Position Summary
The Department of English, Communication, and Global Languages at Northern State University invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track Instructor of Communication Studies. This instructor-rank position offers the opportunity to shape the foundational communication and first-year experience of NSU students through engaged teaching and active involvement in departmental and university life. The anticipated start date is August 2027; a January 2027 start may also be considered.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree (MA) in Communication Studies or a closely related field, conferred by the position’s start date
- Demonstrated university-level teaching experience in introductory communication courses
Responsibilities: The successful candidate will teach CMST 101: Fundamentals of Communication and FYS 101: First Year Seminar.
Beyond the classroom, the successful candidate will serve as an active member of the department and university community by:
- Directing student learning opportunities, including experiential learning and other applied student experiences
- Advising students on communication-related career pathways
- Building and sustaining connections with community businesses and organizations to support student learning
- Supporting departmental student recruitment and retention efforts
- Maintaining a visible, engaged presence within the department and across campus
Posting Details
- Posting Number: F01942P
- Department: NSU-Arts & Sciences
- Physical Location of Position (City): Aberdeen
- Posting Date: 09/01/2026
- Open Until Filled: Yes
- First Consideration Date: 10/01/2026
- Duration of the Term: 9 months
- Appointment Percent: 100
- Tenure Status: Term
- Proposed Rank: Instructor
- Work Hours: 8-5
- Typical Hours Worked Per Week: 40
- Appointment Type: Regular
- Scope of Search: External (includes Internal)
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
Northern State University is a premier regional institution characterized by outstanding instruction, extraordinary community relations, and excellent co-curricular opportunities. NSU is consistently ranked as one of the best public undergraduate institutions in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report. NSU is organized into the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Fine Arts, the School of Business, and the Millicent Atkins School of Education. NSU is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission as well as multiple disciplinary accrediting bodies.
Northern State University is located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, a vibrant community in northeastern SD. The city has a population of approximately 30,000 and is a cultural, retail, banking, agribusiness, and healthcare hub for the region. The university enjoys a positive and strong relationship with the city and region. With more than $100 million invested over the last decade, NSU is experiencing transformative positive momentum. Recent new buildings, renovations and projects include the new Business and Health Innovations Center, the new Jewett Regional Science Education Center, a new regional Sports Complex with athletic and recreational fields, three new residence halls, and significant updates to the Johnson Fine Arts Center and the Barnett Athletics Center.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Northern State University is committed to building a welcoming culture of belonging and collegiality that respects diversity in knowledge, culture and world view. Northern seeks faculty and staff who will engage with individuals of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and perspectives to increase awareness, understanding, respect and opportunity for all.
Working Conditions
Cognitive Requirements
Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Intense Customer Interaction, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Pace-average, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication
Physical Requirements
Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Lifting light, Repetitive Motion, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Standing for sustained periods of time, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Walking, Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating)
Sensory Requirements
Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)
Working Environment
Classroom Environment
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Reference List
- Graduate Transcripts
The South Dakota Board of Regents is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Board of Regents will take Affirmative Action to ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination. In addition, the Board of Regents fully supports incorporation of non-discrimination and Affirmative Action rules and regulations into all of its employment practices. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting the appropriate Human Resources office. Please see the Contact Us section of this webpage for more information.
Notice to all applicants: If you are selected as a finalist, job references and a background check may be conducted.
