Instructor of Communication Studies

South Dakota Board of Regents; Aberdeen (SD); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern State University invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track Instructor of Communication Studies. The position shapes foundational communication and first-year learning through engaged teaching and campus involvement.

Start date is August 2027 (January 2027 start may also be considered). The successful candidate will teach CMST 101 and FYS 101, direct experiential learning opportunities, advise on career pathways, build relationships with local organizations, and support

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Communication Studies or closely related field by start date.
• Demonstrated university-level teaching experience in introductory communication courses.

Responsibilities

• Teach CMST 101: Fundamentals of Communication.
• Teach FYS 101: First Year Seminar.

Education

Master’s degree in Communication Studies

Job description

Position Summary

The Department of English, Communication, and Global Languages at Northern State University invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track Instructor of Communication Studies. This instructor-rank position offers the opportunity to shape the foundational communication and first-year experience of NSU students through engaged teaching and active involvement in departmental and university life. The anticipated start date is August 2027; a January 2027 start may also be considered.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree (MA) in Communication Studies or a closely related field, conferred by the position’s start date
• Demonstrated university-level teaching experience in introductory communication courses

Responsibilities: The successful candidate will teach CMST 101: Fundamentals of Communication and FYS 101: First Year Seminar.

Additional Responsibilities

• Directing student learning opportunities, including experiential learning and other applied student experiences
• Advising students on communication-related career pathways
• Building and sustaining connections with community businesses and organizations to support student learning
• Supporting departmental student recruitment and retention efforts
• Maintaining a visible, engaged presence within the department and across campus

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

Northern State University is a premier regional institution characterized by outstanding instruction, extraordinary community relations, and excellent co-curricular opportunities. NSU is consistently ranked as one of the best public undergraduate institutions in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report. NSU is organized into the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Fine Arts, the School of Business, and the Millicent Atkins School of Education. NSU is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission as well as multiple disciplinary accrediting bodies.

Northern State University is located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, a vibrant community in northeastern SD. The city has a population of approximately 30,000 and is a cultural, retail, banking, agribusiness, and healthcare hub for the region. The university enjoys a positive and strong relationship with the city and region. With more than $100 million invested over the last decade, NSU is experiencing transformative positive momentum. Recent new buildings, renovations and projects include the new Business and Health Innovations Center, the new Jewett Regional Science Education Center, a new regional Sports Complex with athletic and recreational fields, three new residence halls, and significant updates to the Johnson Fine Arts Center and the Barnett Athletics Center.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Northern State University is committed to building a welcoming culture of belonging and collegiality that respects diversity in knowledge, culture and world view. Northern seeks faculty and staff who will engage with individuals of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and perspectives to increase awareness, understanding, respect and opportunity for all.

Duration of the Term

9 months

Appointment Percent

100

Work Hours

8-5

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

40

Appointment Type

Regular

Scope of Search

External (includes Internal)

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements: Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position.

Protective Clothing/Equipment: Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment.

If other protection is used please identify

Physical Requirements: Please designate the physical requirements of this position Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Lifting light, Repetitive Motion, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Standing for sustained periods of time, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Walking, Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating)

Describe any of the conditions selected

Sensory Requirements: Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

Working Conditions & Exposures: Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above. Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Reference List
• Graduate Transcripts

Optional Documents

No optional documents listed.

The South Dakota Board of Regents is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Board of Regents will take affirmative action to ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination. In addition, the Board of Regents fully supports incorporation of non-discrimination and affirmative action rules and regulations into all of its employment practices. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting the appropriate Human Resources office. Please see the Contact Us section of this webpage for more information.

Notice to all applicants: If you are selected as a finalist, job references and a background check may be conducted.

South Dakota Board of Regents

306 E. Capital Ave, Suite 200
Pierre, SD 57501
605-773-3455