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METROPOLITAN STATE UNIVERSITY, a vibrant and growing public, urban university, is seeking to fill a full-time, probationary (tenure-track) assistant professor position within the Technical Communication and Professional Writing Program of the School of Communication, Writing, and the Arts beginning August 2019.

Responsibilities: 

  • Faculty members are expected to demonstrate ability to teach courses effectively in professional writing and technical communication, integrating technology into courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels
  • Engage in scholarly research or creative achievement
  • Provide evidence of continuing preparation and study
  • Contribute to student growth and development through advising and assistance and engage in service to the university and community
  • Outstanding candidates will demonstrate a commitment to serving a culturally diverse student body through delivering a student-centered education in a liberal arts context and will possess the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals.

Minimum Qualifications:  

  • Ph.D. in Professional Writing; Technical Communication; Rhetoric and Composition; or related program. Candidates who will finish their Ph.D before August 19, 2019 will be considered.
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in university-level teaching in course content such as: professional/technical writing, digital storytelling, game studies, editing, document and information design, grant writing, and composition
  • Demonstrated commitment to linking theoretical and practical learning
  • Demonstrated commitment to serving a culturally diverse student population
  • Proficiency in relevant technology. This might include video editing, web design applications, content management software, game design programs, Creative Suite, or other programs

 Preferred Qualifications:  

  • Secondary interest, evidenced through educational background and teaching experience or research projects, in at least one of the following areas: narrative/storytelling; instructional design; game studies; digital storytelling; multimedia; multimodal rhetoric; non-fiction writing
  • Research on and practical experience with the use of storytelling and narrative in professional contexts
  • Experience and interest in teaching rhetoric and composition
  • Relevant professional experience in the corporate, non-profit or governmental sectors
  • Community-engaged research and/or teaching experience
  • Demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary curriculum and/or research
  • Pedagogical approach that incorporates experiential learning, technology, anti-racism, and cultural-responsiveness

The University:  Metropolitan State University, a member of the Minnesota State, serves approximately 11,000 students in the greater Twin Cities Metropolitan area.  We are the most diverse university in the system, with approximately 41% of our students coming from communities of color.  The university offers programs leading to baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degrees.  We provide accessible, high quality liberal arts, professional and graduate education with continued emphasis on marginalized groups, including adults and communities of color.  Recognized in 2008 by the Carnegie Foundation for Community Engagement and named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the university is committed to academic excellence and community engagement through curriculum, teaching scholarship and services designed to support an urban mission.

Visit our web site at http://www.metrostate.edu 

For campus safety information and crime statistics visit: www.metrostate.edu/security

The School/Academic Department: The School of Communication, Writing and the Arts, located in the College of Liberal Arts, offers multiple majors and minors, including a B.A. in Technical Communication and Professional Writing (TCPW) and an M.S. in Technical Communication; a graduate certificate and a minor in the Design of User Experience, and a minor in Game Studies. The TCPW program features a commitment to core competencies in writing, editing, research and design; practical, hands-on learning; an active relationship with Twin Cities employers and practitioners; and responsiveness to changes in technology and media. The School of Communication, Writing and the Arts (SCWA) provides a lively interdisciplinary setting for teaching, research, and creative work. The School of Communication, Writng and the Arts also encourages applications be submitted from members of under-represented groups in higher education.

 Salary:  Salary is commensurate with education and experience, and is determined by the salary placement process as outlined in the Inter Faculty Organization (IFO) Master Agreement.

* Employment for this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement for the Inter Faculty Organization which can be found at:

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59304e9ad2b85773b3fbdf63/t/5b7cd1fa89858327ce6f1c8e/1534906884931/2017-2019+IFOMinnState+Contract+FINAL.pdf

For the most current information on the IFO, go to www.ifo.org

Application:  To apply, go to http://agency.governmentjobs.com/metrostatemn/default.cfm

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Closing Date:  November  30, 2018

Qualified applicants are required to attach the following documents to their online application: 

  • Cover letter of interest addressing how you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications for the position;
  • Current curriculum vita or resume;
  • One-page statement of teaching philosophy and examples of teaching effectiveness;
  • Names of four (4) references with addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers; at least two (2) of the references must be able to address teaching effectiveness;
  • Transcripts - Valid unofficial copies of your transcript showing conferred/awarded date of your highest attained degree, with your name and the academic institution’s name/logo are required.  If doctoral study is in progress at the time of application, submit the most recent transcript showing your course of study and progress to date.  We are not able to accept copy/paste word documents with a list of courses/grades or DARS reports.  If selected for hire, official original transcripts will be required.
  • Additional materials may be requested at a later date.

If you need help submitting your online application, please contact NeoGov @

1-855-524-5627 for technical assistance.

For TTY, call Minnesota Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) at 7-1-1 or 1-800-627-3529.

If you have other questions related to this job announcement, please contact Carla Ballard, Talent Acquisition Specialist, at 651-793-1319.

Notice: In accordance with the Minnesota State Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to Minnesota State’s vehicle use criteria and consent to a motor vehicle records check.

Metropolitan State University is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.