Instructor of Journalism (Tenure Track)

Job Description:

The Communications, Journalism, and Media Arts Department at Westchester Community College solicits applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty member at the rank of instructor. The department seeks a dynamic individual with strong writing and editing skills who can bring innovative teaching and practical experiences to the classroom and contribute to the degree programs overseen by the department. The department is interested in candidates with 21st-century journalism skills with demonstrated ability in print and digital journalism to teach undergraduate courses and have a clear understanding of the definitions, concepts, and principles of journalism and mass communication.

Applicants must be able to teach foundational courses in journalism and general introductory communication courses. Instructors will teach a variety of journalism courses at the undergraduate level, which may include, news reporting and writing, broadcast journalism, multimedia journalism, and news literacy. Depending on the need, instructors may teach human communication and mass media courses, which contribute to SUNY's General Education program, as well as other courses related to expertise.

Instructors will have a five-course teaching load. Tenure is achieved in year six and is contingent upon a successful portfolio submission and reappointment during the first five years.

The candidate will actively participate in the curriculum review of the Journalism A.S. Program, specifically in the improvement and assessment of the program, as well as the development of new courses, revision of existing course offerings and syllabi, and incorporation of innovative technologies.

The candidate must be committed to supporting WCC's curriculum development and lifelong learning goals and actively participate in curriculum initiatives. Emphasis will be placed on the transition from traditional to digital approaches in journalism and the integration of innovative technologies into the discipline. The candidate is expected to take an active role in the department, including the following: advising students; serving on departmental and college committees; and advising student organizations. Other duties may be determined relative to the skills and interests of the applicant and the needs of the Department.

Requirements:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  A minimum of a Master's degree in Journalism or a relevant field, and a minimum of one year of college-level teaching experience are required. The successful candidate will have evidence of demonstrated knowledge of digital media and convergence equipment and software including, Adobe Premiere and Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign and Photoshop, Final Cut Pro. The successful candidate will also have demonstrated experience teaching using a learning management system (i.e., Blackboard, BrightSpace, etc.). Journalism industry experience is required.  All candidates must have evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practice within the classroom.

POSITION EFFECTIVE:    Fall 2024

SALARY & BENEFITS:  The starting salary for this position is $66,144. Additional compensation with seniority steps maximize at a salary of $77,639.  Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, a choice of defined benefit and/or defined contribution pension plan, generous leave benefits, and access to tax sheltered annuities and a deferred compensation plan.