Instructor/Sr. Instructor/Assistant Professor, Veterinary Communications in Professional Excellence (VCPE)

Colorado State University; United States; On-site; USD 145,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University’s Department of Clinical Sciences invites applications for a 12-month non-tenure track faculty appointment in Veterinary Communications at Instructor, Senior Instructor, or Assistant Professor levels. The role is part of the VCPE team and implements a nationally recognized model curriculum with instructors, coaches, and simulated clients.

The position emphasizes student-centered teaching, strong interpersonal skills, and collaboration within a renowned veterinary

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in interpersonal or health communication, veterinary, or related field.
• Doctoral degree (PhD/EdD/DVM/MD) in relevant area or equivalent training.
• Evidence of teaching and/or professional training in communications.

Responsibilities

• Teach DVM student communication coursework as course coordinator, instructor, or coach.
• Assist in advancing the communication curriculum for our students and training centers.
• Coordinate training courses and workshops, possibly evenings or weekends.
• Support faculty development and participate in committees and outreach.

Skills

Veterinary communication

Interpersonal skills

Teaching and coaching

Education

Master's degree

Doctoral degree

Job description

Position Summary

The Department of Clinical Sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University welcomes applications for a 12-month non-tenure track faculty appointment in Veterinary Communications at the rank of Instructor, Senior Instructor (Instructor series) or Assistant Professor (Professorial series). This faculty member will join the Veterinary Communication for Professional Excellence (VCPE) team. We welcome applications from communication scholars or healthcare professionals with exemplary communication and facilitation skills, passion for student-centered teaching and coaching, and strong interpersonal skills. The faculty member will be part of a two-person faculty team and implement the model veterinary communication curriculum alongside a robust team of instructors, coaches, and simulated clients. The CSU communication curriculum (https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/vcpe/dvm-communication-curriculum/) is a nationally and internationally recognized model among veterinary colleges and has earned accolades from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education.

Essential Duties

Teaching 55-65% Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Student Communication Coursework: Collaborate with the VCPE team to provide instruction as the course coordinator, instructor, or coach in the communication curriculum. Collaborate in implementing and advancing the communication curriculum for in-house and University of Alaska Fairbanks DVM students. Assist in preparing course materials, recruiting coaches and simulated clients. This includes communicating with the Center for Advancing Professional Excellence (CAPE) regarding the needs for simulated clients and addressing concerns should they arise regarding simulated client performance. Assist in coordinating additional training courses and workshops, some of which may be held in the evenings or during weekends. Balance creating a healthy, compassionate, and supportive environment, while setting clear expectations for student accountability.

Service and Outreach

20-25% Continuing Education (FRANK and Communication Coaching Skills Workshops): Collaborate with the VCPE program director to coordinate, instruct, and coach for approximately 5 veterinary communication continuing education workshops annually. Some workshops are hosted in the evening or on weekends. Deliver professional development workshops for veterinary faculty, practitioner coaches, and simulated clients. Provide continued support, feedback, and sustain relationships with communication coaches and simulated clients. Balance creating a healthy, compassionate, and supportive environment, while setting clear expectations for student accountability.

Committee Service

Serve on department, college, and university committees.

Consulting

Build and maintain relationships with industry partners, individual, corporate, or large practice groups, and veterinary organizations to provide communication training.

Research

15-20% Non-tenured track faculty are expected to participate in collaborative research programs and utilize case-based material to advance knowledge.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)

Minimum Qualifications

Instructor

• A master’s degree (MA, MS, or MPH) and applicable experience, or a Doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DVM or equivalent, MD, or DNP) in interpersonal or health communication, veterinary, medical, or nursing education, learning and development or related field. Equivalent professional training or experience directly applicable to the role will be considered.

Senior Instructor

• A master’s degree (MA, MS, or MPH) plus 3 years of applicable experience or a Doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DVM or equivalent, MD, or DNP) and applicable experience in interpersonal or health communication, veterinary, medical, or nursing education, learning and development or related field, and convincing evidence of achieving excellence as a teacher. Equivalent professional training or experience directly applicable to the role will be considered.

Assistant Professor

• Doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DVM or equivalent, MD, or DNP) and completion of specialty board certification or a post-doctoral research fellowship in higher education, professional development, healthcare settings or related fields. Equivalent professional training or experience assessing communication, clinical, or educational outcomes will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Content expertise in provider-patient or veterinarian-client-patient interactions.
• Familiarity with experiential learning, adult learning theory, reflective practice, and curriculum or workshop design.
• Student and relationship-centered epistemological approach.
• Ability to implement existing curriculum infrastructure.
• Facilitation skills, communication coaching, or workshop delivery.
• Team player with strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail.

Salary Range

• Instructor $122,000-$137,000
• Senior Instructor $145,000-$155,000
• Assistant Professor $145,000-$155,000

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact. Review our detailed benefits information here. Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.