Academic Specialists- Continuing system

The Residential College in the Arts and Humanities (RCAH), Michigan State University (MSU), is seeking applicants for a teaching academic specialist in community engagement; position to begin 8 January 2024. This position will be responsible for the teaching, development, and coordination of community engagement classes and community collaborations.

The successful applicant will collaborate closely with faculty, staff, students, administrators, and community partners to assist in the continued development and implementation of the RCAH's community engagement programming, teach courses in the college's community engagement curriculum annually, and help coordinate the community engagement programs in the college. This position is in the continuing Academic Specialist Appointment System and will report to the Dean. A complete description of the MSU Academic Specialist system is available at https://hr.msu.edu/_resources/pdf/academic-specialist-handbook/acad_spec_man.pdf

A student-centered, undergraduate college, the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities is grounded in—and pushes the boundaries of—the arts and humanities to create space for and deepen multiple ways of knowing that can be mobilized for equity, social justice and sustainability (https://rcah.msu.edu/about/radicalreciprocity%20.html). A residential college in the fullest sense, the RCAH builds community among our students, faculty, staff, and the people around us. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive and welcoming environment for the entire RCAH community — including students, faculty, staff, families, community partners, and visitors. As part of our recently completed strategic plan, RCAH embraces five core values: Seeding Change; Building Community; Creating Inclusive Futures; Fostering Radical Reciprocity; and (Re)imagining Possibilities of Social justice.

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in a relevant field and demonstrated experience working with historically underserved communities; prior teaching experience; demonstrated ability to develop and coordinate community engaged programs. 

Desired Qualifications:

The successful applicant should demonstrate: past implementation of successful collaborations, projects, and initiatives with diverse community and university partners; a working knowledge of community engagement best practices; excellent project management skills from vision to budgeting to implementation and assessment.

Special Instructions:

Interested individuals should submit a letter of interest detailing career goals and interests; resume/curriculum vitae; names and contact information (phone number, e-mail, postal address) of three individuals submitting letters of reference.

Review of applications will begin on 30 September 2023 and continue until the position is filled.

Those wishing more information may contact John Aerni-Flessner, Associate Professor and Chair Community Engagement Search at AerniFL1@msu.edu or 517-884-6008.