Open Rank Teaching Specialized Faculty - University of Illinois

Full-Time • Urbana, IL • Closes March 23

POSITION: The position is a full-time, 100% 9-month academic year, benefits-eligible, non-tenure track Teaching appointment paid over 12 months.  The successful candidate will hold a zero percent 12 month administrative position with the title of Director for the James F. Evans Global Center for Food and Agricultural Communications, which will require  2 months in administrative service during summer months.  The specialized faculty position will include an organizational relationship with the ALEC program in the College of ACES. This position will report to the Director of Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communications Program.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director for the James F. Evans Global Center for Food and Agricultural Communications will lead the launch and management of the Center. The Director will provide strategic oversight, marketing, events coordination, and professional development oversight for the newly developed center. The new director will help to establish the center as the nexus of professional development, issues-based research, and advocacy in communicating the science of agriculture and the food system. The Director will work collaboratively with the Agricultural Leadership Education and Communication faculty, alumni and stakeholders of agricultural communications, food and agricultural communications employers and other industry professionals in executing the center’s mission.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the newly developed center.

• Develop and deliver new online courses, certificates and professional development programs related to food and agricultural communications.

• Oversee events and marketing for alumni, current and prospective students, and industry stakeholders as related to center activities.

• Teach two undergraduate classes in food and agricultural communications related to social media, marketing, advertising, journalism production or other production-level work as connected to center activities.

• Mentor and supervise undergraduate and graduate assistants by providing training, leadership development, and hands-on learning opportunities through the planning and execution of center events and professional development initiatives.

• Advising student publications and other experiential learning efforts connected to center products and services.

• Lead initiatives with an advisory committee, alumni, industry stakeholders and others to achieve the center mission, develop new opportunities and initiatives for the center, and maintain center visibility and outreach.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree or higher in food and agricultural communications or related academic discipline

• Minimum of two years of experience with event coordination, marketing, strategic development, and/or teaching in food and agricultural communications.

• Demonstrated experience managing projects and coordinating teams toward organizational goals.

• Ability to communicate effectively and respond appropriately to others’ needs or concerns.

• Experience supporting or contributing to grant writing and/or fundraising efforts.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of University of Illinois technology infrastructure

• Demonstrated ability to oversee educational budgets

• Familiarity with global food and agricultural systems, sustainability, or science communication

• Proficiency in digital tools for content creation and data visualization.

RANK and SALARY

Open Track/Open Rank Specialized Faculty:  For the instructional dimension of the position, candidates who hold a Master’s degree will be considered as an Instructor or Senior Instructor depending on experience and qualifications. Candidates with an earned Ph.D. by the time of appointment may be considered as a Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Teaching Assistant Professor or Teaching Associate Professor depending on their instructional and curricular records and potential to provide curricular and pedagogical leadership. Salary range: $70,000-$90-000. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship.

PROPOSED START DATE

By May 1, 2026, or as soon after a suitable candidate is identified and available.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications should be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on March 23, 2026. The position will remain posted until filled. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload your required documents, including cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching and extension philosophy and the names and email addresses or phone numbers of three professional references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.

For further information, please contact search chair Eric Morgan elmorg19@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.