic expertise in areas such as social entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, impact investing, environmental sustainability, conflict resolution and economic development are particularly desirable.  We see social innovation at the Kroc School as a new vision for engaging the private sector, nonprofit, and government actors in ways that help them improve their societal footprint and, in doing so, positively impacting peace and justice concerns in the process.  We seek a candidate who can help us develop and refine this vision, to the benefit of both the School and the field overall.

The successful candidate must be able to inspire and engage students enrolled in programs like the Master of Arts in Social Innovation (MASI) and Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship through experiential, problem-based learning, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to drive meaningful change across sectors. Candidates must also demonstrate clear potential for scholarly excellence and participate in program development and institution building.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and teach graduate-level courses in social innovation, social entrepreneurship, impact measurement, finance and impact investing, data analysis and visualization for social change and related fields.
• Engage in scholarly research and publish in relevant academic and practitioner-oriented journals.
• Mentor and advise MASI students, supporting their academic and professional development.
• Engage in program development and institutional leadership to strengthen our social entrepreneurship and innovation offerings.
• Build partnerships with global and community organizations and social enterprises to create hands-on learning opportunities for students.
• Contribute to service activities within the Kroc School, the University of San Diego, and the broader academic community.

For full details and application information, visit The University of San Diego Website