Professor of Spanish (Academic General Faculty) and Spanish Language Program Director
The University of Virginia’s Department of Spanish, Italian and Portuguese is a vibrant intellectual community that is pushing research and teaching in innovative directions, providing comprehensive undergraduate and graduate education, and engaging with local communities in significant ways. We welcome applications for a Professor of Spanish on the academic general faculty, expected to begin August 10, 2027. The core responsibilities of this position include teaching courses in Spanish language and culture (elementary and intermediate levels) each semester, managing the Spanish Language Program in the capacity of Language Program Director, contributing actively to departmental service, and participating in department leadership. The Language Program Director oversees the curriculum and coordinates syllabi for Elementary Spanish through Advanced Intermediate Spanish courses (SPAN 1010-2020), supervises faculty and graduate students teaching in the program in conjunction with course coordinators, organizes summer teaching, carries out program assessment, and works with undergraduate students with specific needs in the program. This is a three-year, tenure-ineligible appointment with the possibility but not the guarantee of renewal.
The successful candidate will join a department with three undergraduate programs—in Italian, Portuguese and Spanish—and a graduate program in Spanish. The undergraduate Spanish Language Program is one of the largest units in the College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, serving over 600 students per semester, and is carried out by an energetic body of experienced general faculty members and graduate students. Instructors in the Language Program collaborate on course planning and take initiative in group and individual pedagogical projects. Most recently, a team of faculty have developed an open textbook for the intermediate level and are working on its equivalent for the advanced intermediate level. The ideal candidate will have expertise in leading pedagogical innovation, proven effectiveness in working collaboratively, and administrative experience in higher education language instruction.
Qualifications
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, applicants should hold a PhD in Applied Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition, or a closely related field at the time of application. Demonstrated excellence in teaching and leadership in language education at the college or university level in the U.S. is preferred, including a record of scholarly contributions to language acquisition, pedagogy, or related areas. Native or near-native proficiency in Spanish and English is required.
Application Instructions
Review of applications begins on November 2, 2026 and will continue until interviews have started. Only complete applications will receive consideration.
Visit https://apply.interfolio.com/192509 to apply.
Please submit the following:
- Cover letter that includes a brief statement of credentials and a summary of language teaching and leadership interests and experience (two pages maximum)
- Current CV
- A statement of teaching and leadership philosophy (two pages maximum)
- Current teaching evaluations, of two different courses if possible
- Three letters of recommendation
Questions about this position should be directed to Prof. Kate Neff at keb8a@virginia.edu. Questions about the application process should be directed to Melanie Sponaugle, unw5dq@virginia.edu. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.
The University of Virginia offers confidential Dual Career Services to partners of incoming faculty candidates. To learn more, please visit dualcareer.virginia.edu
