Assistant/Associate Professor of Communications

Kenai Peninsula College/University of Alaska Anchorage invites applications for a tenure-track bipartite Assistant/Associate Professor of Communication position at its Kenai River Campus.  This faculty position supports the University of Alaska's bipartite mission of performing teaching and public service. The successful candidate will teach communication courses in support of programs at KPC, including face-to-face and distance delivery courses.  Courses include Fundamentals of Oral Communication, Interpersonal Communication, and Public Speaking. The position includes a 5-part workload with four parts teaching and one part university/community service. It is part of the United Academics Union (UNAC). We anticipate a January 2022 start date (negotiable). Salary is based on level of academic appointment, applicable academic preparation and experience.

To ensure consideration, please apply prior to the review date: October 25, 2021, 11:55pm Alaska Standard Time. The search committee may choose to leave the position open but has the option to close it at any time after the review date. 

To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized for unrestricted employment in the United States. No work visas will be sponsored for this position.

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SUMMARY: Kenai Peninsula College (KPC) is a campus of the University of Alaska Anchorage. The college has three locations and is comprised of:
-Kenai River Campus, Soldotna
-Kachemak Bay Campus, Homer
-Resurrection Bay Extension Site, Seward

This position will be located at the Kenai River Campus situated on 309 acres along the banks of the beautiful Kenai River, the ancestral homelands of the Dena'ina Athabascan, Ahtna Athabascan, Alutiiq/Sugpiaq and Eyak peoples. The area is known for its wildlife splendor, mountain viewscapes, world-class fishing and hunting, hiking, canoe trails and winter outdoor adventure. And yet, Anchorage, Alaska's largest city is just a 2.5-hour drive or 20-minute flight away. 

We honor diverse experiences and perspectives - including differences in ideas, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, culture, nationality, age, disability, veteran and socioeconomic status-and strive to create welcoming and inclusive learning environments where all are treated with respect.

KPC offers two-year Associates of Arts and Associates of Applied Science degrees, as well as courses leading to occupational certifications and UAA baccalaureate degrees, such as Psychology, Art and Anthropology.

We especially encourage applications from candidates who understand the diversity present in Alaska, our local community and student body, and who will enhance and promote engagement with other cultures.

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Please submit your online application and electronically attach the following documents:

A complete application is required.

Finalists for this position will be asked to give a 15-minute zoom presentation showcasing a communications portfolio and a 15-minute zoom teaching presentation pertaining to a 100/200 communication related topic typically delivered in a communications classroom.

 Primary duties include teaching day, evening, and online 100 and 200 level courses in Communications Advising students in communications and related subjects. Providing community service related to the Communication department and university/college service. Developing and updating communications curriculum including development of new distance delivery and teaching modalities. Holding office hours appropriate for the course(s) being taught.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Professional oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to student success
• The ability to effectively teach students in an open-admissions university setting
• Demonstrated commitment to working and collaborating as a productive member of a small faculty, including activities such as committee memberships, campus and university service, as well as service to professional and/or academic organizations, community, and other constituencies

TYPICAL EXPERIENCE:

• Documented successful teaching and service
• Experience teaching communication courses at the 100/200 levels
• Demonstrated innovation in scholarship and teaching practices
• Demonstrated success working with a diverse population, including experience with student advising and culturally responsive teaching/multicultural education
• Experience teaching and developing distance-delivered communication courses
• Experience with current technologies such as creating and implementing Blackboard or other LMS, with an emphasis on accessibility

REQUIRED EDUCATION OR TRAINING:

A Ph.D. in Communication or closely related field, such as Communication Arts & Sciences; Communication and Rhetoric.

Official transcripts will be required as a condition of employment. Official transcripts are required to document degrees earned from institutions of higher education which are accredited by one of the six US regional accrediting associations.

Union Representation:

This position is represented by United Academics-AAUP/AFT (UNAC).

Reasonable Accommodation Statement:

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

Affirmative Action Statement:

UA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination

Background Check:

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Public Disclosure Statement:

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

University of Alaska is a Drug-Free Workplace.

University of Alaska campuses are Tobacco-Free.

Training Policy:

It is the policy of the University of Alaska (UA) that all employees are required to complete training to meet the requirements of the positions they hold, and to complete the required training within a specified period to remain employed at the UA.

Contact Information:

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact University of Alaska HR at 907-450-8200.