Director of Forensics

West Texas A&M University; Canyon (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas seeks a Director of Forensics at the rank of Instructor (MA) or Assistant Professor (PhD). The role includes directing the forensics team, budgeting and travel planning, and teaching undergraduate courses such as public speaking, interpersonal and organizational communication. Regular scholarly activity and service are expected.

Beginning dates may be January or August 2027; budget approval applies and rank depends on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Master of Arts in Communication or related field.
• Juris Doctorate qualifies for rank.
• Ph.D. in Communication or related field desired for higher rank.
• Proven quality teaching experience in debate, oratory and speech courses.
• Experience hosting and coaching speech/debate events and teams.

Responsibilities

• Direct the forensics team, plan competitions, budget and manage expenses and travel.
• Teach undergraduate courses in public speaking, interpersonal and organizational communication.
• Adjust teaching load based on rank and coaching obligations.
• Supervise and mentor graduate students when teaching graduate courses.
• Participate in professional associations and scholarly activities.

Education

Master of Arts in Communication

Juris Doctorate

Ph.D. in Communication or related field

Quality teaching experience in debate, oratory, oral interpretation, and basic speech courses

Experience hosting speech and debate events, coaching a competitive team

Job description

Job TitleDirector of Forensics Agency

West Texas A&M University Department Communication

Proposed Minimum SalaryCommensurate

Job LocationCanyon, Texas

Job TypeFaculty

NOTICE - All posted positions are subject to budget approval. Candidate may begin employment in either January or August 2027, depending on candidate qualifications and department needs.

Job Summary

Director of Forensics at rank of Instructor (with a master\'s degree) or Assistant Professor (with a Ph.D.)

Work Performed

Directing and coaching the forensics team, which includes planning competitions, budgeting and managing expenses, travel, and other responsibilities related to team activity.

Teaching undergraduate courses in the department, such as public speaking, interpersonal communication, argumentation and debate, small group communication, and organizational communication.

Teaching load is dependent on entering rank with direction and coaching of forensics team, including travel, expected as part of the load.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. at the time of the contract to be considered for rank of assistant professor.

Actively participating in discipline-specific professional associations (e.g., NCA, SSCA, ICA) and remaining updated with scholarly research.

Rank of assistant professor requires regular production of peer-reviewed and scholarly conference presentations and journal publications.

Supporting the department, college, and university through regular professional service and community outreach.

Qualified applicants might also teach graduate courses and be expected to help graduate students work toward completion of thesis and non-thesis options as an advisor or a committee member.

Necessary Qualifications

• Candidate must have a Master of Arts in Communication (or master\'s degree in a related course of study) or a Juris Doctorate.
• Candidate must demonstrate quality teaching experience in debate, oratory, oral interpretation, and basic speech courses.
• Candidate must demonstrate active involvement and experience in hosting speech and debate events, managing and coaching a competitive speech and debate team.
• Candidate must demonstrate the ability to develop and teach quality traditional, hybrid, and web-based courses.
• Candidate should have strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills, initiative, and the ability to excel in a student-centered environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience advising and mentoring students.
• Experience managing UIL academic events.
• Demonstrated ability to teach graduate-level courses.
• Ph.D. in Communication or a related field.

Texas law requires that males age 18 through 25 be properly registered with the Selective Service System in order to be eligible for employment.

All positions are security-sensitive.

Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution\'s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution\'s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.

Benefits

• The A&M System strives to maintain a competitive, high-quality benefit package to support the health and wellness needs of our workforce.
• This includes comprehensive health and welfare insurance plans, additional health and lifestyle programs, and optional retirement savings opportunities.
• Eligible employees will have access to paid leave programs in addition to 13-15 paid holidays each year.

For more information regarding the benefit package go to: West Texas A&M University: Human Resources Benefits

All applicants must attest they are not employed by and do not have any connection or continuous connections to any government entity or political apparatus of a country listed in 15 C.F.R. § 791.4.

Due to budgetary reasons, West Texas A&M University will not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

Contact

Search Committee Chair: Dr. Emily Kinsky Department: Communication Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a statewide network of twelve universities, eight state agencies, a comprehensive health science center, Texas A&M-Fort Worth and Texas A&M-RELLIS.

The A&M System is committed to providing an educational and work environment that is conducive to the personal and professional development of each employee.

Each member institution provides equal opportunity and access to all students, employees and prospective employees.

External Applicants - Applicants not currently employed by a Texas A&M System member may Search Postings and apply for positions within one or more A&M System members by selecting the job posting.

Internal Applicants - This site lists job postings throughout The Texas A&M University System. It is intended for applicants not currently employed by a member of the system.

Current employees should apply for jobs on the Internal Career site.

The Texas A&M System is an Equal Opportunity/ Veterans/ Disability Employer.