INSTRUCTOR OF RELIGION (2068)

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Instructor of Religion

DIVISION|DEPARTMENT: Arts & Humanities | School of Arts & Sciences

FLSA STATUS: Full-Time | Exempt

REPORTS TO: Chair, Arts & Humanities Division

The Instructor of Religion is a full-time non-tenured faculty position requiring a strong educational background specifically in more than one area of Religion. The Instructor of Religion shall primarily be responsible for teaching undergraduate-level courses in theology, bible, world religions, and ministry, with a focus on experiential learning and real-world settings. This role requires commitment to mentoring students, staying current with trends, teaching and research methods. This key position shall report to the Chair of the Arts and Humanities Division.

Essential Functions

• Teach 4 courses per semester (e.g., Introduction to Religion, Pastoral Ministry, Church Leadership, New Testament).
• Develop and implement project-based lessons and curricula that align with industry standards.
• Advise students on career pathways and internship opportunities. Serve on university and department committees.
• Teach a variety of undergraduate religion courses. Mode of instruction may include in-person, hybrid, online, and/or any combination thereof.
• Contribute to shared governance by serving on committees and participating in other campus activities.
• Participate in activities of the Arts and Humanities department, School of Arts and Sciences, the University, and the community as needed.
• Offer both introductory and advanced courses directly related to scheduled instruction, including lecture, collaborative learning, performance, and coaching assignments; preparation for instruction; and student assessment activities.
• Develop and utilize a course syllabus for each course, following established institutional guidelines.
• Perform teaching, scholarship, service, professional development, and program assessment for accreditation.
• Advise students in both academic and career fields.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required or deemed appropriate to the accomplishments of the responsibilities and functions of the Division of Arts and Humanities.
• The omission of specific duties does not preclude the department head from assigning tasks that logically relate to the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent communication (oral and written), organizational, and time management skills.
• Be able to maintain collaborative relationships with faculty and staff.
• A passion for teaching and engaging with students.
• Effective analytical and decision-making skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills and cultural competency to work with diverse student and/or staff populations.
• Passion for nurturing student talent in a creative, collaborative environment.
• Ability to translate current ministry trends into the classroom.
• Commitment to student retention and academic excellence.
• Ability to foster a collaborative academic environment and cross-disciplinary initiative.
• Commitment to excellence in teaching and learning, scholarship, service, and professional development.
• Ability to handle sensitive information and confidential matters in the utmost professional manner.
• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism, initiative, resourcefulness, and personal accountability.
• Attention to detail and adaptability to a changing environment are extremely important, as well as dependability.
• A thorough understanding of technology, learning management systems, and computer applications is essential (i.e., Blackboard, Canvas, Power Campus, Jenzabar, LinkedIn Learning).
• Moderate physical activity. Requires handling objects of average weight up to fifty (50) pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.

Minimum Requirements

• A master's degree and 18 graduate credit hours in Religion, Religious Studies, Theology, Bible, Master of Divinity, Theological/Pastoral Studies, or a closely related field. Applicants with Doctoral Degree will be given special consideration.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching at the college level, or potential for high-quality instruction.
• Documented awareness of, understanding of, and commitment to the history, culture, and traditions of a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
• Evidence of plans to continue scholarly and professional growth.
• Teaching experience at the college level, including experience as a teaching assistant
• while in graduate school.
• Instructor is a non-tenure track position, but this does not preclude promotion to Assistant professor with the acquisition of a terminal degree in an assigned teaching area.
• The potential to have a positive impact through service, which represents the University on campus and within the greater community.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule that may include working nights and weekends (if applicable).

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Criminal background check.

Florida Memorial University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA), those functions of the job that are identified as essential are required to be performed with or without reasonable accommodations. Requests to facilitate the performance of essential functions will be given careful consideration.