Visiting Faculty of Instruction – School of Communications (2026)

Summary:  The School of Communications at Grand Valley State University is seeking an effective teacher and advertising/public relations/communication generalist to join the faculty beginning in January 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 School’s Advertising and Public Relations curriculum. The ability to also teach courses in the School’s Communication and Media Studies program is a plus. 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 bachelor’s degree in Advertising, Public Relations, Communication, Journalism, or a closely related field plus considerable professional experience in the media industry.  
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness at the collegiate level is required.
• Experience in or demonstrated understanding of advertising and/or public relations principles.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, such as the ability to interact with others with respect and empathy.

Preferred Qualifications and Education:

• A Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Advertising, Public Relations, Communication, Journalism, or a closely related field.
• Experience in the successful creation and delivery of online course materials.

Responsibilities:

• Teach courses across the undergraduate communication curriculum. Potential courses include: Fundamentals of Advertising, Fundamentals of Public Relations, Management and Cases (either Advertising or Public Relations), Media Planning, Media Relations Writing, Research Methods (both for Advertising/Public Relations and for Communications in general).
• Typical teaching load is twelve credit hours (usually four courses) per semester.

Salary/Benefits: Salary is $50,000. Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver, effective on date of hire.

College: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) is the largest college at Grand Valley, offering over 50 bachelor’s 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 learning community that welcomes individuals from various backgrounds and engages in critical inquiry, extending knowledge to enrich and enliven individual and public life. Our faculty are active teacher-scholars committed to offering students an accessible and community-engaged liberal arts and sciences education that prepares them for meaningful careers. There are many opportunities for collaboration within CLAS and across a broad group of partners on and off campus. We are interested in attracting a cohort of 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.

University: Grand Valley State 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 approximately 22,000 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 page on Grand Valley State University Human Resources website

How to Apply: Apply online at GVSU Careers. 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 you 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.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

If you need technical assistance, email Human Resources (hro@gvsu.edu). Email questions about the position to Dr. Len O’Kelly, Director, School of Communications, GVSU at okellyle@gvsu.edu.

Application Deadline:  The review process will begin on October 25, 2025. The posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University thereafter.

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. Seewww.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.