The School of Communication and Journalism at South Dakota State University is seeking part-time, temporary Instructors of Communication Studies to join our vibrant academic community. If you’re passionate about helping students develop their human communication skills, we invite you to share your expertise with our students. These positions offer flexible course assignments (16%–49%) on a semester-by-semester basis beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year. In most cases, these part-time, temporary instructors will teach online sections of CMST 101: Foundation of Oral Communication. Faculty will be supported by the school director and faculty across academic programs within the school.
SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.
The School of Communication and Journalism offers undergraduate majors in advertising, agricultural communication (in collaboration with the College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences), communication studies, journalism, and public relations, and minors in advertising, communication studies, digital and social media, health communication, journalism, marketing (in collaboration with the Ness School of Management and Economics), professional communication (in collaboration with the School of English and Interdisciplinary Studies) and public relations. In addition, COJO offers two master’s programs: the on-campus M.A. in communication & media studies and the completely online, ACEJMC-accredited master’s in mass communication (M.M.C.).
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide high-quality teaching in online or face-to-face settings.
- Participate as necessary in collection of course-based assessment data for student learning outcomes.
- Communicate in a timely fashion with students, colleagues, staff, and director.
SALARY: The salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and will vary semester-by-semester based on percent time of the appointment. Starting salary for a Masters prepared instructor teaching a 3-credit course (16%-time) is $4,693 for the semester.
BENEFITS:
This part-time temporary position is not associated with additional benefits or retirement plan.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s Degree in Communication Studies or a closely related field completed by first day of employment.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Experience using technology in managing and/or delivering educational programs.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Evidence of successful online instruction.
- Previous experience working with Desire to Learn or a similar course management platform.
- Experience teaching the introductory communication course.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Position closes April 1, 2026.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, Curriculum Vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.
Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.
SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.
For questions on the position, contact Dr. Joshua Westwick at [email protected].
South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status that may become protected under law against discrimination in the offering of all educational programs and employment opportunities. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing
[email protected]. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007, 605-688-4128.
