Visiting Faculty of Instruction – School of Communications (2026)

Summary: The School of Communications at Grand Valley State University is seeking an effective teacher and communication generalist to join the faculty beginning in August 2026. This is a full-time, Visiting Faculty of Instruction position (non-tenure track). The successful candidate should have disciplinary training that aligns closely with the Schools Communication and Media Studies curriculum. The unit places a premium on the abilities and skills of the applicant to successfully contribute to and complement the strong teaching of the current faculty within a range of courses. Individuals from all backgrounds, including from underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates must be able to effectively engage with students, colleagues, and community members with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. Required Qualifications and Education: A masters degree in Communication or a closely related field. Candidates with a bachelors degree in the field plus considerable professional experience in the media industry will be considered. Evidence of teaching effectiveness at the collegiate level is required. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, such as the ability to interact with others with respect and empathy. Preferred Qualifications and Education: A Ph.D. in Communication or a closely related field. Experience teaching graduate-level courses. Experience in the successful creation and delivery of online course materials. Responsibilities: Teach courses across the undergraduate communication curriculum. Potential courses include: Qualitative Research Methods, Quantitative Research Methods, Small Group Communication, Concepts of Communication, Critical Interpretation, Argument and Analysis. Typical teaching load is twelve credit hours (usually four courses) per semester. Salary/Benefits: The salary is $50,000. The university offers an excellent comprehensive package that includes health plans, life insurance, tuition waiver, adoption resources, wellness coaching, and free access to campus fitness facilities, effective on date of hire. Family and childcare options on and off-campus are also available. Department/College: The School of Communications is housed in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and offers major programs in Advertising and Public Relations, Communication and Media Studies, Health Communication, and Journalism, Broadcasting, and Digital Media. The School also offers a masters degree in communication. For details about the School of Communications, see our website at www.gvsu.edu/soc. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the largest college at Grand Valley, offering over 50 bachelor degrees and a growing number of advanced degrees in the natural and mathematical sciences, the fine arts and humanities, and the social sciences. CLAS is a student-centered and diverse learning community that engages in critical inquiry, extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life. Our faculty are active teacher-scholars committed to equitable, inclusive, career-connected, and community-engaged liberal arts and sciences education. There are many opportunities for collaboration within CLAS and across a broad group of partners on and off campus. We are interested in attracting new faculty committed to these core values as we seek to foster a community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive together. Campus/University: Grand Valley University (GVSU) is a public comprehensive institution located in West Michigan with campuses in Allendale, downtown Grand Rapids, and Holland, plus centers in Detroit, Muskegon, and Traverse City. The University attracts more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students with high quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities and has been nationally recognized for innovativeness and its contribution to students social mobility. The greater Grand Rapids metropolitan area has a population of around one million people, is affordable, and offers rich cultural amenities. Grand Valley is located within easy driving distance of Chicago, Detroit, Lake Michigan beaches, and many other superb summer and winter recreational venues. Information can be found at Community Resources - Human Resources - Grand Valley State University (gvsu.edu). Grand Valley is highly rated for safety, sustainability, and veteran and LGBTQ friendliness, and is committed to supporting employees and their families in work-life balance. How to Apply: A complete application must include: (1) a cover letter addressing qualifications and your motivation to teach at GVSU, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) evidence of teaching effectiveness, (4) contact information of three professional references, and (5) undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts (unofficial issued to students are acceptable to apply). Apply online at GVSU Careers and select Apply now. The online application will allow applicants to attach these documents electronically, in the same file location. Applicants selected for interviews will be required to submit official transcripts prior to the interview. If you need technical assistance, email HR at HRO@gvsu.edu. Email questions about the position to Dr. Len OKelly, Director, School of Communications, GVSU at okellyle@gvsu.edu. Please note that applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require sponsorship now or in the future. Application Deadline: The review process will begin on June 1, 2026. Allendale, Michigan 49401 - (616) 331-5000 For more information about Grand Valley, see our website at www.gvsu.edu To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State). Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities. At Grand Valley State University, we empower learners in their pursuits, professions, and purpose. The university enriches society through excellent teaching, active scholarship, advancement of equity, and public service. The GVSU community is collaborative, inclusive, self-aware, goal- and growth-oriented. We value connection with fellow Lakers, both student and professional colleagues, and strive to challenge our existing state with innovative strategies. We are dedicated to student success, and the well-being of our community as a whole. Read more about our Reach Higher 2025 strategic plan and process.