Communication Studies Instructor (Full-time Tenure-Track Faculty Position)
Job Description
Posting Number
2014397FPosition Title
Communication Studies Instructor (Full-time Tenure-Track Faculty Position)Location
Skyline CollegeDepartment
Language Arts SKY (DEPT)Position Number
2F0042Percentage of Full Time
The work year is 175 days (10 months of service).FLSA
Exempt (does not accrue overtime)Months per Year
10Salary Range
Depending on educational credentials, placement can range from $86,304 to $121,488 per year.Position Type
Faculty PositionsWho We Are
The San Mateo County Community College District is committed to achieving educational equity for all students. As outlined in the District’s Strategic Plan, “success, equity, and social justice for our students are longstanding goals.” The District’s “Students First” Strategic Plan is focused on "Student Success, Equity and Social Justice.” We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces our commitment to provide quality education and promote life-long learning — emphasizing collaboration and engaging students in and out of the classroom, encouraging them to realize their goals, and to become global citizens and socially responsible leaders. When you join our San Mateo County Community College District team, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice. We achieve this through broad collaboration among faculty and classified staff, administration, students and community partners.
The College and the District
Skyline College is part of the San Mateo County Community College District and is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), enrolling approximately 16,000 students each academic year. Skyline College has a diverse student population that is a reflection of the communities that it serves. Detailed information about the student population, including data related to student success, can be found on Skyline College’s Office of Planning, Research, Innovation, & Effectiveness (PRIE) website.
Who We Want
We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, racial and ethnic backgrounds We prioritize applicants who demonstrate an understanding of the benefits that diversity brings to a professional educational community. The successful candidate will be an equity-minded individual who is committed to collaborating with faculty, classified staff, administration, students and community partners in strengthening the culture of equity and antiracism throughout the District. The San Mateo County Community District seeks employees who value mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment, guided by a commitment to helping students achieve their educational goals.
An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:
(1) Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as educators for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices;
(2) Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility;
(3) Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference;
(4) Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and
(5) Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives.
The San Mateo County Community District seeks employees who value mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment, guided by a commitment to helping all students achieve their educational goals. All departments strongly encourage collaboration across disciplines to create inclusive, integrated, and interdisciplinary learning experiences. College faculty are expected to be knowledgeable about, and willing to use, different learning and teaching methods appropriate for the students whom we serve.
The Position
The College seeks a full-time, tenure track faculty member in Communication Studies. The ideal candidate will share the College’s commitment to educating a racially and socioeconomically diverse student population.
Start date of this assignment: Spring 2025
Start date of this assignment: Spring 2025
Duties and Responsibilities
The duties below are representative of the duties of the classification and are not intended to cover all of the duties performed by the incumbent(s) of any particular position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the scope of work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this classification.
- Teach courses in the communication studies discipline (the college offers day, evening, and hybrid/online classes, and faculty may be required to teach in these formats) using culturally responsive pedagogical techniques
- Understand and use effective practices for engaging African-American, Latinx, Filipinx, and Pacific-Islander students, who are historically underrepresented and underserved in traditional Communication Studies department classrooms
- Maintain expertise in current teaching methodologies and curricula and develop instructional materials and techniques to close the equity gaps experienced by African Americans, Latinx, Filipinx, Pacific Islanders and other disproportionately impacted students
- Assist in new course development, curriculum revisions, and course, program, and institutional assessments
- Participate in the development and/or selection of course materials, equipment, and technology that will enhance communication studies offerings of the department
- Maintain expertise in current teaching and discipline technologies by participating in ongoing and intentional professional development
- Participate in departmental (program) planning, documentation, meetings, activities, and team-building
- Consult with students during regularly scheduled office hours
- Serve as a member of division and college committees
- Perform other duties as required by contract, collective bargaining agreement, and general institutional needs
Minimum Qualifications
- Possession of a Master’s or above 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 or above in Drama/ Theater Arts, Mass Communication, or English OR the equivalent (see below)
- Demonstrated cultural competence, sensitivity to, and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, ethnic, neurodivergent, and LGBTQIA+ backgrounds of community college students, faculty, and staff as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practice both within and outside of the classroom
Physical Requirements
Per the collective bargaining agreement, full-time instructional faculty shall be present on campus while performing assigned duties, unless an alternative location is assigned and approved. This position requires a minimum of one in-person course assignment per semester.
Equivalence to Minimum Qualifications
For persons applying for this position based on Equivalence, please answer the supplemental question on the online application indicating one of the following:
Degree Equivalence
The applicant possesses a degree(s) with similar content to those listed for the relevant discipline. The name of the degree is close to that specified on the Disciplines List but the degree either has a different title or area of expertise or the coursework is slightly different.
Academic Background Equivalence
Related to disciplines in which a Master’s Degree is not generally expected or available. The applicant must have completed at least 24 semester units of coursework in the academic field and must possess at least the equivalent level of achievement and the equivalent in breadth, depth of understanding, and rigor in each of the following:
i) a broad cultural education usually met by the general education requirements for any Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree, and
ii) a detailed study of the discipline in breadth, depth, and rigor, usually met by course work required for the degree major.
Professional Achievement Equivalence
The applicant must have completed the General Education requirements for that degree and show evidence of outstanding professional achievement and/or substantial training in the requested field. The applicant must submit substantial evidence, which demonstrates that his/her preparation, teaching experience, work experience, and ability are equivalent to those expected from a person who meets the minimum qualifications.
Degree Equivalence
The applicant possesses a degree(s) with similar content to those listed for the relevant discipline. The name of the degree is close to that specified on the Disciplines List but the degree either has a different title or area of expertise or the coursework is slightly different.
Academic Background Equivalence
Related to disciplines in which a Master’s Degree is not generally expected or available. The applicant must have completed at least 24 semester units of coursework in the academic field and must possess at least the equivalent level of achievement and the equivalent in breadth, depth of understanding, and rigor in each of the following:
i) a broad cultural education usually met by the general education requirements for any Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree, and
ii) a detailed study of the discipline in breadth, depth, and rigor, usually met by course work required for the degree major.
Professional Achievement Equivalence
The applicant must have completed the General Education requirements for that degree and show evidence of outstanding professional achievement and/or substantial training in the requested field. The applicant must submit substantial evidence, which demonstrates that his/her preparation, teaching experience, work experience, and ability are equivalent to those expected from a person who meets the minimum qualifications.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Subject matter preparation:
Preference will be given to candidates who:
Preference will be given to candidates who:
- Possess a professional level of competence and recent successful experience in teaching college-level transfer courses related to public speaking, interpersonal communication, intercultural communication, small group communication, argumentation and debate, gender and communication, and health communication
- Demonstrate evidence of collaboration or a willingness to collaborate with campus programs and resources such as learning communities, TRIO, Transfer Center, and/or International Student Programs
- Demonstrate a commitment to professional development, including knowledge of current theories and teaching methods and developments in communication studies
- Are able to reflect on and evaluate one’s pedagogy, and examine its effect on students and their learning critically
- Are able to expand the use of technology in communication studies education, including hybrid and/or online teaching
- Are able to motivate students from a broad spectrum of academic, socioeconomic, ethnic, neurodivergent, and LGBTQIA+ backgrounds
Preferred Qualifications
- Recent experience working with racially minoritized and other disproportionately impacted students in the classroom and an understanding of how historical patterns of exclusion of these groups within higher education and the field of communication studies shape patterns of participation and outcomes
- Willingness to examine and remediate one’s instructional, relational, and classroom practices to more effectively engage and support racially minoritized and other disproportionately impacted students
- Experience and skill with addressing issues of equity in the classroom and on campus
- Experience and expertise in culturally responsive teaching in communication studies
- Demonstrated ability to address equity gaps within communication studies courses and classrooms
- Demonstrated knowledge of the implications of the Hispanic-Serving Institution designation for institutional, departmental and instructional practices
Faculty Benefits
Benefits include a choice of medical plans, dental coverage, vision care, sick leave, salary continuance insurance, and an optional tax-deferred flexible benefit plan. Coverage is offered for employees and all eligible dependents. Academic employees participate in the State Teachers’ Retirement System, a defined-benefit retirement plan through the State of California. Employees may also be eligible for various first-time homebuyer programs.
Open Date
10/08/2024First Review Date
11/12/2024Open Until Filled
YesSpecial Instructions Summary
Required Application Materials
All applicants are required to submit:
1. A completed online District application form (go to https://jobs.smccd.edu to complete the application and to apply for this position)
2. A resume that details all relevant education, training, and teaching experience (including courses taught), and other work experience
3. Undergraduate and graduate academic transcripts (copies accepted)
All applicants are required to submit:
1. A completed online District application form (go to https://jobs.smccd.edu to complete the application and to apply for this position)
2. A resume that details all relevant education, training, and teaching experience (including courses taught), and other work experience
3. Undergraduate and graduate academic transcripts (copies accepted)
Unofficial copies of all undergraduate and graduate academic transcripts may be submitted with the application; official copies will be required at the time of hire.
4. Your cover letter must include a discussion of the following questions:
- What do you feel are the best strategies for supporting students who have been historically marginalized?
- Think of the most successful class you have taught. What were the key factors in creating that success for racially-minoritized and other underserved disproportionately disadvantaged students?
- How is your teaching approach culturally-responsive to the students you serve?
If you have any questions regarding your application, please contact:
SMCCCD Office of Human Resources
3401 CSM Drive, San Mateo, CA 94402
Tel.: (650) 574-6555 Fax (650) 574-6574
Email: smccdjobs@smccd.edu
Web Page: https://smccd.edu/humanresources/
Conditions of Employment
Prior to employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete the following:
1. Submit official transcripts (applies to all faculty or educational administrative positions)
Foreign Education completed outside of the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in conventional/accredited U.S. education programs in order for it to be considered for the satisfaction of minimum qualifications. Foreign transcripts must be translated and evaluated by a U.S.-based credentials evaluation service. The District currently accepts evaluations from agencies approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
2. Submit verifications of prior employment
3. Satisfactory references
4. Successfully being cleared for employment through the background checking process
In addition to background checks, the District may review publicly available information about a candidate on the Internet. If a candidate is aware of incorrect or inaccurate information that is available on the Internet, the candidate is welcome to address such an issue with the Office of Human Resources.
5. Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States
6. Approval of your employment by the SMCCCD Board of Trustees
7. Provide a certificate of Tuberculosis exam for initial employment.
8. Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer (Clearance must be received prior to first day of employment). Please note that the California Education Code requires, in part, that community college districts shall not employ or retain in employment persons in public school service who have been convicted of certain felonies, a misdemeanor drug charge (including alcohol offenses) or misdemeanor moral turpitude (sexual offense) crime. However, consideration may be given to those whose drug convictions occurred more than five years ago. A conviction for other crimes may not necessarily disqualify you from the job for which you may be applying.
1. Submit official transcripts (applies to all faculty or educational administrative positions)
Foreign Education completed outside of the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in conventional/accredited U.S. education programs in order for it to be considered for the satisfaction of minimum qualifications. Foreign transcripts must be translated and evaluated by a U.S.-based credentials evaluation service. The District currently accepts evaluations from agencies approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
2. Submit verifications of prior employment
3. Satisfactory references
4. Successfully being cleared for employment through the background checking process
In addition to background checks, the District may review publicly available information about a candidate on the Internet. If a candidate is aware of incorrect or inaccurate information that is available on the Internet, the candidate is welcome to address such an issue with the Office of Human Resources.
5. Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States
6. Approval of your employment by the SMCCCD Board of Trustees
7. Provide a certificate of Tuberculosis exam for initial employment.
8. Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer (Clearance must be received prior to first day of employment). Please note that the California Education Code requires, in part, that community college districts shall not employ or retain in employment persons in public school service who have been convicted of certain felonies, a misdemeanor drug charge (including alcohol offenses) or misdemeanor moral turpitude (sexual offense) crime. However, consideration may be given to those whose drug convictions occurred more than five years ago. A conviction for other crimes may not necessarily disqualify you from the job for which you may be applying.
EEO Statement
The San Mateo County Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks to employ individuals who represent the rich diversity of cultures, language groups, and abilities of its surrounding communities.
Accommodations
Applicants who have disabilities may request that special accommodations be made in order to complete the selection process. Accommodation requests and a copy of the Americans with Disabilities Act applicant procedures can be made by completing our: Applicant Reasonable Accommodation Request Form
Annual Security Report
San Mateo County Community College District’s (SMCCCD) 2024 Annual Security Report (ASR), required by the Clery Act, includes statistics for the previous three years (2021–2023) concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings owned or controlled by SMCCCD; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from SMCCCD. The 2024 Annual Security Report also outlines various campus safety and security policies concerning crime reporting, prevention and response to sexual and gender violence, alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, emergency response and evacuation procedures, and other matters. The Annual Security Report also includes important tips to help every community member remain safe and avoid becoming a victim of crime. The 2024 Annual Security Report is now available on the Public Safety website. You can also obtain a copy of this report by contacting the Department of Public Safety at the District Office or any of the three Campuses (650) 738-7000. The report includes information about criminal activity on our campuses, emergency procedures, and resources.
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