Assistant Professor of Communications

Job description

Please attach the following documents to your cover letter and upload as a single PDF: a cover letter, a 2-3 page statement of teaching philosophy, unofficial graduate transcripts, and any relevant supplemental documents (e.g., recent publications, student teaching evaluations). Upload your CV separately in the "Resume" option when submitting application. Review of applications begins October 1st and will continue until the position is filled

POSITION SUMMARY
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 tenure-track Assistant Professor of Communications. The successful candidate will teach in the core curriculum as well as introductory and upper-division courses that contribute to the Advertising and Public Relations, Film and Digital Media, and Sports Communications tracks in the Avila Communication program.

Responsibilities:
• Teach equivalent to 12 credit hours per semester (4:4 load for Fall & Spring semesters).
• Teach lecture undergraduate courses at the introductory level as well as upper-level courses in the Communication program. For the latter, topics will have a focus on 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.
• 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, question, and critically analyze.
• Work effectively with the faculty and Chair in the School of Visual and Communication Arts.
• A background in Leadership and Entrepreneurship is a plus.
• Champion diversity, build an inclusive culture and learning experience, and maintain an equitable learning environment.

Qualifications:
• Ph.D. (or ABD) in Communications, or a closely related discipline, completed by date of appointment, is required. Degrees in related disciplines can be considered if 18 credit hours at the graduate level has been earned in the field of Communication from an accredited university/college.
• 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.
• Ideal candidates will have a strong background in visual storytelling, high-level involvement with 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.
• Ability to remain current on industry trends, digital platforms, and emerging technologies is required.
• Successful candidates will showcase their work and experience in contributing to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and contributes to equity and social justice through their work.
• Ability to work effectively with others in a wide variety of settings.
• Teaching experience in baccalaureate education.
• Full time faculty will be academically and experientially qualified and maintain expertise in previously mentioned areas of responsibility.
• Multilingual skills highly preferred.

Successful candidates should be committed to 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, 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.

You must be at least 18 years of age to be employed by Avila University.

All new employees will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)" and produce requested documentation after employment.

In compliance with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, the university's annual security and crime statistics report is available at https://www.avila.edu/campus-resources/campus-safety. A copy of this report is available upon request from the Campus Safety Office in the Whitfield building any weekday between 8am and 5pm.

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