Hubbard Teaching Specialist or Lecturer of Journalism

Dual Level Posting: Teaching Specialist or Lecturer of Journalism
P&A Instructional Staff | Job Code 9754 or 9753
Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication
College of Liberal Arts
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

Appointment Start Date: August 30, 2027

Position Overview:

The Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication and College of Liberal Arts seek a
full-time, non-tenure track Teaching Specialist or Lecturer (Academic Professional/P&A) instructional
faculty member in journalism with a distinguished record of professional experience to join our faculty.
The successful applicant will teach lower and upper-level journalism majors how to report, write,
produce, edit, and innovate in a fast-changing media environment. A candidate hired with advanced
professional and instructional expertise may be asked to participate in curriculum development in the area
of general reporting, and journalism and social media.

This is a 100%-time, annually renewable Academic Professional (P&A) position over the nine-month
academic year (August 20, 2027- May 28, 2028).

Job Duties:

• Instruction & Student Engagement (80%)
  • Course Delivery & Pedagogy:
    • Teach six skills-based journalism courses per year (3/3 load) across lower- and
      upper-level courses, such as news reporting/writing, editing, media ethics, and
      multimedia.
    • Ensure students are trained in the fundamental and necessary skills of basic news
      reporting, news editing, and short and long-form storytelling.
      • Develop and prepare course content, materials and syllabi.
      • Instruct using diverse modes of delivery.
      • Evaluate student performance, offer constructive critique, and grade materials
        such as exams, paper and projects.
      • Respond to student inquiries and meet with students.
      • Integrate modern industry workflows and AI applications.
      • Participate and prepare students with the skills they need for entering the
        profession which includes a contemporary understanding of how AI is used in
        various ways in journalism
      • Participate in and/or lead in curriculum innovation in multimedia, digital
        journalism
  • Student Advising & Mentorship:
    • Advise majors on academic progress and career preparation.
    • Mentor students on portfolio development, internships, and involvement with
      student media or professional chapters.
      
• Departmental & Community Engagement and Service (20%)
  • Serve on school, college, and university committees informing policies and program
    development.
  • Participate in faculty meetings, searches, and student recruitment.
  • Build and maintain relationships with Twin Cities media outlets to foster student
    mentorships, guest speaking, and career pipelines. Maintain an active presence in
    professional journalism organizations (e.g., SPJ, RTDNA, IRE, MNA, BEA) and pursue
    continuous professional development in emerging digital tech and AI.
  • Build and strengthen partnerships between faculty and students and the Twin Cities
    professional community and beyond.
  • Supervise learning opportunities and internship placements for students in newsrooms
    across the state as part of experiential programming. This may include supporting
    established Hubbard programs like: Report for Minnesota, the Minnesota State Capitol
    Legislative Reporting project, and the Hubbard Reporting Experience.

Required Qualifications:

Teaching Specialist level (9754):

• A bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field and three or more years of related professional
  experience.

Lecturer level (9753):

• A master's degree in Communication, Journalism, Mass Communication (or related field) with at
  least 5 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated record of effective teaching in higher education or in a professional setting.
• Demonstrated experience working in an evolving digital environment and developing AI
  knowledge and its relevance to the journalism profession.
• More than seven years of major-market regional or national experience in news reporting, editing
  or similar professional journalism experience.
• More than two years of post-terminal degree experience in professional journalism training,
  teaching or curriculum development.
• Active involvement or leadership in local, state, or national/international associations, such as the
  Society of Professional Journalists, Minnesota Newspaper Association, Investigative Reporters &
  Editors, or as a student chapter adviser.
• Demonstrated commitment to developing a culturally competent workforce and knowledge of
  professional practices that contribute to an inclusive working and learning environment.
  Candidates with a bachelor's degree will be appointed at the Teaching Specialist level. Candidates with a
  master's degree will be appointed at the Lecturer level.

About the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication:

The Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota is part of the
College of Liberal Arts and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Journalism and Mass
Communication. The Hubbard School offers three undergraduate majors in Strategic Communication -
Advertising and Public Relations, Professional Journalism, and Media and Information; and minors in
Media and Information, Sports Media and Promotion Minor, and Digital Media Studies. The Hubbard
School offers an academic M.A. and Ph.D. in Mass Communication and a Professional M.A. in Strategic
Communication.

Housed in Murphy Hall, a state-of-the-art facility for teaching and research of journalism, strategic
communication, and emerging media studies, the Hubbard School is home to the Silha Center for the
Study of Media Ethics and Law, the Minnesota Journalism Center, the Strategic Communication Hub,
Hubbard Digital Hub Studios, and the Digital Information Research Center/Sevareid Library. Hubbard
facilities also include the Murphy Hall conference center, multimedia classrooms, and
psychophysiological communication research labs, and a focus group room, which is used to support
graduate-level experimental research. A 2025 Murphy Hall renovation enhances the dedicated office,
meeting, interview, and event spaces available for the Silha Center. For further information, please visit
the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication website, at: https://hubbardschool.umn.edu/

About the College of Liberal Arts:

Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is
the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20
interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff
spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over
twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000
undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400
graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.

CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our
increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational
commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of
underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting,
and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and
viewpoints-so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand
and respect differences.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA

Working in CLA

Pay Range: Annual Salary Range (across a 9-month appointment): $70,000- $86,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Additional summer employment opportunities may be available.

Time Appointment: 100%, 9-month Academic Professional and Administrative appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

Additional documents should be uploaded as a pdf and are attached after completing the application. Go to "My Activities" page and upload documents there. The following documents are required for a complete application:

• Cover letter
  • In your cover letter make sure to identify your qualifications and experience
    relevant to the role including a description of university-level or related teaching
    experience, the courses you can teach in journalism and how you ensure your
    teaching is inclusive and meets the needs of diverse learners.
• A Resume or Curriculum Vita
• References: Attach a document including names and contact information for three
  professional references

Priority will be given to completed applications received by Nov. 30, 2026 but applications will be
reviewed until the position is filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or
call (612) 624-8647.

To learn more about this position, or nominate a candidate, please reach out to the search
committee chair please contact Dr. Matt Cikovic, Assistant Professor and Chair of the search
committee, by email: mcikovic@umn.edu

For inquiries regarding the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, please
contact Dr.Maria Len-Rios, Professor and Director of the School, by email: lenr0001@umn.edu.

References are not contacted until the finalist stage of interviews.

Background Check Information:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our
presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not
automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.