Inside Higher Ed is hiring: Communication Studies/Speech Communications: Contrac

Overview

San Diego Mesa College seeks energetic and dedicated candidates to apply for the position of Assistant Professor, Communication Studies, at San Diego Mesa College, beginning Spring 2026. This is an academic contract instructor-College Credit position within the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) faculty, currently classified as FLSA Exempt (no overtime).

Position Details

• Classification Title: Communication Studies/Speech Communications: Contract Instructor-College Credit


• Working Title: Assistant Professor, Communication Studies


• Location: San Diego Mesa College


• Position Type: Academic


• Closing Date: 09/21/2025


• Position Number: 001662


• Pay Information: Class 1, Step C - Class 6, Step C ($6,933.44-$8,849.03) per month based on the current AFT - College Faculty Tenured-Tenure Track Faculty Salary Schedule. Initial salary placement is commensurate with required education and related teaching experience as outlined in section A2.1 of the AFT Faculty Collective Bargaining Agreement and it is non-negotiable.


• FLSA Status: Exempt (does not accrue overtime)

Major Responsibilities

The Assistant Professor will teach Communication Studies courses, as assigned. The Assistant Professor will also be responsible for maintaining standards of professional conduct and ethics appropriate to the professional position. In addition, this person will participate in department and school meetings; assist with curriculum development and revision; maintain office hours and student advisement and counseling; participate in various college committees to assist in shared governance; and fulfill the responsibilities of a community college instructor in accordance with the district-adopted position description.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's in speech, speech broadcasting, telecommunications, rhetoric, communication, communication studies, speech communication or organizational communication


• OR Bachelor's in any of the above AND Master's in drama/theater arts, mass communication or English


• OR the Equivalent

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A commitment to actively participate in furthering the work of the department and college outside of the classroom, through committees, work groups, and other department, college and district-wide opportunities.


• Commitment to continued professional growth and/or the demonstration of currency in the discipline.


• Recent, successful college teaching experience in the areas of Oral Communication, Oral Interpretation, Intercultural, Interpersonal, Forensics, Argumentation and/or other communication classes.


• Demonstrated interpersonal and leadership skills necessary to work collegially with staff, faculty and students.


• Demonstrated strong commitment to quality teaching, student success, equity, and academic excellence.


• Demonstrated ability to apply effective learning theories, contemporary teaching philosophies and methods of technology.


• Strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.


• Demonstrated cultural competency and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff.

Equivalency & Licenses

If you do not possess the exact degrees, or higher, listed above or if you anticipate receiving the required degree prior to the start of teaching classes, please complete a Request for Equivalency Form and attach it during the application process. Foreign Degree: Applicants with foreign degrees from colleges or universities outside of the United States must have their coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, INC. (ACEI). A copy of the evaluation must be submitted with your online application.

All applicants must have demonstrated cultural competency and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty and staff.

Application Process

To apply, visit: https://www.sdccdjobs.com

We are dedicated to maintaining the confidentiality of all inquiries, nominations, and applications in the strictest confidence, and we encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Employer Information

Posting Number: AC01138. The SDCCD provides a comprehensive fringe benefit package for its full-time academic employees, including medical, dental, and vision plans, sick leave, vacation, and opportunities for professional development. This contract position is exempt and may not accrue overtime.

Major Responsibilities and other terms are described above.