Adjunct Faculty: General Education - How to Communicate in a Global Context

About San Francisco Bay University:

San Francisco Bay University (SFBU), a nonprofit, WASC-accredited university situated in the heart of Silicon Valley in Fremont, California, seeks an innovative and experienced General Education Adjunct Faculty to teach our How to Communicate in a Global Context course. SFBU's mission is to offer inclusive, innovative, and inspirational education for lifelong careers, and our vision is to set the standard as a national model of higher education in service of the common good.

At SFBU, students come first. We prioritize students' needs by fostering personal engagement among students, faculty, and staff. We are committed to providing affordable, quality education with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.

We encourage you to learn more about SFBU by reviewing our strategic plan at https://www.sfbu.edu/strategic-plan.

Position Overview:

San Francisco Bay University (SFBU) invites applications for the position of Adjunct Faculty to teach the course How to Communicate in a Global Context within the General Education Department. This course explores the complexities and nuances of communication across cultures in an increasingly interconnected world. We seek an experienced, dynamic educator passionate about empowering students with the skills to communicate effectively, creatively, and thoughtfully across diverse cultural and linguistic environments.

This is a part-time, semester-long position based in Fremont, CA. The course is delivered in person, so the instructor will be required to teach on-site at the SFBU campus during weekday hours. NO VISA SPONSORSHIP IS AVAILABLE.

Course Description:

This course delves into the complexities of communication in a globalized world, examining cultural nuances, technological advancements, and cross-cultural communication strategies. Students will develop essential skills to effectively communicate and collaborate across diverse cultural and linguistic contexts. The course builds from foundational communication practices to advanced cultural navigation and interaction skills for impact and influence. Students will grow their ability to communicate using multiple methods and modalities, including public speaking, visual communication, artistic expression, debate, and written communication. This course emphasizes research-backed planning, deliberate practice in varied cultural settings, and feedback loops within a small community of practice to accelerate skill development.

Teaching Excellence:

Candidates should possess deep subject knowledge, pedagogical expertise, and the ability to engage students actively while adapting to their diverse needs. As we transition away from traditional lecture-based instruction, we seek faculty who understand and appreciate student-centered design and can adopt pedagogical practices stemming from this approach. These practices include active learning strategies, collaborative projects, problem-based learning, inquiry-based learning, flipped classroom models, and the use of formative assessments to inform and adjust teaching. We are looking for faculty with the skills and motivation to create a supportive and dynamic learning environment that emphasizes clear communication, collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. Faculty should be proficient in facilitating interactive discussions, promoting critical thinking, and guiding students to apply concepts to real-world scenarios. This approach aims to foster deeper understanding, engagement, and long-term retention of material among students.

Curriculum Development:

Collaborate with colleagues and consultants on the development and refinement of the general education curriculum, incorporating the latest advancements in technology, ensuring alignment with disciplinary and community/ industry needs and emerging trends, and leveraging best practices to position SFBU students for success throughout their academic and professional careers.

Inclusive Education:

Implement innovative and inclusive teaching best practices that reflect our core value of providing access and inclusion to a diverse student body.

Quality Improvement:

Active engagement in course and program-level assessment design, data collection, review, and reporting.

Professional Learning:

Attend teacher training and professional learning activities offered by SFBU's Center for Empowerment & Pedagogical Innovation (CEPI). Participate in student-centered formative and summative assessments of teaching performance. Remain current with emerging developments in general education, pedagogy, and related fields.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver engaging and interactive course instruction in alignment with SFBU's academic standards and course outcomes.
• Integrate AI into teaching, classroom exercises, and assignments.
• Create a supportive, inclusive classroom environment that fosters student learning and cultural awareness.
• Integrate practical, real-world examples and research-based strategies to help students apply communication techniques across global contexts.
• Guide students through deliberate practice activities, including public speaking, visual communication, artistic expression, debate, and writing exercises.
• Provide constructive, timely feedback to students on assignments, presentations, and class participation.
• Facilitate opportunities for students to engage in simulated and real-world cross-cultural communication experiences.
• Collaborate with the General Education Department and academic leadership to ensure continuous course improvement.
• Maintain accurate records of student attendance, progress, and performance in accordance with university policies.
• Participate in faculty meetings, professional development, and assessment activities as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree or higher in Communication, Intercultural Studies, Global Studies, Education, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in cross-cultural communication, global collaboration, or intercultural competence.
• Experience teaching at the college or university level, preferably with diverse student populations.
• Ability to teach across multiple communication modalities (e.g., written, verbal, visual, artistic).
• Strong commitment to student success, inclusive pedagogy, and culturally responsive teaching.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Terminal degree (Ph.D., Ed.D.) in a relevant field.
• Practical experience working or consulting in global, multicultural, or international settings.
• Familiarity with technology-enhanced learning platforms (e.g., Learning Management Systems, online tools).
• Experience facilitating workshops, debates, or artistic forms of communication.
• Evidence of scholarly or professional contributions related to intercultural communication or global education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge:

• In-depth understanding of intercultural communication theories, global collaboration frameworks, and cultural competency models.
• Knowledge of multiple communication modalities, including written, verbal, visual, and artistic forms of expression.
• Familiarity with effective instructional practices for diverse student populations and adult learners.
• Understanding of technology tools to support communication and learning across global contexts.

Skills:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to model effective communication across cultures.
• Strong facilitation and public speaking skills, adaptable to both in-person and online environments.
• Proficiency in designing engaging learning experiences that integrate research, practice, and reflection.
• Ability to provide clear, constructive feedback to support student growth and skill development.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage course materials, student records, and assessment processes efficiently.

Abilities:

• Ability to foster an inclusive, supportive, and respectful learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to adapt teaching strategies to meet the needs of students with varying levels of experience and language proficiency.
• Capacity to model cultural humility and a growth mindset in personal and professional interactions.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with developments in global communication and intercultural education.

Salary: SFBU compensation for a 3-credit course on-site delivery in general education is $11,880.80/ semester (at an hourly rate of $148.51). Additional compensation for non-instructional training(s).

Application Materials:

Interested candidates must submit the following application materials:

• A cover letter detailing your qualifications to design and teach How to Communicate in a Global Context. The letter should also briefly discuss the candidate's teaching philosophy and show alignment with our mission and core values (https://www.sfbu.edu/strategic-plan).
• Curriculum vitae.
• Contact information for three professional references.
• Applications will be reviewed beginning immediately and will continue until the position is filled.