Rhetoric-Communications - Open Rank Lecturer

The Humanities Department at UNM-Taos invites applications for a full-time, Open Rank Lecturer (II-III) position beginning Fall 2025. This is a unique and interdisciplinary faculty opportunity designed to merge teaching excellence with holistic student success leadership at one of the most culturally vibrant and community-centered institutions in the Southwest. This unique faculty role will teach a variety of courses, including Public Speaking, First-Year Experience, and English Composition, while playing a pivotal role in inclusive pedagogy, student engagement, and academic support. This is an exciting opportunity to join a mission-driven institution committed to student retention and instructional innovation.

Position Overview:
We are seeking a passionate educator who can teach across Public Speaking, First-Year Experience (FYEX), and English Composition, while also contributing meaningfully to student success initiatives, academic momentum, and campus-wide instructional innovation. This position represents a strategic integration of classroom instruction, early intervention, accessibility, and co-curricular engagement, aligned with UNM-Taos' commitment to Guided Pathways and enhanced student experience and success.

This role includes dedicated reassigned time to support institution-wide efforts focused on retention, access, and instructional support-making it ideal for faculty who see themselves as educators, mentors, and change agents.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Teach a combination of Public Speaking (General Education Core requirement), FYEX, and English Composition (ENGL 1110/1120)
• Collaborate with the Center for Academic Support & Achievement (CASA) to support Writing Studio programming, accessibility services, and embedded writing support
• Serve as a faculty liaison in supporting tutoring and inclusive academic services across disciplines
• Contribute to the transition and success of first-year students through co-curricular programming and mentorship
• Partner with Guided Pathways teams, advisors, and academic programs to ensure instruction is aligned with student degree maps
• Engage in faculty learning communities, professional development, and service that supports inclusive pedagogy and student persistence

Why UNM-Taos?

Located in the culturally rich and ecologically diverse region of Northern New Mexico, UNM-Taos serves a rural, predominantly Hispanic and Native American student population. Our NRM program is rooted in local stewardship, resilience, and sustainability. The Lecturer in NRM plays a vital role in connecting academic learning with meaningful career pathways, supporting students who will become the next generation of environmental leaders in our region.

The University of New Mexico-Taos is one of the four branch campuses of the state's flagship institution, UNM. UNM-Taos is a comprehensive community college serving the region from "cradle to career" with an award-winning early childhood education and care center; pre-college programs including high school equivalency, dual enrollment, and early college; vocational and technical courses and short-term certificates; associate degrees in ten programs; transfer and articulation to four-year institutions in New Mexico and surrounding states, career readiness, adult basic education, and lifelong learning opportunities.

Located approximately 130 miles north of Albuquerque, UNM-Taos is the only college within a 50-mile radius. Nestled between the Rio Grande, Sangre de Christo Mountains, and the ancestral lands of the Taos Pueblo, we are tightly connected to the unique rural, multicultural, and historically rich communities we serve and as such, UNM-Taos epitomizes the term "community college".

UNM-Taos serves almost 1,300 students from a service area, including the counties of Taos, Rio Arriba, and Colfax, and the Pueblo Nations of Taos and Picuris. The UNM-Taos student body is representative of its communities, with 54% Hispanic and 5.5% Native American enrollment in fall 2023, making it one of the most diverse student bodies in the state. Our student population is comprised of non-traditional and first-generation students. UNM-Taos is the recipient of several federal grants, including three TRIO programs (Student Support Services and Veterans Upward Bound), Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) grants including Title V and Title III: Part F STEM, USDA NIFA, and LIFT, and most recently, a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant.

About 80% of UNM-Taos alumni remain in the area and provide valuable contributions to the region's intellectual life, economy, cultural community, and primary industries including healthcare, tourism, and construction.

The last decade at UNM-Taos has seen transformative and remarkable growth. From state-of-the-art facilities to future classroom renovations, a nationally-accredited nursing program, an award-winning Early Childhood Education and Care program and learning lab, and the rising reputations of the Natural Resources Management, and Film and Digital Media Arts programs, meaningful collaboration with the community focused on scholarship, internship, and workforce development, UNM-Taos' roots are spreading deeper and stronger every year.

Drawing on nationally recognized and research-based practices, such as Guided Pathways, UNM-Taos is committed to academic excellence, which starts with professionals who advise, instruct, and support students in achieving their educational and career goals. In this way, our campus promotes an environment of learning, encourages a growth mindset, and prioritizes continuous improvement inside and outside the classroom with a commitment to mentorship and professional development opportunities for our faculty and staff. UNM-Taos professionals draw on high-impact practices that increase inclusion and equity such as culturally relevant pedagogy, teaching to learn, and creating a sense of community and belonging college-wide.

What makes UNM-Taos special is our shared commitment to student engagement, learning, and success as defined by each student, whether that is transferring to four-year programs, entering the workforce, gaining new skills to change career paths, or personal enrichment. UNM-Taos provides academic and social supports and wrap around services to promote equitable outcomes for our students.

People from various identities and experiences make UNM-Taos grow and thrive. We offer opportunities for everyone-teachers and researchers, business professionals, skilled tradespeople, and many, many more-in an environment that values the unique experiences and perspectives each of us brings. Join the UNM-Taos familia today!

For firsthand information on why UNM is a great place to work and learn, visit UNM Proud to hear directly from university employees, faculty, students, and alumni. In addition to all the University has to offer, you have the added benefit of living in Taos, New Mexico - a land rich with art, history, culture, and outdoor activities. For more about life in Taos, visit taos.org and NewMexicoTrue. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must have a minimum of a Master's Degree in the discipline or subfield in which they are applying to teach (e.g., Rhetoric, Communication, English) with coursework at least one level above that of the courses being taught or developed (e.g., completed a minimum of 18 graduate credit hours in the discipline or subfield in which they teach or tested experience that is determined to be equivalent to the degree).

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in discipline or related field
• Teaching experience in a post-secondary institution
• Proficiency in teaching in a community college environment
• Experience in curriculum innovation for diverse learning styles
• Commitment to being part of a Professional Learning Community
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success, as well as working with broadly diverse communities, particularly Hispanic Serving Institutions.
• Demonstrated ability to work with students at a variety of academic levels
• Experience in academic tutoring and mentoring, including working with student groups
• Experience developing and providing discipline specific professional development to colleagues
  
  

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Applicants who are appointed to a UNM faculty position are required to provide an official certification of successful completion of all degree requirements prior to their initial employment with UNM.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.