Faculty, Communication

Faculty, Communication

Salary

See Position Description

Location

Bourbonnais

Job Type

Full-Time Faculty

Division

Academic Affairs

Department

Communication

Opening Date

10/08/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

As a Christian university, Olivet Nazarene University exists to provide an education with a Christian purpose. We value diversity as a means to enrich and deepen the educational experience, both inside and outside the classroom and online. We are committed to recruit and retain mission-aligned faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. We strive to be a more inclusive community as we seek to understand and celebrate our unique experiences and perspectives.

The Department of Communication at Olivet Nazarene University seeks an on-ground full-time faculty member in Multimedia Communication, beginning August 2027. Salary and Rank are commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits are competitive.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach 12 credit hours per semester of Multimedia Communication courses within the department. Depending on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise courses may include, but are not limited to, those in TV/Video/film production, journalism, audio and live event production. Course load may also include teaching at least 3 credit hours of the basic course (COMM-105) per year. Visit http://web.olivet.edu/reg/pdf/MDST.pdfto see a list of specific COMM course offerings.
• Demonstrate a strong combination of creative expertise, technical proficiency, equipment operation skills and relevant professional industry experience.
• Teach a broad range of multimedia production concepts and practices in a project-based, equipment-intensive learning environment. Instruction may include, but is not limited to, pitching, proposal development, preproduction, production, postproduction, aesthetics, history, theory, and social media creation and distribution.
• Maintain studio facilities and production equipment.
• Mentor students as they engage in ongoing creative projects that meet professional and industry standards.
• Serve as a collaborative, versatile and enthusiastic member of the department's core faculty. Teaching responsibilities are on campus with opportunities to develop curricular offerings and occasionally teach online courses based on department needs
• Participate in university service activities including advising students, assisting with internship programs, advising student organizations such as the Film Club, meeting with prospective students, and serving on university committees.
• Demonstrate excellence in teaching while remaining approachable, organized and passionate about preparing Olivet students for lives of service and successful professional careers.
• Engage in scholarly and creative activity through research, production work, consulting, mission projects, professional development, and involvement with professional/academic entities like Broadcast Education Association (BEA), University Film and Video Association (UFVA), College Media Advisors (CMA), AEJMC, etc.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The faculty member will advise majors in the department, student-run clubs and may supervise student teaching assistants or graduate assistants.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• A lifestyle in agreement with the ONU Statement of Mission, Faith, and Lifestyle Covenant.
• Teaching experience in professional or academic contexts. Teaching experience at the university level preferred.
• Professional practice and/or industry experience are highly desirable.
• Ability to integrate the Christian faith into media creation and production.
• A passion for teaching and support of Olivet's mission is essential.

Additional Information

EDUCATION

A terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in a film, television, digital media, cinema studies, television production or a closely related field is preferred. Candidates should hold a master's degree in a media- or communication-related field or have substantial professional experience and be willing to pursue graduate studies.

PROGRAM EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE

The technology and equipment we provide students in our Multimedia Communication courses vary depending on the level of coursework. For example, entry-level camera and accessory kits might include smaller prosumer cameras (e.g. Sony PXW-Z90V), lavalier and directional stick mics, or backpack journalism kits. Professional-level camera, lighting and accessory kits include Sony HXR-NX100 cameras, Canon DSLR cameras, 3-point portable LED light kits, Zoom recorders, wireless microphone kits (e.g. Rode Wireless Go II), a DJI Drone, a GoPro, Ronin Gimbals. Our largest studio contains Blackmagic studio cameras, studio lighting, lav mics and set pieces.

The software mainly used is Adobe Creative Suite, (Premiere, Audition, Photoshop, Lightroom, Encoder, etc.) BE Audio Vault, ProTools, ATEM Black Magic Switching Suite, Celtx for scriptwriting, ProPresenter.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The Department of Communication currently has five full-time faculty members. We foster a culture of

"COMM-unity" with students, faculty and staff in supportive, engaging, fun and enthusiastic ways. The department offers a B.A. in Communication Studies; a B.S. in Corporate Communication; a B.S. in Multimedia Communication with five concentrations in Film Studies, TV/Video, Audio/Radio Media, Multimedia Journalism, and Live Event Media Management; a B.S. in Public Relations and Strategic Communication; and a B.S. in Theatre Production and Performance. The department also oversees the minor in Leadership Studies. Currently, there are around 100 students majoring in at least one of these degree programs. Visit the Olivet website to learn more about the department at https://www.olivet.edu/area-study/multimedia-communication-major/ and https://www.olivet.edu/academics/colleges/college-arts-sciences/communication/ .

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

The annual salary range for this position is $44,000 - $85,000. This range is based on the current Faculty salary grid.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

• Cover letter.
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae.
• Portfolio of professional work. This could be a credit list with links to projects demonstrating the roles performed. Each link should include a brief description that clearly identifies the projects name and the contribution to it.
• Statement of faith.
• Teaching philosophy that also includes your experience teaching students from diverse backgrounds and how that shapes your pedagogy.
• College transcripts.
• Three current letters of recommendation.

APPLICATION WINDOW

• First Review Date: November 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (CST)

To receive full consideration, applications should be submitted by this date.

• Second Review Date: March 31, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. (CST)

Review of additional applications will continue through this date if the position remains open.

• Final Application Deadline: June 30, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. (CST)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this deadline. Applications submitted after March 31, 2027, will be considered only if the position remains unfilled.

If any questions, please contact:

Heather McLaughlin, Chair

Dept. of Communication

hbmclaughlin@olivet.edu 815-928-5481

Olivet Nazarene University

Olivet Nazarene University offers:

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Employer retirement contribution begins on first day of full-time employment and is 100 percent vested at that time.
• Additional auxiliary coverage such as life insurance, disability insurance and AD&D insurance.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick, personal, and bereavement leave and 18 days for the observance of holidays.
• Tuition remission granted to employee, spouse, and dependent children for education within Olivet's distinguished academic programs.
• Access to an active campus life with a top-notch fitness center, enriching musical performances, competitive athletic competitions, and introduction to the sciences at our Stickler Planetarium.

To learn more, see our benefits summary here.

01

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.

• Yes, I understand and agree
• No, I do not agree

02

Faculty applications require (4) documents: 1) letter of interest 2) curriculum vitae 3) statement of personal teaching philosophy that includes your experience teaching students from diverse backgrounds and how that shapes your pedagogy and 4) personal statement of faith. Have you attached those four items? If not, please return to the previous page and provide ALL requested documents. The personal statement of faith can also be referred to as a "personal testimony." We would like to hear about your personal faith journey in your own words.

• Yes
• No

03

Please provide three (3) current or former employers we can contact regarding your professional work history. Include: NAME, PHONE, E-MAIL ADDRESS, AND RELATIONSHIP TO APPLICANT

Required Question

Employer Olivet Nazarene University (IL)

Address 1 University Ave

Bourbonnais, Illinois, 60914

Phone 815-939-5240

Website https://www.olivet.edu/about/employment/