"Assistant Director for Curriculum and Teaching Faculty"

About the Job

The Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota invites applications for an Assistant Director for Curriculum and teaching faculty member. This full-time position will support and grow the Professional Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and related professional programs. This position reports to the Academic Director of the MA in Strategic Communication.

The successful candidate will serve as a key program administrator, manager and faculty member. The candidate will design, implement, and evaluate educational initiatives and curricula to ensure continuous program effectiveness, enhanced teaching and student learning. They play a central role in external relations, and program innovation. Key priorities include embedding artificial intelligence (AI) learning opportunities into the curriculum, cultivating strategic partnerships, strengthening ties with external stakeholders, supporting student recruitment and retention, expanding flexible learning options, and enhancing outreach to the professional community.

As a faculty member and Assistant Director for Curriculum, this role advances the MA in Strategic Communication by driving curriculum development, managing and overseeing program innovation, supporting accreditation and certification (e.g., PRSA), and ensuring student and faculty success. The position also contributes to program reputation and enrollment growth, while providing leadership for strategic communication events and initiatives across the School.

The position combines teaching and strategic communication professional program administration by ensuring that the program emphasizes advanced professional training in communication strategy, planning, evaluation, and creative content management. Teaching responsibilities will include instruction in the professional MA program, but could also include instruction at the undergraduate level depending on school needs.

This is a 100%-time, annual renewable 12-month position with the benefits associated with the University's administrative policy for Professional and Administrative Employees.

The salary range for the position is $90,000-$130,000, depending on education, rank and experience.

Responsibilities

Instruction and Curriculum Oversight (40%)

• Teach 1-2 courses per academic term, fulfilling the instructional portion of the position.
• Manage and oversee year-round curriculum development, including specialized oversight for online summer courses.
• Serve as a primary resource and substitute instructor for part-time MA faculty and advise adjunct faculty on undergraduate curricular matters.
• Consult on and assist with Strategic Communication program and school-wide multimedia development for instructor and student success (e.g., podcasts, presentations, creative projects).
• Support content creation for instructional development and the Strategic Communication Hub.

Educational Design, Implementation and Evaluation (30%)

• Contribute to the School's overall ongoing curriculum development assessment through design, implementation, and evaluation of educational and curricular initiatives for the Strategic Communication program (MA and undergraduate), focusing on continuous quality improvement and enhanced learning outcomes.
• Assist in curriculum review and development for the MA program, including AI integration, PRSA certification (or other future certifications), and assessment.
• Creates programs or systems that meet the needs of students and improve educational access and quality, adapting to emerging trends and evolving needs of learners.
• Contribute to the School's overall ongoing curriculum development and assessment through strategic planning and design.
• Administrative and Personnel Support: Participates in hiring adjunct instructors and supporting faculty leadership; also supports faculty advising and recruitment efforts.

External Relations (20%)

• Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with industry leaders, professional associations, and corporate entities in collaboration with School leadership.
• Coordinate the biannual professional engagement forums, connecting students with industry professionals.
• Attend advisory board meetings for the Strategic Communication Hub, gather industry input, and prepare annual curriculum reports.
• Meet with donors and industry partners in collaboration with the School's leadership

Advising and Capstone Supervision (10%)

• Advise students at the undergraduate and graduate levels on academic and other career paths in strategic communication.
• Supervise MA capstone projects in consultation with MA program leadership.
• Support student recruitment and promotional activities in coordination with faculty, staff, and student teams, often leveraging content derived from external engagement.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus at least 10 years of related experience, or master's degree plus at least eight years of related experience, or terminal degree plus six years of related experience.
• Strategic communication experience in relevant industry required: education, health care, human services program development, or related corporate, agency or nonprofit setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced professional MA degree in journalism, strategic communication, marketing, business or related field.
• Demonstrated success teaching or mentoring in strategic communication, journalism, or related fields (e.g., marketing communication).
• Expertise in one or more areas such as artificial intelligence, brand journalism, internal communications, development communications, health communication, medical device marketing, brand content management, digital strategy/analytics, or crisis communication.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $90000 - $130000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off; Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program; Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans; Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts; University HSA contributions; Disability and employer-paid life insurance; Employee wellbeing program; Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution; Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity; Financial counseling services; Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost; Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online (search by the Job ID: 370670). To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach the following required materials: Cover letter and a resume. Additional materials may be requested from candidates at a later date. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. Priority will be given to completed applications received by October 24, 2025 but applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. To learn more about this position or nominate a candidate, please reach out to search committee member, Scott Meyer (sdm@umn.edu). To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.