Faculty - Mass Communications/Speech

Please Note: This is not a student worker position. It is a full-time position with Amarillo College, posted by the Human Resources Recruiting team. For additional employment info, visit the Amarillo College Job Board on NEOED.

Summary

At Amarillo College, our mission is: Transforming our community and economy through learning, innovation, and achievement. Every team member, regardless of job title or duties, is responsible first and foremost, for assisting students in every way.

This is an exciting time to work for Amarillo College! We are seeking our next Faculty - Mass Communications/Speech who will be all-in on our mission and who will be responsible for teaching courses in mass communication and speech. Teaching responsibilities include time spent in the classroom, studio, tech-supported, or online courses and in immediate preparation for respective courses, maintaining and improving competence in subjects being taught.

Qualifications

EDUCATION:
Required:  Master’s Degree in Speech or a Master’s Degree with a minimum of eighteen (18) graduate hours in Communications, Mass Communications, Speech, or Journalism.

Preferred: Doctorate degree in Mass Communications or a closely related discipline.

EXPERIENCE:
Required:  Prior experience teaching speech or communications at the post-secondary level.

Preferred: Two (2) years of experience teaching speech or communications. Experience in the media industry and student publications.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Teach courses in Mass Communication and/or Speech across various formats, including in-person, online, and hybrid modalities.
• Maintain accurate records, including class schedules, grades, and attendance, in compliance with college policies.
• Provide engaging and effective instruction, guiding students through coursework, projects, research, and internship opportunities.
• Plan, develop, and present organized classroom instructions and learning opportunities for students in accordance with approved course outlines.
• Teach day and/or evening courses as required, including dual credit and off-campus instruction
• Contribute to curriculum development, ensuring relevance and alignment with industry trends and educational standards.
• Develop and maintain course syllabi, ensuring consistency with catalog descriptions and learning objectives.
• Select and integrate instructional materials and textbooks that enhance student learning experiences.
• Engage in faculty development and professional growth opportunities to enhance teaching effectiveness.
• Stay proficient in Amarillo College’s learning management systems, multimedia tools, and distance learning technologies.
• Pursue ongoing professional development to stay current in mass communication, speech, and instructional best practices.
• Attend faculty training sessions, advising briefings, and institutional policy updates as required.
• Actively participate in student recruitment efforts and college-wide initiatives.
• Complete and submit administrative documentation and performance evaluations in a timely manner.
• Engage in department, division, and college meetings, contributing to institutional planning and decision-making.
• Participate in faculty assemblies, general meetings, and commencement ceremonies.
• Contribute to the evaluation and assessment of student performance through established grading policies.
• Serve on college committees as outlined in the Academic Affairs Manual.
• Support and contribute to faculty and institutional development initiatives.
• Perform other work-related duties as required.
• As an Amarillo College employee, seek knowledge of and pledge to actively engage in a culture of caring striving to serve students, peers and the community by embracing the AC Core Values: Wow, Family, Fun, Innovation, and Yes!

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Comprehensive understanding of mass communication and speech principles, theories, and best practices.
• Expertise in curriculum design and instructional methodologies tailored to higher education.
• Proficiency in classroom management strategies, fostering student engagement and maintaining a productive learning environment.
• Experience with learning management systems (e.g., Blackboard, Canvas) and multimedia tools for online and hybrid course delivery.
• Ability to effectively teach mass communication and speech using diverse instructional techniques and adaptive learning strategies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, facilitating effective instruction and collaboration with students and faculty.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, ensuring efficient course administration and student assessment.
• Ability to collaborate with faculty, administrators, and stakeholders on curriculum development, committee work, and student advisement.
• Capability to instruct diverse student populations, including dual credit, off-campus, and online learners, adapting methods as needed.
• Commitment to student engagement and academic mentorship, encouraging student research, internships, and professional development.
• Dedication to continuous learning and professional development, staying informed on industry trends and educational innovations.
• Ability to assess student learning needs, providing academic support and personalized guidance when necessary.
• Willingness to actively participate in recruitment, faculty governance, committee service, and institutional activities, contributing to a collaborative college environment.

Salary: Faculty Pay Information, please review the AC AY25 Faculty Salary Placement. (Salary is determined by Human Resources based on education, work experience and internal comparisons). 

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to travel between offices and buildings, and requires the ability to lift, carry, push, pull and/or maneuver office supplies as needed.
 
Working Conditions: Must be willing to work a flexible schedule (days, nights, weekends, holidays, and varying events if necessary.)
 
Work Environment: This job may operate in a classroom, online, or tech supported setting. This role routinely uses standard classroom and office equipment such as microphones, audio/video-recorders, computers, overhead projectors, phones, copy machines, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Notice of Background: Applicants selected for employment will be required to undergo a pre-employment criminal history background check and possibly a pre-employment drug test.

Commitment Statement: Amarillo College is dedicated to building a workforce that embraces a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, fostering a culturally aware team at every organizational level. Our goal is a faculty and staff that mirrors the distinctiveness of our community and is continually enhancing their skills and knowledge to better serve our entire student population.

Promotional Opportunity Policy: Under the Amarillo College Promotional Opportunity Policy, only current appointed or part-time non-appointed employees will be considered for a position during the first five (5) working days from notice or posting.

Amarillo College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.