Postsecondary History Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this era of knowledge, the focus on postsecondary history professors is more crucial than ever before.

Education continues to evolve, and with each development, the demand for skilled educators who can enlighten, engage, and foster a love for history grows more significant.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a postsecondary history professor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the role of a history professor in higher education,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable postsecondary history professor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Postsecondary History Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Postsecondary History Professors are responsible for teaching history to students at a college or university level.

They also conduct research to contribute to the field of history, and may take on administrative roles within their department.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing syllabi for history courses
• Teaching history courses to undergraduate and graduate students
• Preparing and delivering lectures on various historical topics, periods, and themes
• Conducting research to further knowledge in the field of history
• Writing scholarly articles and books on historical subjects
• Advising students on academic and career paths
• Grading assignments and exams, and providing feedback to students
• Participating in departmental and university meetings
• Contributing to the design and revision of history curriculum
• Applying for research grants and managing research budgets

 

Postsecondary History Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and passionate Postsecondary History Professor to join our academic team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing instruction on various historical periods, conducting research, publishing scholarly papers and books, and participating in college activities.

Postsecondary History Professors should be enthusiastic about history and the process of learning, open to diverse perspectives, and have a strong commitment to promote student success.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver lectures on various historical periods and events.
• Develop and implement innovative teaching methods to engage students.
• Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
• Evaluate and grade students’ class work, assignments, and papers.
• Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
• Guide and mentor students on academic matters.
• Participate in campus and community events.
• Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.

 

Qualifications

• A doctoral degree in history or a related field.
• Previous teaching and research experience.
• Strong commitment to academic research and publication.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong ability to engage students and facilitate discussions.
• Proficiency in using technology to support teaching and learning.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Postsecondary History Professor
• Work Environment: University campus. Some travel may be required for conferences or research.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate’s qualifications, experience, and the university’s salary scale.
• Pay Range: $58,670 minimum to $139,589 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our university. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your CV, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a list of three professional references to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Postsecondary History Professor Do?

A Postsecondary History Professor typically works in universities, colleges, and other higher learning institutions.

They can also work as independent researchers or authors.

These professors teach various levels of history courses to undergraduate and graduate students.

This can include everything from general history classes to highly specialized topics, depending on their area of expertise.

A substantial part of their job involves preparing course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.

They also prepare and deliver lectures to students on topics such as ancient history, contemporary history, or specific regions of the world.

In addition to teaching, History Professors conduct research to increase knowledge in their field.

This research is often published in academic journals or books.

They attend conferences to present their findings and keep up-to-date with the latest research in their field.

Postsecondary History Professors also provide consultation services to their students, helping them to develop academic and career goals.

They guide students through complex topics, assist with research projects, and provide constructive feedback on assignments.

Furthermore, they may also participate in various administrative tasks, including serving on committees, helping to develop the curriculum, and contributing to the strategic planning of the department or institution.

They are often required to participate in student recruitment and contribute to the continual improvement of the institution.

 

Postsecondary History Professor Qualifications and Skills

A Postsecondary History Professor should have a set of skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Strong academic background in History or a closely related field, typically culminating in a doctoral degree.
• Effective communication skills to clearly articulate complex historical concepts and theories to students with varying degrees of familiarity with the subject.
• Engaging teaching methods to maintain student interest and facilitate learning.
• Extensive research skills to contribute to the body of knowledge in their field, often by publishing articles and books.
• Assessment skills to accurately evaluate student understanding and progress, provide constructive feedback, and guide improvements.
• Interpersonal skills to build productive relationships with students, faculty, and staff, fostering an inclusive and collaborative learning environment.
• Administrative abilities to handle tasks such as syllabus development, grade reporting, and committee responsibilities.
• Adaptability to keep up with changes in educational technology and pedagogy, and to incorporate these changes into their teaching methods.
• Commitment to continued learning and professional development in both their subject area and in teaching practices.

 

Postsecondary History Professor Experience Requirements

The journey to becoming a Postsecondary History Professor typically begins with the completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in History or a related field.

This provides students with foundational knowledge and exposure to various historical periods, philosophies, and methodologies.

From there, prospective professors often proceed to earn a Master’s Degree in History, focusing on a particular area of history they wish to specialize in.

During this phase, they often gain teaching experience as graduate assistants or tutors, which is critical for understanding the teaching process and becoming comfortable in a classroom setting.

However, most colleges and universities require their history professors to hold a Doctoral Degree in History.

This involves extensive research and the completion of a doctoral thesis, which provides professors with a deep expertise in their field of study.

After achieving their Ph.D., many history professors begin their careers in postdoctoral research positions or as adjunct professors, where they gain teaching experience and continue their research.

These roles often require 2 to 5 years of experience, giving professors the opportunity to develop their teaching style, course curriculum, and contribute to their field through published research.

Professors with more than 5 years of experience may take on higher-level responsibilities such as department chair or other administrative roles within the university.

Additionally, they may pursue opportunities to guest lecture, consult, or contribute to professional publications.

These roles require a combination of teaching, research, and administrative experience.

Overall, the path to becoming a Postsecondary History Professor involves a substantial amount of academic study combined with teaching and research experience.

 

Postsecondary History Professor Education and Training Requirements

Postsecondary History Professors typically need a doctoral degree in history or a closely related field.

This involves acquiring a bachelor’s degree, typically in history, followed by a master’s degree and finally a PhD.

The doctoral program includes in-depth study of specific historical periods, regions, or types of history such as social, political or cultural.

Students must conduct extensive research and present a written dissertation on a specific aspect of history.

Professors often gain teaching experience by working as graduate teaching assistants during their doctoral study, where they teach undergraduate classes or assist professors with research and class-related duties.

In addition to a PhD, most institutions require professors to have a record of published research.

This usually entails publishing articles in academic journals or presenting papers at academic conferences.

Postsecondary History Professors must also keep up to date with new discoveries and theories in their field, which can involve ongoing learning and study.

Lastly, whilst not required, some professors may pursue certification in online teaching, especially given the rise of digital learning platforms.

This can enhance their teaching skills and adaptability in various teaching environments.

 

Postsecondary History Professor Salary Expectations

A Postsecondary History Professor earns an average salary of $79,540 (USD) per year.

The salary can vary depending on factors such as years of experience, the prestige of the institution where they teach, and their location.

 

Postsecondary History Professor Job Description FAQs

What is the educational requirement for a Postsecondary History Professor?

A Postsecondary History Professor typically needs a Ph.D. in History.

However, some smaller institutions may hire individuals with a master’s degree.

Additionally, professors are often expected to continue their education and research throughout their career, contributing to the field of history through published articles or books.

 

What are the daily duties of a Postsecondary History Professor?

A Postsecondary History Professor’s daily duties typically include preparing and delivering lectures, creating and grading exams, advising students on academic endeavors, conducting research in their field, and publishing findings in academic journals.

They might also serve on academic or administrative committees that review and recommend policies or make budgetary decisions.

 

What qualities make a good Postsecondary History Professor?

A good Postsecondary History Professor has a deep passion for history and a genuine interest in sharing that knowledge with students.

They need to have excellent communication skills to effectively deliver lectures and engage with students.

Organizational and planning skills are important to manage coursework and research.

They should be patient and approachable to be available for students’ queries and concerns.

 

What should you look for in a Postsecondary History Professor’s resume?

A good resume for a Postsecondary History Professor should demonstrate an extensive background in History, usually including a Ph.D. Look for experience in teaching at the postsecondary level, conducting research, and publishing academic articles or books.

Evidence of attending academic conferences, giving guest lectures, or involvement in professional history organizations can also be a positive sign.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Postsecondary History Professor?

Hiring a Postsecondary History Professor can be challenging due to the specific qualifications required, such as a Ph.D. and relevant teaching experience.

The hiring process might also be lengthy as it often involves multiple interviews and a demonstration of teaching capabilities.

The job market for history professors is competitive, so institutions must offer appealing packages to attract high-quality candidates.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricacies of being a postsecondary history professor.

And guess what?

It’s not just about teaching dates and events.

It’s about shaping minds, one historical narrative at a time.

With our comprehensive postsecondary history professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating finely-tuned listings or sharpening your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every historical fact we teach becomes a part of the larger narrative.

Let’s shape that narrative. Together.