Position Information: DescriptionThe Communication Department at the University of North Dakota seeks a non-tenure-track Teaching Assistant Professor in Communication and Director of Public Speaking with theoretical and practical foundations in Communication contingent on available funding. The successful applicant will have demonstrated expertise in both pedagogy and practice, including digital innovation, and must hold at least an M.A. in Communication or related discipline by 08/16/23. The Communication Department’s Public Speaking courses provide instruction for large segments of the University’s undergraduate students through the Essential Studies program.  The successful applicant will oversee the coordination of these courses and provide pedagogical training for a team of instructors. Teaching additional courses in the curriculum may be possible depending on enrollment. Reappointment is possible, contingent on available funding and performance. Salary is competitive.

Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota is the oldest research university in North Dakota. It is the state’s flagship university and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having high research activity. Founded with a strong liberal arts foundation, UND has grown into a prominent scientific research university and was recently ranked among the top 100 public and top 25 most innovative universities in the country by U.S. News and World Report, and is widely regarded as among the top universities in the American Northern Plains region. UND offers degrees in more than 225 fields of study with nearly 14,000 students. It is the home of the state’s only School of Law. The School of Medicine has major initiatives in rural and public health, and Aerospace is home to one of the first and largest unmanned aerial vehicle programs in the world.

UND is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a vibrant college town of over 57,000 people located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. Short commutes, a great public school system, high-quality medical facilities, low crime, ample parks and theaters, and a cost of living below that found in large American cities are some of Grand Forks’ advantages. Ranked as one of the top 5 Best Small College Towns, and America’s Best Hockey Town, Grand Forks offers stellar quality of life without the metropolitan hassles.

Position Benefits

Benefits include single or family health care coverage (UND pays the full premium), basic life insurance, employee assistance program, retirement plans with generous employer contributions, and 10 paid holidays.

Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, flexible spending account, supplemental retirement plans.

UND also offers an employee tuition waiver and a variety of professional development opportunities.

Find out more about UND's great benefits and perks here!

Duties & Responsibilities

The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary for teaching the equivalent of a 4/4 load, with duties primarily, if not exclusively, focused on Comm 110: Fundamentals of Public Speaking. Courses will be a mix of face-to-face and online offerings. All faculty are expected to contribute service within the department, college, university, and community. UND and the College of Arts & Sciences value diverse perspectives and seek applicants who are committed to helping students from underrepresented backgrounds succeed.

Required Competencies

Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to teach, inspire, and mentor students.Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and students.Ability to work with and engage diverse students and colleagues within and outside the Department of Communication.Ability to adapt to current methods of teaching, including online delivery.

Minimum Requirements

• MA/MS in Communication or related discipline by 8/15/2023.
• Successful completion of criminal history records check.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment. Official transcripts from the highest awarding educational institution must be provided upon hire. 

Preferred Qualifications

Track record of teaching, research, education, and/or experience related to Communication and Public Speaking.Proficiency teaching college-level courses.Experience teaching diverse courses across the Communication curriculum.Experience teaching online courses.

Minimum Hiring Salary$46,000 / year, Full-time, Benefited, Exempt

Contract Period/Start DateAugust 16, 2023 – May 15, 2024

To ApplyTo assure full consideration, applications must be received by January 31, 2023, and include the following materials:

Letter of applicationCurriculum vitaeList of at least three references (including contact information)Unofficial transcriptsTeaching philosophy and evidence of teaching effectivenessIf applicable, proof of eligibility for veteran’s preference

Position is open until filled.

Questions can be directed to the Department Chair, Soojung Kim, at soojung.kim@und.edu.

Additional Information

To find out why living and working in Greater Grand Forks is way cooler, check out Grand Forks is Cooler.

All information listed in this position announcement will be used by Human Resources, the Hiring Department, and EO/Title IX for screening, interviewing and selection purposes.

Confidentiality of Application Materials

Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three or more finalists who will be invited to campus.

EEO Statement

The University of North Dakota is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or other protected characteristic. Women, minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants are invited to provide information regarding their gender, race and/or ethnicity, veteran’s status and disability status as part of the application process. This information will remain confidential and separate from your application.

Veteran’s Preference

Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 or NGB 22 and if claiming disabled status, a current letter of disability from the VA dated within the last 12 months.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of North Dakota publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at UND.edu. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the UND Police Department located at 3851 Campus Road, Grand Forks, ND, 58202.