Assistant Professor, Language & Thought, Communication Studies, Tenure Track

Grand Rapids Community College is seeking candidates to teach courses within the discipline of Communication Studies. Candidates should possess an interest in serving a comprehensive community college that enrolls a diverse student body ranging from dual enrolled (Early/Middle College) high school students to traditional certificate, degree, and bachelor’s pathway transfer students and offers courses in multiple locations. GRCC faculty instruct and support students from a broad range of ages, cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. We seek applicants who are also committed to and effective in closing equity gaps; engaging in and developing innovative teaching strategies; assessing student learning outcomes; demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development; and providing service to our students, the college, and our community at large.

Faculty members are responsible to GRCC and to each other for the successful completion of departmental work as well as associated with the School of Liberal Arts and GRCC as a whole. In addition to the major position responsibilities, it is expected that faculty demonstrate outstanding communication skills, collaborate effectively, use personal initiative to overcome obstacles and work efficiently to meet deadlines. GRCC faculty members share the College's commitment to the ongoing systemic changes needed to ensure the increased recruitment, inclusion, retention, completion, and post-completion (transfer and career) outcomes of the GRCC student body’s traditional, non-traditional, and historically underserved populations. In an environment where innovation is valued, each faculty member will take responsibility to perform their work in a manner consistent with GRCC’s mission, vision, and values.

About Grand Rapids Community College

Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) was established in 1914 as Michigan’s first community college, providing affordable, accessible education to learners of all ages. GRCC offers academic pathways leading to degrees, certificates, transfer opportunities, and in-demand career skills through courses delivered across multiple campuses — downtown Grand Rapids and Holland — as well as online, hybrid, and weekend formats.

GRCC provides more than 180 degree and certificate programs, complemented by robust non-credit job training programs in healthcare, manufacturing, public sector, and IT industries. These short-term programs, developed with local employers, prepare students for high-demand fields with credentials and certifications that meet workforce needs.

Recognized nationally for excellence in transfer education and workforce development, GRCC supports thousands of students each year in achieving their goals. The college participates in Achieving the Dream and is recognized as an Achieving the Dream Leader College, reinforcing its commitment to equity-centered teaching and student success. GRCC maintains accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and holds specialized accreditations across several programs.

Locations and Facilities

• Main Campus (Downtown Grand Rapids) and DeVos Campus (Heritage Hill).
• Tassell MTEC (Michigan Technical Education Center) for workforce training.
• Lakeshore Campus, a state-of-the-art facility opened in 2021 in Holland, MI (Ottawa County).
• Early/Middle College Program sites that offer dual enrollment courses at area high schools.

Position Responsibilities:

• Teach introductory-level course offerings in Communication Studies: Interpersonal
  Communication and Public Speaking. Additional classes that may be available to teach
  include: Mass Media, Fundamentals of Public Relations, Intercultural Communication,
  Organizational Communication, and Gender and Communication.
• The primary focus for community college faculty is teaching. Faculty are required to teach 15 credit hours per semester.
• Develop and implement teaching methods that employ interactive learning and integrate current instructional technology.
• Provide leadership and mentoring for adjuncts as needed or requested by the department.
• Participate fully as a member of the Language and Thought Department in activities such as department meetings, curriculum development, learning outcomes assessment, evaluation and revision of existing courses, student advising, committee membership, textbook selection, community outreach, and other duties as determined by the college.
• Engage in professional development activities and maintain expertise in the field of Communication Studies.
• Complete yearly Faculty Performance Evaluations and meet all responsibilities of the Faculty Evaluation System as detailed in the Faculty Contract.

Requisition ID: 1116
Position Number: 00001199
Department: Language & Thought
Employee Group: Faculty Association
Schedule: 32 Weeks (Fall & Winter Semesters)
Start Date: Fall 2027
Compensation: Master’s Degree $70,872 - $78,739 or Doctoral Degree $77,572 - $85,439. Final offers will be based on full-time college-level teaching and/or industry experience.
Benefits: Full-time
Reports to: Associate Dean of Liberal Arts
Posting Opens: 11/06/2026
Posting Closes: 12/06/2026

Job Specifications

Educational Credentials

• Master's Degree in Communication Studies or a Master's degree in a closely related field and 18 graduate credit hours in Communication Studies required.

Work Experience

• A minimum of two (2) years full-time teaching experience in Communication Studies at the community college, college, or university level preferred; the equivalent graduate level, part time, or adjunct teaching time will be considered.
• Experience working with traditional and non-traditional students from diverse backgrounds with varying academic skills preferred.

Skills

• Appropriate technology knowledge required to perform the duties of the position.
• Excellent communication skills.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time.

Mental Demands

• Demonstrated initiative and organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties with minimum supervision.
• High energy level with enthusiasm and interest in helping and supporting students, staff and the general public.
• Ability to work under pressure while possessing sound judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a professional manner.

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on ourpolicies website.
• Physical classroom environment in an academic setting.
• Physical office environment in an academic setting.

Benefits

• Health Coverage: Six health insurance plan options, including one with no health insurance premiums.
• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership.
• Continuous Learning: Career development and educational opportunities.
• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options, including the state retirement plan or a 401A with a 12% employer contribution.

Method of Application

GRCC is only accepting online applications for this position at https://www.grcc.edu/jobs. Submit a cover letter resume, and unofficial transcripts for full consideration. The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting. Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Hiring Process

GRCC makes data driven hiring decisions to help mitigate bias throughout the hiring process. As part of this process, candidates will participate in reference checks and interviews.

Nondiscrimination Statement

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.