Special Instructor in Public and Environmental Wellness

Oakland University; Rochester (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakland University in Rochester, MI invites applications for a Special Instructor in Public and Environmental Wellness to deliver undergraduate and graduate instruction in public health. This teaching-focused role emphasizes student engagement, competency-based learning, and applied health education without a research mandate.

The successful candidate will support accreditation-aligned curricula, mentor students, and participate in program development and service activities across the School of

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a health-related field (Public Health, Communications, or closely related) with teaching experience.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching and service.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated community engagement experience.

Responsibilities

• Teach health communication and related courses to maintain accreditation.
• Mentor students to support academic progression and workforce readiness.
• Contribute to curriculum implementation, assessment, and QA processes.
• Coordinate and evaluate student internships/practicums.
• Support community-engaged learning initiatives and partnerships.
• Participate in program, department, school, and university service activities.

Skills

Teaching

Communication

Curriculum development

Student mentoring

Community engagement

Education

Master's degree

Public health credential (CPH/CHES) or eligible

Job description

Department 1034 - Public and Environment Wellness

Position Information

Job Title Special Instructor in Public and Environmental Wellness

Department 1034 - Public and Environment Wellness

Requisition No. 0000819

Job Description Summary

The Department of Public and Environmental Wellness seeks a Special Instructor to provide high-impact undergraduate and graduate instruction and service within the programs of Public Health and Environmental Health and Safety. This is a teaching-focused appointment without research responsibilities.

This role is designed to strengthen education through excellence in communication, student engagement, and applied public health instruction while supporting accreditation-aligned competency development.

Primary Responsibilities Include

• Teaching health communication and related courses required to maintain accreditations
• Mentoring students to support academic progression and workforce readiness
• Contributing to curriculum implementation, assessment, and continuous quality improvement processes
• Establishing, coordinating, and evaluating student internships / practicums
• Supporting community-engaged learning initiatives and experiential education partnerships
• Participating in service activities at the program, department, school, and university levels

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong communication skills, organizational effectiveness, and the ability to help students learn to translate foundational health principles and deliver them precisely and effectively to all audiences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Health, Communication, or closely related field, with demonstrated application to public health or health sciences (e.g., teaching, practice, or community engagement)
• Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching and service
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated community engagement experience
• Degree in public health, credentialed in public health ( CPH ), Certified Health Education Specialist ( CHES ), or eligibility to sit for one of these certifications in within a year of being hired

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in graduate and undergraduate instruction
• Experience with new curriculum development and curriculum modification
• Experience in establishing, coordinating and evaluating internships / practicums

School/College & Department/Program Summary

The School of Health Sciences serves approximately 2,000 undergraduate, master's, doctoral, and post-professional students through a model emphasizing community-engaged translational partnerships and the integration of theory with best practices. The School is organized into four thematic departments:

• Public and Environmental Wellness
• Interdisciplinary Health Sciences
• Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences
• Human Movement Science

Oakland University supports faculty scholarship through internal funding, grant-writing support, and mentorship through the Office of Research. Additional School of Health Sciences opportunities include funding mechanisms such as Seed and Sprout Grants.

Oakland University’s platinum LEED-certified campus and extensive clinical and community partnerships provide a supportive environment for innovative teaching, meaningful service, and impactful research in support of health.

More About Oakland University

The University is located on 1,443 acres of scenic land in the cities of Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills in Oakland County, Michigan. The University offers 142 bachelor's degree programs and 138 graduate degree and certificate programs. Academics include programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business Administration, School of Education and Human Services, School of Engineering and Computer Science, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine and School of Nursing. As an anchor institution in southeastern Michigan that is dedicated to building ongoing, collaborative relationships, Oakland University embraces community and civic engagement to enhance the lives of its students and positively impact the broader community. Learn more about Oakland University’s Mission & Vision and Strategic Plan.

Pay Basis

Open Date 04/14/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Job Category Full-time Faculty

EEO Statement

Oakland University is an Equal Opportunity institution.