ACL Teaching Specialist

About the Job

We are interested in building a diverse group of faculty with experience in arts and cultural leadership or civic and community leadership who are passionate about educating emerging leaders. We’re also interested in engaging first-time instructors who are themselves arts and cultural or civic / community leaders. Teaching Specialists report to the Director for Graduate Programs in CCAPS, and typically teach one semester-length course during the academic year. Courses may be offered in face-to-face, online, or hybrid formats.

Responsibilities

• Teach the assigned course, fulfilling University policies and using course-appropriate effective practices: setting high expectations; supporting achievement with clear instructions, examples and samples; establishing frequent, regular contact with students; grading and returning coursework promptly with relevant formative and/or summative feedback; engaging students in relevant collaborative work; and submitting final grades on-time
• Revise course or provide input as appropriate to stay abreast of discipline practices and trends, and to support changes in the disciplinary goals and curricula
• Stay current in the discipline and participate in activities to support professional development, community faculty dialog, self-assessment, and teaching reviews
• Be responsive to student communication as needed
• Work with the Director of Graduate Studies and program staff as needed to resolve course- or student-related situations that require support or resources outside the classroom

The ACL program has a need for additional instructional staff to offer coursework in topics that include current trends in the arts and cultural sector, cross-sector collaboration, and arts entrepreneurship, among other areas. The CIVE program seeks instructional staff to offer coursework in community engagement and leadership development, among other areas.

This position offers a flexible work arrangement as a hybrid position and has the unique opportunity to help shape and be responsible for the student experience. 

Work for a phenomenal team and College that’s student centered! 

The search committee will review applications as program needs arise throughout the year. Candidates will only be contacted when there is a course available.

Qualifications

REQUIRED

• A demonstrative skill & commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
• Master’s degree
• At least 7 years of professional experience in a field directly related to the course of instruction or 3 semesters of teaching experience.

PREFERRED: 

• A PhD or equivalent terminal degree in a field closely related to the course of instruction
• Ten or more years of professional experience in a field directly related to the course of instruction or 5 semesters of teaching experience
• Experience teaching at the graduate level
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills and proven ability to work successfully with diverse groups of people.

Are you excited about this job and meet the required qualifications, but your past experience does not align perfectly with every preferred qualification? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If this is you, we strongly encourage you to apply because you just may be the right candidate for this role. ***Please note that this position is NOT eligible for sponsorship***

About the Department

The College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS) at the University of Minnesota seeks candidates for future instructional positions within the Master of Professional Studies in Arts and Cultural Leadership (ACL), a professional program which focuses on preparing students to lead as heads of arts, cultural, or nonprofit organizations, voices in cultural advocacy, and creative forces in their communities and the Master of Professional Studies in Civic Engagement, a professional program that provides current and future civic and community leaders with the disciplinary and management skills to support positive change in their communities.

The ACL and CIVE programs strive to prepare leaders to build a more just and equitable world. It’s important to us that instructors are committed to serving a diverse population of learners and that course content reflects the rich breadth and depth of the arts, cultural, and civic sectors in both content and pedagogical practice. In your cover letter, we encourage you to discuss your previous experience incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion into your work and how you would provide an equitable and inclusive learning environment.

In CCAPS you’ll find a flexible, hybrid work environment and supportive colleagues who are committed to empowering lifelong learners to achieve their educational goals in a learner-centric environment where diverse ideas, backgrounds, and identities are embraced.

CCAPS has a large and diverse portfolio of program offerings, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees, professional development offerings for practitioners, pre-college programs for high school students, English language programs, and lifelong learning for personal enrichment. Across all the work done in and by CCAPS, we strive daily to live our core values of Access, Learning, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Excellence.

Pay and Benefits

Instructors are paid $2,280 per credit for full enrollment courses. For example, a three credit course at full enrollment would be paid at $6,840.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. 

Please address all required qualifications in either your cover letter or CV/Resume to be considered for the position. Submit a letter of application (Cover Letter), resume, and the names, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of three current professional references.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section. This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment. or tap here to enter text.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

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