What are the responsibilities and job description for the Visiting Instructor of Communication and Media Studies (Open Rank) position at Eastern Oregon University?
The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Eastern Oregon University (EOU) invites applications for a Visiting Instructor of Communication and Media Studies (Open Rank) who has experience teaching a range of foundational courses within a bachelor’s curriculum that serves rural, first generation, adult online, and underrepresented students. We seek a highly effective generalist to teach courses such as Interpersonal Communication, Business and Professional Communication, Small Group Communication and Conflict Management. However, opportunity exists and preference will be given to candidates with expertise in Media Theory, Law and Ethics; Communication Theory and Society; and/or Media, Power and Participatory Culture.
EOU’s Communication and Media Studies program offers a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills across the various specializations within the discipline, including media studies, media production, human communication, and public relations. This position entails facilitating student exploration of theoretical frameworks while guiding inquiry through critical examination of principles and their application in contemporary contexts. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to student-centered teaching and bring experience in both face-to-face and online instruction, with a strong emphasis on high-impact and innovative pedagogies.
EOU is a rural, liberal arts institution focused on high quality instruction. We seek collaborative, creative individuals with a demonstrated commitment to building student agency through high impact pedagogy, making college success possible for at-risk students, and creating inclusive college cultures that represent the values and experiences of all students. Student-centered, project-based learning is highly valued at EOU, and candidates would be invited to bring expertise and ideas for high impact student engagement opportunities to our campus.
A typical teaching load for Instructors at EOU is 45 quarter credits annually (approximately 3–4 courses per term). At the time of hire, and at the discretion of the Dean, appointments may include a reduced teaching load with reassigned load credits supporting active engagement and scholarship in the candidate’s field of expertise, high-impact student engagement initiatives, special projects, or other service aligned with EOU’s mission and program priorities. EOU values multiple pathways for meaningful contribution and professional development across these areas.
This is a 9-month, full-time, fixed-term position with a contract to start September 16, 2026 and end June 15, 2027. This is an in-person position, requiring individuals to reside and teach primarily at the La Grande campus. There are three ranks of instructors at EOU — Instructor, Senior Instructor I and Senior Instructor II — and offers would be made based on candidate experience and qualifications. In alignment with the faculty union contract, visiting positions are intended to be temporary to meet special needs of the program. Visiting faculty members are not eligible for tenure. Visiting faculty appointments shall not include any right to permanent or continuous employment and shall be subject to annual renewal by the University, not to exceed four years’ duration.
General responsibilities of visiting faculty include mentoring students and working collaboratively with colleagues and community members. Where applicable for each candidate, additional responsibilities may include engaging in scholarly activity and providing service to the university community. In sum, the position requires:
- Teaching a standard 9-month faculty workload (45 credits across three 10-week quarters, which is 3-4 courses each quarter);
- Engaging students through dynamic, student-centered pedagogy, both in-person at the La Grande campus and online;
- Supporting student success and career preparation, incorporating applied learning experiences;
- Collaborating with faculty to foster an inclusive, high-impact learning environment, including contributing to teaching, learning and assessment activities; and
- Contributing service to the College, institutional and community outreach if part of the teaching contract and in ways that are appropriate for a visiting faculty role.
- Earned Master’s in Communication Studies, Media Studies or a related field from an accredited university. In addition, candidates considered for Senior Instructor I and Senior Instructor II ranks require at least five (5) years of full-time undergraduate teaching experience.
- Demonstrated ability to teach a range of Communication and Media Studies courses including theoretical and applied content areas.
- Proven capacity to effectively connect communication concepts to real-world applications in the classroom setting.
- Ability to teach in both on-campus and online learning environments. At EOU we utilize the Canvas LMS.
- Demonstrated commitment to inclusive teaching practices and student success.
- Must satisfactorily complete a background check prior to appointment.
- In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Eastern Oregon University will not sponsor applicants for employment visas.
- PhD degree in Communication Studies, Media Studies or a related field from an accredited university. ABD candidates will be considered and are encouraged to apply.
- Experience working with rural, first-generation, and online adult student populations.
- Scholarship and teaching in areas that meet the needs of the program and its curriculum.
- Successful experience incorporating high impact, project- and/or community-based learning that extends applied learning outside of the classroom.
- Online teaching certification or professional development in teaching technologies best practice.
Applicants should submit:
1. Letter of interest addressing expertise, teaching experience, and alignment with EOU’s mission.
2. Curriculum vitae with contact information for at least three references.
3. One-page teaching philosophy statement.
4. Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts required upon hire).
5. A sample syllabus for a relevant course. (Please use Portfolio Document #1 to submit sample syllabus)
Candidates are encouraged to review the values and principles of Eastern Oregon University
https://www.eou.edu/about/mission/
The first review date for this position is April 13, 2026. Applications received after this date may not be given full considerations. However, the position will remain open until filled. Only complete files of qualified applicants will be reviewed.
Eastern Oregon University – Oregon’s Rural University! – is a respected public, higher education institution of academic excellence. Outstanding faculty and staff thrive and together fulfill their career ambitions to serve students from all walks of life. EOU is a beautiful, quaint campus nestled in a remarkably scenic, high elevation valley populated by wonderful, community-minded citizens that have balanced work-life flexibility. Take a virtual tour of Eastern Oregon University https://www.eou.edu/visitor/.
EOU offers a very attractive package of State of Oregon public employee benefits including:
Eastern Oregon University is an EEO Employer and welcomes applications from women, members of historically underrepresented minority groups, US Veterans, and persons with disabilities. EOU is committed to providing equal opportunity in its recruitment, admissions, educational programs, activities and employment without illegal discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any status as protected by state or federal law.
Salary
1. Letter of interest addressing expertise, teaching experience, and alignment with EOU’s mission.
2. Curriculum vitae with contact information for at least three references.
3. One-page teaching philosophy statement.
4. Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts required upon hire).
5. A sample syllabus for a relevant course. (Please use Portfolio Document #1 to submit sample syllabus)
Candidates are encouraged to review the values and principles of Eastern Oregon University
https://www.eou.edu/about/mission/
The first review date for this position is April 13, 2026. Applications received after this date may not be given full considerations. However, the position will remain open until filled. Only complete files of qualified applicants will be reviewed.
Eastern Oregon University – Oregon’s Rural University! – is a respected public, higher education institution of academic excellence. Outstanding faculty and staff thrive and together fulfill their career ambitions to serve students from all walks of life. EOU is a beautiful, quaint campus nestled in a remarkably scenic, high elevation valley populated by wonderful, community-minded citizens that have balanced work-life flexibility. Take a virtual tour of Eastern Oregon University https://www.eou.edu/visitor/.
EOU offers a very attractive package of State of Oregon public employee benefits including:
- Paid holidays (10 days/year)
- Paid sick time-off (12 days/year)
- Full Individual and Family Healthcare Insurance (95% employer-paid medical, dental, vision)
- Generous Oregon Public Employee Retirement benefits
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Relocation assistance.
- Discounted tuition benefits for employees and eligible dependents
- For more details, see Prospective Employees https://www.eou.edu/hr/prospective-employees/.
Eastern Oregon University is an EEO Employer and welcomes applications from women, members of historically underrepresented minority groups, US Veterans, and persons with disabilities. EOU is committed to providing equal opportunity in its recruitment, admissions, educational programs, activities and employment without illegal discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any status as protected by state or federal law.
Instructor salary range is $47,907 to $57,876 per academic year. Senior Instructor I salary range is $51,783 to $60,720 per academic year. Senior Instructor II salary range is $59,547 to $74,860 per academic year.
Initial rank salary is determined by weighted years of teaching based upon the faculty union contract.
Initial rank salary is determined by weighted years of teaching based upon the faculty union contract.
Salary : $47,907 - $57,876