Visiting Instructor of Communication Studies

Announcment of position vacancy about this position summary

The Visiting Instructor of Communication Studies will be responsible for teaching undergraduate lecture courses. The applicant will be expected to primarily teach lower division courses in the Communication Studies program, such as Speechmaking, Interpersonal Communication, and Essential Speech (a one-credit co-requisite to CMU’s interdisciplinary general education capstone). The standard teaching load is 12 credit hours per semester; in addition to teaching in-person classes on CMU’s main campus, courses assigned may include online and/or hybrid modalities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Teach 12 credit hours per semester Utilize D2L for course syllabus and gradebook Prepare and grade assignments, assessments, and speeches Navigate various software and technologies (current technologies include: Panopto, Zoom, Launchpad, and REVEL) Attend departmental and program meetings To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

Minimum Qualifications

Required: Master’s Degree or PhD in Speech, Communications, Communication Studies, or closely related discipline by Fall 2026. Degree must be from an accredited institution Ability and desire to teach undergraduate communication courses Enthusiasm for working with and inspiring undergraduate student at all levels Ability to communicate and work collaboratively and collegially with colleagues

Preferred Qualifications

Artifacts of successful prior college level teaching experience Experience teaching Public Speaking and/or Interpersonal Communication Experience teaching online and/or hybrid modalities The ideal candidate would also be able to teach Argumentation and Debate courses.

Salary

• $48,000 Commensurate with education and experience.
• Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!

How To Apply

Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. The following are required for a complete application: Letter of Application (addressing minimum and preferred qualifications, ability to perform duties listed, and overall teaching philosophy). CV or Resume Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed (If your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire). A diversity statement that demonstrates your experience working with diverse populations and cultivating an inclusive classroom and workplace environment. Names and contact information of three (3) professional references Direct Inquiries Contact: Nicole Grider, ngrider@coloradomesa.edu Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education. Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed. A comprehensive university in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University provides exceptional educational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus. As western Colorado’s largest university, CMU serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction, its satellite campus in Montrose, its technical college, CMU Tech, and via online offerings. Colorado Mesa University serves as the primary intellectual and cultural center of western Colorado and promotes the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national, and international importance. Founded in 1925, it is a dynamic university enrolling 10,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels. At the heart of the CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to higher education that encourages students to think differently and empowers them to challenge assumptions. CMU brings students together with expert scholars and thinkers from different disciplines to make connections between ideas and gain the skills to solve the unstructured, complex problems they will encounter in life. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strong liberal arts core that supports students' interests and regional employment needs, as well as technical programs that respond to vocational workforce demands. The Grand Valley is home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado and you will not have to fight traffic and crowds to enjoy it. CMU is surrounded by the Grand Mesa, Book Cliffs, and the Colorado National Monument. We have world-class mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, rafting, and a mountain resort that’s less than 45 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. Living and working in Grand Junction, you will be able to explore one of Colorado’s best kept secrets.