Instructor (Professor Of Practice) In Communication (Non-Tenure Track)

Instructor (Professor of Practice) in Communication (Non-Tenure Track)

The Avila University School of Visual and Communication Arts in the College of Arts and Sciences, guided by the mission of excellence in teaching and learning, and dedicated to the service to the Dear Neighbor is actively seeking a full-time Instructor (Professor of Practice) in Communication. The successful candidate would need to be able to teach in the core curriculum as well introductory and upper-division courses that can effectively contribute to the Advertising and Public Relations, Film and Digital Media, and Sports Communications options in the Avila Communication programs. This is an academic, typically 10-month, non-tenure track appointment, eligible for annual renewal based on performance. The appointment will begin in August 2024.

Responsibilities:

• Teach equivalent to 15 credit hours per semester (4:4 load for Fall:Spring semesters).
• Teach lecture undergraduate courses at the introductory and upper-level for Communication programming. Topics would have a focus in digital content, including, but not limited to articles, blog posts, social media posts, videos, infographics, and podcasts.
• Teach undergraduate courses that are part of the core curriculum general education program at Avila University.
• Create an environment in the classroom which facilitates effective student learning through the use of a wide range of teaching strategies and which motivates students to think, to question, and to critically analyze.
• Work effectively with the faculty and Chair in the School of Visual and Communication Arts.
• Champion diversity, build an inclusive culture and learning experience, and maintain an equitable learning environment.

Qualifications:

• Master of Arts in Communications, or a closely related discipline, completed by date of appointment. Degrees in related disciplines can be considered if 18 credit hours of Communication discipline graduate coursework from an accredited university/college is attained.
• Qualified candidates will be expected to apply dynamic teaching methods to current course offerings and will develop curriculum in creating various types of digital content, including but not limited to articles, blog posts, social media posts, videos, infographics, and podcasts.
• Successful candidates should showcase their work and experience in contributing to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and contributions to equity and social justice through their work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Communications
• Ideal candidates will have a strong background in visual storytelling, and high-level involvement digital advertising principles and strategies, a familiarity with SEO best practices to optimize content for search engines and knowledge of social media algorithms and trends. Willingness to stay updated on industry trends, digital platforms, and emerging technologies is preferred.
• Candidates with relevant work experience.
• Multilingual skills highly preferred.

Successful candidates should showcase their work and experience in contributing to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and contributions to equity and social justice through their work.

Benefits:

This is a full-time position, eligible for the usual and customary benefits. Avila University’s comprehensive benefit package includes a generous holiday schedule, tuition remission for employee and dependents, vacation and sick leave, employee assistance program, retirement benefits and health insurance. 

The Community:

Kansas City, a two-state metropolitan area with a population of nearly two million, offers a wide variety of cultural, educational and social life opportunities.  Avila University, a Catholic university founded and inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, provides undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and professional studies, preparing lifelong learners who make meaningful contributions to the global community.

Additional Employment Information:

Avila University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of, sex, race, religion, age, color, sexual orientation, disability, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran's status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.  

Avila University requires the successful completion of a background check as a condition of employment.