Maine's Public Universities
Maine's Public Universities is hiring: Part-Time Faculty - Communication and Med
Maine's Public Universities, Portland, ME, United States, 04104
Job Description
The University of Southern Maine's Communication and Media Studies Department is seeking applications for Part-Time Faculty positions for the Spring 2025 semester to support both our Public Relations minor, as well as our Communication and Media Studies major and minor. The Spring 2025 semester runs from Tuesday, January 21 through Friday, May 9, 2025.
For our Public Relations minor we are seeking instructors for the following courses:
Intro to Public Relations (CMS 201) - This course examines the issues, tasks, and responsibilities of public relations practitioners in a variety of professional settings. Public relations encompass strategic communication processes aimed at building mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics. This course covers the theories and foundations of public relations and provides an overview of the principles, strategies, and practices of the profession.
Public Relations: Cases and Campaigns (CMS 301) - Students will use the principles and techniques of public relations to critically analyze case studies and campaigns, as well as track current public relations issues.
Topics in Media Production II (CMS 320) - Social Media Storytelling
Public Relations: Special Topics (CMS 335) - Crisis Communication, Media Relations, Digital
Public Relations: Special Topics (CMS 335) - Media Relations
Public Relations: Special Topics (CMS 335) - Digital Communication
The instructor would be responsible for course preparation and teaching either a traditional in-person or online asynchronous course section of one or two of the following public relations courses: CMS 201 Introduction to Public Relations, CMS 301 Public Relations: Cases and Campaigns, CMS 320 Social Media Storytelling, CMS 335 Crisis Communication, CMS 335 Media Relations, or CMS 335 Digital Communication during regular fall or spring terms. The instructor is responsible for responding to all student course inquiries through electronic mail, phone call, or in-person, and posting final course grades in a timely manner. The course section(s) and teaching modality will be assigned and determined by the department chair.
For our Communication and Media Studies major and minor we are seeking instructors for the following courses (to include other courses as needed):
Introduction to Communication (CMS 102) - This course provides students with an overview and brief history of the field of communication, introduces them to theory development and the research process, and illustrates how communication theories can be applied to everyday life. Students will explore communication in a variety of contexts, including intrapersonal, organizational, intercultural, and mass communication.
Introduction to Media Studies (CMS 103) - This course examines the historical, philosophical, technological, economic, political, and social aspects of print (book, magazine, and newspapers) and electronic media (radio, television, film, sound recordings, and the Internet). In addition, the effects of mass media will be explored.
CMS 200 Research Methods in Communication (CMS 200) - This course introduces students to methods of inquiry found in the communication and media studies research literature. These methods include experimental design, survey research, textual analysis, and ethnography. The course examines the underlying philosophical assumptions associated with these methodologies as well as their unique strengths and limitations. Students' conceptual understanding of these methodologies and their ability to become critical consumers of research findings are the major objectives of the course.
CMS 390 Organizational Communication (CMS 390) - This course is designed to introduce students to organization theory and behavior through the medium of metaphor. Using different metaphors, the course draws attention to significant aspects of the process of organizing and provides a means for understanding and managing organizational situations. Students are responsible for conducting on-site field studies and preparing written and oral presentations of their findings.
CMS 345 Small Group Communication (CMS 345) - This course is designed to familiarize students with the theories and techniques associated with group behavior. The course explores the topics of leadership, conflict resolution, group climate, and decision making. Through simulations and exercises students learn methods for analyzing group processes and their own behavior. Students' findings are reported in preliminary and final papers.
CMS 255 Business and Professional Communication (CMS 255) - Designed to provide students with essential communication skills for business and other professional settings, the course covers interpersonal, group, and public communication. These skills include listening actively, giving and receiving constructive feedback, interviewing others, leading groups, negotiating, and making effective public presentations. The course also includes discussions of gender, cultural diversity, and ethics in the workplace.
The instructor would be responsible for course preparation and teaching either a traditional in-person or online asynchronous course section of CMS 102 Introduction to Communication, CMS 103 Introduction to Media Studies, CMS 200 Research Methods in Communication, and other Communication and Media Studies courses as needed during the regular fall and spring terms. The instructor is responsible for responding to student course inquiries through electronic mail, phone call, or in-person, and posting final grades in a timely manner. The course section and modality will be determined by the department chair.
Part-time faculty members are paid on a credit hour basis based on prior teaching experience. In addition, USM employees can use their USM Card to access the library, Cigna Employee Assistance Plan, and fitness center(s). USM also offers part-time faculty the opportunity for development frequently through our Center for Collaboration and Development (CCD) and the chance to get an online teaching certification and training through CTEL, in addition to other developmental opportunities open to all staff throughout the year.
The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond.
USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University.
The University of Southern Maine embraces an inclusive campus community that values the expression of differences in ways that promote excellence in teaching, learning, personal development, and institutional success. The Office of Equity, Inclusion and Community Impact supports USM's DEIA- and Community Impact-focused departments, committees, groups, projects, training, and events. USM encourages women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and people from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds to apply.
We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness.
Required Qualifications for Public Relations:
Required Qualifications for Communication and Media Studies:
To apply, click on the 'Apply Now' button below or visit our USM Careers Page and submit the following:
We will begin reviewing applications immediately. These positions will remain open until filled.
We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.
Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.
Clery Act:
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. View the University's Annual Security Report (PDF). If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please email or call 207.780.4035.
EEO Statement:
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).
The University of Southern Maine's Communication and Media Studies Department is seeking applications for Part-Time Faculty positions for the Spring 2025 semester to support both our Public Relations minor, as well as our Communication and Media Studies major and minor. The Spring 2025 semester runs from Tuesday, January 21 through Friday, May 9, 2025.
For our Public Relations minor we are seeking instructors for the following courses:
Intro to Public Relations (CMS 201) - This course examines the issues, tasks, and responsibilities of public relations practitioners in a variety of professional settings. Public relations encompass strategic communication processes aimed at building mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics. This course covers the theories and foundations of public relations and provides an overview of the principles, strategies, and practices of the profession.
Public Relations: Cases and Campaigns (CMS 301) - Students will use the principles and techniques of public relations to critically analyze case studies and campaigns, as well as track current public relations issues.
Topics in Media Production II (CMS 320) - Social Media Storytelling
Public Relations: Special Topics (CMS 335) - Crisis Communication, Media Relations, Digital
Public Relations: Special Topics (CMS 335) - Media Relations
Public Relations: Special Topics (CMS 335) - Digital Communication
The instructor would be responsible for course preparation and teaching either a traditional in-person or online asynchronous course section of one or two of the following public relations courses: CMS 201 Introduction to Public Relations, CMS 301 Public Relations: Cases and Campaigns, CMS 320 Social Media Storytelling, CMS 335 Crisis Communication, CMS 335 Media Relations, or CMS 335 Digital Communication during regular fall or spring terms. The instructor is responsible for responding to all student course inquiries through electronic mail, phone call, or in-person, and posting final course grades in a timely manner. The course section(s) and teaching modality will be assigned and determined by the department chair.
For our Communication and Media Studies major and minor we are seeking instructors for the following courses (to include other courses as needed):
Introduction to Communication (CMS 102) - This course provides students with an overview and brief history of the field of communication, introduces them to theory development and the research process, and illustrates how communication theories can be applied to everyday life. Students will explore communication in a variety of contexts, including intrapersonal, organizational, intercultural, and mass communication.
Introduction to Media Studies (CMS 103) - This course examines the historical, philosophical, technological, economic, political, and social aspects of print (book, magazine, and newspapers) and electronic media (radio, television, film, sound recordings, and the Internet). In addition, the effects of mass media will be explored.
CMS 200 Research Methods in Communication (CMS 200) - This course introduces students to methods of inquiry found in the communication and media studies research literature. These methods include experimental design, survey research, textual analysis, and ethnography. The course examines the underlying philosophical assumptions associated with these methodologies as well as their unique strengths and limitations. Students' conceptual understanding of these methodologies and their ability to become critical consumers of research findings are the major objectives of the course.
CMS 390 Organizational Communication (CMS 390) - This course is designed to introduce students to organization theory and behavior through the medium of metaphor. Using different metaphors, the course draws attention to significant aspects of the process of organizing and provides a means for understanding and managing organizational situations. Students are responsible for conducting on-site field studies and preparing written and oral presentations of their findings.
CMS 345 Small Group Communication (CMS 345) - This course is designed to familiarize students with the theories and techniques associated with group behavior. The course explores the topics of leadership, conflict resolution, group climate, and decision making. Through simulations and exercises students learn methods for analyzing group processes and their own behavior. Students' findings are reported in preliminary and final papers.
CMS 255 Business and Professional Communication (CMS 255) - Designed to provide students with essential communication skills for business and other professional settings, the course covers interpersonal, group, and public communication. These skills include listening actively, giving and receiving constructive feedback, interviewing others, leading groups, negotiating, and making effective public presentations. The course also includes discussions of gender, cultural diversity, and ethics in the workplace.
The instructor would be responsible for course preparation and teaching either a traditional in-person or online asynchronous course section of CMS 102 Introduction to Communication, CMS 103 Introduction to Media Studies, CMS 200 Research Methods in Communication, and other Communication and Media Studies courses as needed during the regular fall and spring terms. The instructor is responsible for responding to student course inquiries through electronic mail, phone call, or in-person, and posting final grades in a timely manner. The course section and modality will be determined by the department chair.
Part-time faculty members are paid on a credit hour basis based on prior teaching experience. In addition, USM employees can use their USM Card to access the library, Cigna Employee Assistance Plan, and fitness center(s). USM also offers part-time faculty the opportunity for development frequently through our Center for Collaboration and Development (CCD) and the chance to get an online teaching certification and training through CTEL, in addition to other developmental opportunities open to all staff throughout the year.
The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond.
USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University.
The University of Southern Maine embraces an inclusive campus community that values the expression of differences in ways that promote excellence in teaching, learning, personal development, and institutional success. The Office of Equity, Inclusion and Community Impact supports USM's DEIA- and Community Impact-focused departments, committees, groups, projects, training, and events. USM encourages women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and people from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds to apply.
We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness.
Required Qualifications for Public Relations:
- M.A. or M.S. in Communication, Mass Communication, Journalism, or equivalent
degree. - MBA with industry experience in public relations.
- 1 to 3 years of teaching experience in post-secondary education.
- Industry experience in public relations desirable.
- Website development skills desirable.
Required Qualifications for Communication and Media Studies:
- M.A. or M.S. in Communication, Mass Communication, or equivalent degree.
- Preferred Ph.D. in Communication, Mass Communication, or equivalent degree.
- 1 to 3 years experience teaching in post-secondary institutions.
To apply, click on the 'Apply Now' button below or visit our USM Careers Page and submit the following:
- Cover letter describing qualifications for the position.
- Curriculum vitae or resume with contact information for three professional references.
- Copies of student course evaluations of teaching effectiveness from post-secondary institutions.
- Experience and commitment to working with students from diverse populations and
interest in innovative teaching practices.
We will begin reviewing applications immediately. These positions will remain open until filled.
We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.
Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.
Clery Act:
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. View the University's Annual Security Report (PDF). If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please email or call 207.780.4035.
EEO Statement:
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).