Visiting Faculty of Instruction School of Communications (2026)

Visiting Faculty of Instruction School of Communications (2026)

Allendale, MI

Full Time

R104435

Summary:

The School of Communications at Grand Valley State University is seeking an effective teacher and communication generalist to join the faculty beginning in August 2026. This is a full-time, Visiting Faculty of Instruction position (non-tenure track). The successful candidate should have disciplinary training that aligns closely with the School's Communication and Media Studies curriculum. The unit places a premium on the abilities and skills of the applicant to successfully contribute to and complement the strong teaching of the current faculty within a range of courses. Individuals from all backgrounds, including from underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates must be able to effectively engage with students, colleagues, and community members with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.

Required Qualifications and Education:

• A master's degree in Communication or a closely related field. Candidates with a bachelor's degree in the field plus considerable professional experience in the media industry will be considered.
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness at the collegiate level is required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, such as the ability to interact with others with respect and empathy.

Preferred Qualifications and Education:

• A Ph.D. in Communication or a closely related field.
• Experience teaching graduate-level courses.
• Experience in the successful creation and delivery of online course materials.

Responsibilities:

• Teach courses across the undergraduate communication curriculum. Potential courses include: Qualitative Research Methods, Quantitative Research Methods, Small Group Communication, Concepts of Communication, Critical Interpretation, Argument and Analysis.
• Typical teaching load is twelve credit hours (usually four courses) per semester.

Salary/Benefits:

The salary is $50,000. The university offers an excellent comprehensive package that includes health plans, life insurance, tuition waiver, adoption resources, wellness coaching, and free access to campus fitness facilities, effective on date of hire. Family and childcare options on and off-campus are also available.

Department/College:

The School of Communications is housed in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and offers major programs in Advertising and Public Relations, Communication and Media Studies, Health Communication, and Journalism, Broadcasting, and Digital Media. The School also offers a master's degree in communication. For details about the School of Communications, see our website at www.gvsu.edu/soc.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the largest college at Grand Valley, offering over 50 bachelor degrees and a growing number of advanced degrees in the natural and mathematical sciences, the fine arts and humanities, and the social sciences. CLAS is a student-centered and diverse learning community that engages in critical inquiry, extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life. Our faculty are active teacher-scholars committed to equitable, inclusive, career-connected, and community-engaged liberal arts and sciences education. There are many opportunities for collaboration within CLAS and across a broad group of partners on and off campus. We are interested in attracting new faculty committed to these core values as we seek to foster a community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive together.

How to Apply:

A complete application must include: (1) a cover letter addressing qualifications and your motivation to teach at GVSU, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) evidence of teaching effectiveness, (4) contact information of three professional references, and (5) undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts (unofficial issued to students are acceptable to apply). Apply online at GVSU Careers and select "Apply now". The online application will allow applicants to attach these documents electronically, in the same file location. Applicants selected for interviews will be required to submit official transcripts prior to the interview.

If you need technical assistance, email HR at HRO@gvsu.edu. Email questions about the position to Dr. Len O'Kelly, Director, School of Communications, GVSU at okellyle@gvsu.edu.

Please note that applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require sponsorship now or in the future.

Application Deadline: The review process will begin on June 1, 2026.