The University of Denver's vision is to be a great private university dedicated to the public good. The Department of Communication Studies calls students to engage in communication meaningfully, creatively, ethically, and with intellectual curiosity, to enhance their personal and public lives, as well as contribute to a sustainable common good. The university and department value diversity, equity, and inclusion (https://www.du.edu/equity), recognizing that our success is dependent on how well we engage the rich diversity of constituents and actively promote a more culturally responsive and just society. We are committed to hiring faculty who support this mission. More information about the mission and programs at DU can be found on the departmental website: www.du

Position Summary

The Department of Communication Studies at the University of Denver seeks to hire a Teaching Assistant Professor and Director of Debate who will start at the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year. This faculty member will fulfill teaching and service responsibilities while also serving as the director of the DU Debate Union. The successful applicant will have a record in coaching debate (DU competes in British Parliamentary debate, though we are open to candidates working from a wide array of debate and forensics traditions) and the ability to teach university-level courses in communication studies.

This is a non-tenure track position that provides a three-year contract with full benefits and is renewable with the possibility of promotion. Promotions to associate and full teaching professor come with longer contracts. More information about our Teaching and Professional Faculty series is available at https://duvpfa.du.edu/teaching-and-professional-faculty/

Essential Functions

This position comes with a reduced teaching load given the administrative responsibilities of directing the DU Debate Union. Debate director responsibilities include:

• Recruitment
• Budget oversight
• Managing travel logistics
• Coaching
• Travelling with the team
• Articulating the value of the debate program to campus stakeholders
• Coordinating the activities of the debate union with campus life

• Fundraising Teaching responsibilities include four courses during the regular academic year (half the usual teaching load for a teaching-line faculty member). Teaching responsibilities include:

• Teaching undergraduate courses in communication studies

• Course development aligned with areas of expertise
• Supervising undergraduate students completing relevant internships or research projects, including theses Service responsibilities include advising undergraduate students and other service assignments within the department and college, as well as service to the university, debate community, scholarly discipline, and/or community.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• A strong record in coaching debate (DU competes in British Parliamentary debate, though we are open to candidates working from a wide array of debate and forensics traditions)
• Excellent communication skills for coaching, classroom teaching and student mentoring
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills
• Ability to manage logistics of budgeting, planning the team schedule, and travelling with students
• Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with students and faculty

• Ability to use an online learning management system Required Qualifications

• M.A. or ABD in Communication Studies or a related field, or J.D.

• Experience in coaching university-level debate
• Ability to teach university-level courses in communication studies

• Demonstrated or potential for service to academic institutions, the discipline, and the community. Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Communication Studies

• Prior experience as a debate coach and director of debate/forensics
• Prior teaching experience at the university level
• xperience interacting with and effectively working with diverse communities of students Working Environment

1. Standard office environment.
2. Noise level is quiet to moderate.

Physical Activities

1. Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period of time.
2. Occasionally required to move about the office/campus with the capability of transporting objects up to 20 lbs.

Work Schedule

Faculty teaching schedules are typically between 8 am-6 pm Mondays through Fridays. Debate activities often require evening and weekend hours, as well as travel.