"Assistant Professor of Practice - Leadership Studies"

Position Description

The School of Professional Studies at Texas Tech University Online invites applications for a full-time, 12-month, Assistant Professor of Practice position in Leadership Studies to begin Fall 2026. This is a continuing appointment-eligible position with opportunities for promotion through the Professor of Practice track. Because the position is housed in TTU Online, it is possible for this position's duties to be fulfilled remotely.

This position will contribute to the newly launched Master of Science in Leadership Studies (MS-LEAD) program and support as needed teaching in the undergraduate degree in Organizational Leadership. The MS-LEAD is an innovative, fully online graduate program designed for working professionals seeking to develop cross-sector leadership competencies through an accelerated 12-month format with five annual start dates and 8-week terms. This position offers opportunities for growth and advancement within a teaching-intensive, practice-oriented faculty model.

This position is assigned to the online teaching of 8-week courses that are offered as part of five 8-week terms, scheduled throughout the year (two in the fall, two in the spring, and one in the summer) to provide better flexibility to non-traditional students that represent a significant part of the online student population at Texas Tech University. All courses in these 8-week terms are offered asynchronously.

While appointed to this position, you will accrue vacation and will be required to report leave monthly following TTU's Operating Policy 70.01 and TTU System Regulation 07.12. Since you will accrue vacation, you will follow a staff holiday schedule, which is available here: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/empbenefits/holidayschedule.php.

All prospective employees are encouraged to visit Work at Texas Tech to learn more about becoming a part of our campus community.

Major/Essential Functions

At Texas Tech University, the Professor of Practice title is used to recruit individuals with exceptional backgrounds and achievements in academic, business, government, or other professional practice. Primary responsibilities normally will be to teach in an area of expertise, mentor students in professional and career preparation, and liaise with professional contacts and entities on behalf of the department or program.

In line with TTU's strategic priorities to engage and empower a dynamic student body, enable innovative research and creative activities, and transform lives and communities through outreach and engaged scholarship, applicants should have experience working with a breadth of student populations at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels within individual or across the areas of teaching, research/creative activity, and service.

As a faculty member in the School of Professional Studies, you will be expected to:

1. Teaching (Primary Emphasis)

• Teach graduate-level courses in the MS-LEAD program including leadership theory and application, organizational change, strategic leadership, ethical leadership, and applied leadership topics
• May teach undergraduate courses in Organizational Leadership (ORGL) as needed
• Develop and deliver high-quality online asynchronous course content using evidence-based pedagogical practices appropriate for adult learners and accelerated 8-week formats
• Create engaging, interactive learning experiences and provide timely, developmental feedback to students
• Maintain TTU Online instructional standards including course readiness, weekly communication, timely grading, and student support
• Advise graduate students and participate in graduate committees as appropriate
• Meet Texas Tech Graduate School requirements for graduate faculty status

2. Professional Development

• Actively pursue continuing education, training, and certifications in fields applicable to course content and online pedagogy
• Participate in professional development related to online teaching, instructional technology, and leadership education
• Maintain currency in leadership theory and practice through professional activities

3. Service

• Participate in program assessment and continuous improvement activities
• Contribute to curriculum development, course updates, and program quality initiatives
• Serve on departmental committees and participate in faculty meetings
• Support student recruitment, retention, and success initiatives

4. Engaged Scholarship (Applied and Practice-Based)

• Engage in applied, practice-based, or pedagogical projects that demonstrate professional expertise
• May include conference presentations, professional publications, curriculum development, community partnerships, or applied leadership projects
• Traditional research is not required, but can fall under this category; emphasis is on engaged scholarship that bridges theory and practice

Required Qualifications

1. Terminal degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in one of the following areas from a regionally accredited institution:
   • Leadership Studies
   • Organizational Leadership
   • Leadership Development
   • Management
   • Organizational Psychology
   • Organizational Behavior
   • Organizational Development
   • Educational Leadership
   • Other closely related field with demonstrated expertise in leadership education
   Terminal degree must be conferred prior to hire. Candidates may be considered with degree completion required within one year of employment.
2. Demonstrated teaching effectiveness at the college/university level as instructor of record
3. A depth and breadth of knowledge of pertinent theories and practices relative to leadership
4. Proficiency in adult learning strategies and online/blended course delivery
5. Commitment to student success, inclusive excellence, and working with various adult populations as evidenced by specific pedagogical strategies, personal experiences, and concrete actions taken in previous faculty roles.
6. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as evidenced by personal experiences working interdepartmentally, leading and facilitating virtual classrooms, collaborating with remote colleagues, and providing concise digital communication.

Preferred Qualifications

In addition to the required qualifications, individuals with the following preferred qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply:

1. Experience teaching graduate-level courses
2. Expertise teaching in fully online instructional environments
3. Experience using technology to teach graduate courses online, including Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Blackboard or Canvas
4. Familiarity with accelerated academic formats (e.g., 8-week terms)
5. Practical leadership experience in professional, organizational, or community-based roles
6. Post-doctoral professional experience or leadership practice beyond the terminal degree
7. Knowledge of leadership development practices across multiple sectors (business, nonprofit, education, government, healthcare)
8. Record of engaged scholarship such as conference presentations, professional publications, or applied leadership projects
9. Experience with curriculum design, development, or assessment in online environments
10. Experience advising or mentoring adult learners or graduate students
11. Training or certification in online pedagogy (e.g., Quality Matters, OLC)
12. Demonstrated ability to integrate emerging technologies, data analytics, or innovative tools in teaching

Special Instructions to Applicant

Please include the following documents in your application:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter addressing qualifications and interest in the position
3. Teaching Philosophy Statement
4. Contact information for three professional references

Questions about this position should be directed to Raynie Gibbs, Associate School Director, Search Committee Chair at Raynie.Gibbs@ttu.edu.

To apply, visit workattexastech.com