Assistant Director for Curriculum and Teaching Faculty Within the Masters of Arts in Strategic Communication At the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication

Job Code: 9743PD
Formal Job Title: Education Professional 7-Education

The Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota
invites applications for an Assistant Director for Curriculum and teaching faculty member. This
full time position will support and grow the Professional Master of Arts in Strategic
Communication and related professional programs. This position reports to the Academic
Director of the MA in Strategic Communication.

The successful candidate will serve as a key program administrator, manager and faculty
member. The candidate will design, implement, and evaluate educational initiatives and curricula
to ensure continuous program effectiveness, enhanced teaching and student learning. They play a
central role in external relations, and program innovation. Key priorities include embedding
artificial intelligence (AI) learning opportunities into the curriculum, cultivating strategic
partnerships, strengthening ties with external stakeholders, supporting student recruitment and
retention, expanding flexible learning options, and enhancing outreach to the professional
community.

As a faculty member and Assistant Director for Curriculum, this role advances the MA in
Strategic Communication by driving curriculum development, managing and overseeing
program innovation, supporting accreditation and certification (e.g., PRSA), and ensuring
student and faculty success. The position also contributes to program reputation and enrollment
growth, while providing leadership for strategic communication events and initiatives across the
School.

The position combines teaching and strategic communication professional program
administration by ensuring that the program emphasizes advanced professional training in
communication strategy, planning, evaluation, and creative content management. Teaching
responsibilities will include instruction in the professional MA program, but could also include
instruction at the undergraduate level depending on school needs.

This is a 100%-time, annual renewable 12-month position with the benefits associated with the
University's administrative policy for Professional and Administrative Employees.

The salary range for the position is $90,000-$130,000, depending on education, rank and
experience.

Responsibilities

Instruction and Curriculum Oversight (40%)

• Teach 1-2 courses per academic term, fulfilling the instructional portion of the position.
• Manage and oversee year-round curriculum development, including specialized oversight
  for online summer courses.
• Serve as a primary resource and substitute instructor for part-time MA faculty and advise
  adjunct faculty on undergraduate curricular matters.
• Consult on and assist with Strategic Communication program and school-wide
  multimedia development for instructor and student success (e.g., podcasts, presentations,
  creative projects).
• Support content creation for instructional development and the Strategic Communication
  Hub.

Educational Design, Implementation and Evaluation (30%)

• Contribute to the School's overall ongoing curriculum development assessment through
  design, implementation, and evaluation of educational and curricular initiatives for the
  Strategic Communication program (MA and undergraduate), focusing on continuous
  quality improvement and enhanced learning outcomes.
• Assist in curriculum review and development for the MA program, including AI
  integration, PRSA certification (or other future certifications), and assessment.
• Creates programs or systems that meet the needs of students and improve educational
  access and quality, adapting to emerging trends and evolving needs of learners.
• Contribute to the School's overall ongoing curriculum development and assessment
  through strategic planning and design.
• Administrative and Personnel Support: Participates in hiring adjunct instructors and
  supporting faculty leadership; also supports faculty advising and recruitment efforts.

External Relations (20%)

• Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with industry leaders, professional
  associations, and corporate entities in collaboration with School leadership.
• Coordinate the biannual professional engagement forums, connecting students with
  industry professionals.
• Attend advisory board meetings for the Strategic Communication Hub, gather industry
  input, and prepare annual curriculum reports.
• Meet with donors and industry partners in collaboration with the School's leadership

Advising and Capstone Supervision (10%)

• Advise students at the undergraduate and graduate levels on academic and other career
  paths in strategic communication.
• Supervise MA capstone projects in consultation with MA program leadership.
• Support student recruitment and promotional activities in coordination with faculty, staff,
  and student teams, often leveraging content derived from external engagement.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus at least 10 years of related experience, or master's degree plus at least
  eight years of related experience, or terminal degree plus six years of related experience.
• Strategic communication experience in relevant industry required: education, health care,
  human services program development, or related corporate, agency or nonprofit setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced professional MA degree in journalism, strategic communication,
  marketing, business or related field.
• Demonstrated success teaching or mentoring in strategic communication, journalism, or
  related fields (e.g., marketing communication).
• Expertise in one or more areas such as artificial intelligence, brand journalism, internal
  communications, development communications, health communication, medical device
  marketing, brand content management, digital strategy/analytics, or crisis
  communication.

About the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication

The Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota is
part of the College of Liberal Arts and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Journalism
and Mass Communication.

The Hubbard School is ideally situated in one of the nation's most dynamic and creative
metropolitan regions. The Twin Cities region is home to major media institutions, strategic
communication (advertising, public relations, interactive/digital communication) firms, and
Fortune 500 companies. This allows the Hubbard School to forge innovative partnerships and
collaborations between industry and the academy in both research and teaching.

Pay Range: $90000 - $130000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online (search by the Job ID: 370670). 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 the following required materials: Cover letter and a resume. Additional materials may be requested from candidates at a later date. 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.

Priority will be given to completed applications received by October 24, 2025 but applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. To learn more about this position or nominate a candidate, please reach out to search committee member, Scott Meyer (sdm@umn.edu).

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

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

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.

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).