Assistant Professor of Communication Studies

Position:  Assistant Professor of Communication Studies    

Salary and Terms:  Full-time, nine month* tenure track position.  Salary placement is commensurate with education and experience 

Appointment Date: August 15, 2022

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin February 11, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.

Position Description: SMSU's Assistant Professor of Communication Studies is a full-time, tenure track faculty position. Responsibilities include teaching courses in the Broadcasting/Media major as well as other areas of expertise.  In keeping with the philosophical position of the program, this individual would also be responsible for teaching COMM 110 (general education offering) on a regular basis.  In addition, this position will advise the Broadcasting and Digital Media Activities of the program, serve as the manager of the media production studios, advise the SMSU Media Production club (and student chapter of BEA), supervise the Media Creation Lab (media production services), and assist in the redesign of curriculum as needed to ensure students are well prepared for careers.  Reassigned (release) time may be granted for some of these duties. Based on qualifications and specialties, this position may also support other areas of the Communication Studies program such as Public Relations and Mass Communication courses.

Minimum Qualifications: Qualified candidates for SMSU's Assistant Professor of Communication Studies position will meet the following expectations:

• A terminal degree (MFA or Ph.D.) in Communication, Mass Communication or a closely related field. ABD will be considered however terminal degree must be completed for tenure consideration.
• Demonstrated commitment or proven strategies for fostering a diverse and inclusive environment; demonstrated ability or proven strategies to teach and work with persons from diverse backgrounds is required.
• Industry experience in media production, broadcasting and/or film-making.
• Online and post-secondary teaching experience.
• Demonstrated evidence of teaching
• Experience with media production software such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Final Cut Pro, Camtasia, Audacity, etc.
• Student-centered approach to education and a commitment to helping grow the communication studies program.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in the area of film-making and/or artistic video production.
• Traditional news and/or sports broadcasting experience.

The University: Southwest Minnesota State University is one of seven universities in the Minnesota State system.  SMSU gives highest priority to excellence in teaching and preparing students to be lifelong learners through quality undergraduate teaching/advising and close student/faculty relationships.  Its mission, dating back to 1967, provides access to university-level programs in liberal arts & professional studies. The University has a special commitment to the educational needs of the people in its service region reflected through its curricula, cultural programs, diversity of staff and students, cooperative relationships with the public and private sectors, and regional institutions.  The 216-acre campus encompasses 24 modern, interconnected, and accessible buildings.  Marshall (pop. 13,000) is the hub of a rich agricultural area and offers a variety of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities.  The position is an opportunity to be part of a vibrant, dynamic and growing institution that is searching for exceptionally talented people.

Application Data: Letter of application addressing position qualifications, vita, student evaluations, and transcripts should be attached to your application.  To apply, please complete the application at https://smsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/1642 Additional information on Southwest Minnesota State University can be found at:  www.SMSU.edu

*Nine Month Appointments- Along with all other Universities that are part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, standard faculty appointments are for 168 duty days distributed over any nine consecutive months.  The nine months need not align with the traditional academic year and may be changed every two years.  Initial faculty appointments at SMSU are expected to be similar to or the same as the academic year unless otherwise indicated on the vacancy notice.

Southwest Minnesota State University is a member of the Minnesota State system and is an equal opportunity educator and employer.  SMSU is committed to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. SMSU does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. Women, diverse populations and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Applicants must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States.  Requests for reasonable accommodation of a disability during the application and/or interview process should be made to the Affirmative Action Office, 507-537-6208.  For TTY communications, contact Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529.  This vacancy notice is available in alternative format upon request.