Adjunct Instructor - Communications, Spring 2026 (Open Call)

Position Announcement

Utah Valley University is seeking dedicated Communications Adjunct Instructors to join its dynamic faculty and help prepare students for success in a wide range of professional fields. As an adjunct, you’ll have the opportunity to share your expertise, teach engaging courses, and mentor students as they develop critical communication skills in areas such as public speaking, interpersonal communication, media studies, and professional writing.

This role is ideal for experienced professionals or educators who are passionate about teaching and want to contribute to UVU’s mission of student success. With flexible teaching opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the classroom, you’ll play an important role in equipping students with the communication skills needed to thrive in their careers and communities.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Teaching & Course Delivery: Design, prepare, and teach courses in communication (e.g., public speaking, interpersonal, intercultural, organizational, media studies), using effective lectures, discussions, and class activities.
  
• Course Preparation: Develop syllabi, lesson plans, assignments, exams, grading rubrics, and other instructional materials (such as outlines, mock-ups, visual aids, and instruction sheets) in alignment with department standards and measurable learning objectives.
  
• Student Learning & Support: Instruct, mentor, and advise students individually and in groups; maintain a student-oriented approach to education; hold office hours (in person or virtual) to support student success.
  
• Assessment & Evaluation: Evaluate student performance using appropriate testing methods, assignments, and presentations; provide timely, constructive feedback; recommend students for advancement or graduation as appropriate.
  
• Records & Accountability: Maintain and submit accurate records related to attendance, performance, accountability, and follow-up in accordance with institutional requirements.
  
• Collaboration & Program Support: Assist faculty, department chairs, program coordinators, and staff in maintaining effective programs; contribute to curriculum alignment and accreditation standards; participate in cooperative work experiences or special projects as assigned.
  
• Classroom & Laboratory Management: Maintain safe, effective, and inclusive learning environments in classrooms and labs.
  
• Professional Responsibility: Adhere to academic freedom and professional responsibility standards; stay current on communication theory, pedagogy, and best practices through ongoing professional development.
  

Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications

A bachelor’s degree in Communication, Speech, Rhetoric, Media Studies, or a closely related field, AND 2 years of professional experience in communication-related fields (such as public relations, journalism, media, or corporate communication); OR a master’s degree in Communication, Speech, Rhetoric, Media Studies, or a closely related field.

• Doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in Communication, Rhetoric, Media Studies, or a closely related field.
  
• College-level teaching experience, especially in courses like Public Speaking, Interpersonal
• Communication, Intercultural Communication, or Mass Media.
  
• Demonstrated success in engaging diverse student populations, including first-generation, non-traditional, and underrepresented students.
  
• Experience with curriculum design, assessment, and innovative teaching methods.
  
• Strong record of professional experience in communication-related fields (e.g., public relations, media, journalism, organizational communication).
  
• Evidence of ongoing professional development or scholarship in communication.
  

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge

• Communication theory, principles, and practices (e.g., public speaking, interpersonal, intercultural, organizational, or media studies).
  
• Curriculum development and effective instructional strategies at the college level.
  
• Methods for assessing learning outcomes and providing meaningful feedback.
  
• Current trends, issues, and technologies in the communication field.
  

• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to model effective communication for students.
  
• Classroom management and instructional skills, including engaging diverse learners.
  
• Curriculum design, lesson planning, and adapting teaching strategies to different learning styles.
  
• Evaluation and grading with fairness, consistency, and timeliness.
  
• Use of learning management systems (LMS) and classroom technology.
  

• Teach complex concepts in an accessible, student-centered way.
  
• Establish rapport with students and foster a supportive learning environment.
  
• Adapt to departmental guidelines while bringing creativity to course delivery.
  
• Manage time effectively while balancing multiple classes and responsibilities.
  
• Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and administrators to support program goals.
  

Utah Valley University’s dedication to exceptional care offers quality service and benefits to employees while staying committed to meeting the needs of a diverse workforce.

Although part-time and adjunct (less than 30 hours per week) employees are ineligible for the full-time employee benefits package, the university is pleased to offer the following:

• Undergraduate tuition remission benefit:
  • Part-time: waives 100 percent of tuition and general student fees for up to 3 credit hours or 1 course after 6 consecutive months of employment and a minimum of 480 hours worked (dependents do not qualify)
  • Adjunct: waives 100 percent of tuition and general student fees for one course per semester in which there is an active teaching assignment at the university (dependents do not qualify)
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Access to Campus Recreation and Wellness
• Exclusive cash rewards through Utah Community Credit Union’s (UCCU) branch on UVU’s campus when becoming a member

• Yes
• No

• High School or equivalent
• Associates
• Bachelors
• Masters
• Ph.D.
• Ph.D. (abd)
• Juris Doctorate

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