Teaching Specialist

Teaching Specialists are members of the Leadership Minor professional staff team with the primary responsibility to teach LEAD courses and secondary responsibilities to provide departmental, curricular and instructional support alongside course curriculum coordinators (Level Leads), graduate assistants and operations staff. This position is within the undergraduate Leadership Minor, which is a department in partnership between the Office of Student Affairs and Office of Undergraduate Education. Learn more about our department below. This role is expected to work in-person a minimum of 3 days per week. This role does not matriculate to a tenure-track position.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card Sponsorship.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching (75%)
Teach 5-6 Leadership Minor courses per year (including summer if on 12-month contract), including but not limited to engaging in class lecture, utilizing active learning methods, offering constructive feedback, coaching and grading student work, and working with and coaching Leadership Minor Interns/Teaching Assistants. Depending on assigned courses, teaching responsibilities may also include such responsibilities as managing 6-10 community partnerships per semester.
Utilize program curriculum resources (including syllabus, assignments, and Canvas Learning Management System) to create an accessible and interactive learning experience for students consistent with other sections of the course
Maintain consistent and timely communication with students, including availability to meet outside of class (office hours)
Provide accountability and coaching while supporting student development
Utilize campus resources for student support and development
Assist with curriculum and teaching assessment, including encouraging student and staff assessment participation, offering curricular feedback, participating in teaching observation and assisting with assessment-driven strategic planning for department
Participate in departmental and course-specific instructor trainings and meetings
Continue personal development within the field and practices of leadership, higher education, teaching and learning pedagogy and other expertise connected to departmental curriculum
Meet Teaching Expectations as outlined in more detail at z.umn.edu/leadteachexp

Curriculum, Instructor & Departmental Support (25%)
Support course curriculum coordinators (Level Leads) in course creation, maintenance and delivery, including by providing feedback
Participate in curriculum and instructor support initiatives, which may include meeting with instructors, guiding a community of practice or providing teaching or content workshops
Assist with departmental assessment, including encouraging student and staff participation and assisting with assessment-driven strategic planning for department
Mentor new instructors, as needed and requested
Support and, at times, assist with Leadership Minor co-curricular programming
Participate in and, at times, facilitate departmental staff meetings
Participate in and, at times, facilitate departmental committees, unit committees or other related working groups (at least one per year)
Participate in and, at times, assist with implementation of Leadership Minor events including August Annual Instructor Gathering and Leadership Minor Student Graduation
Attend at least one professional development opportunity each year related to leadership or teaching pedagogy
Other duties as assigned

Essential Qualifications
Master's Degree
At least 3 years of teaching or training & development experience that is inclusive, interactive, accessible and equity-driven
Knowledge of Leadership Studies theory and practice
Knowledge of student development theory and practice

Preferred Qualifications
College or university-level teaching experience
Experience studying or teaching about Leadership Studies or Organizational Leadership
Experience with curriculum development, lesson planning, or evaluation
Proficiency with Canvas Learning Management System (LMS)
Experience teaching about social identities, including race
Experience teaching about or addressing systemic power imbalances
Commitment to social change, student agency, and/or education as a liberatory practice

The Leadership Minor is an academic minor of four core courses and one elective course that supports students' ability to lead toward collective liberation by analyzing systemic power imbalances, evaluating multiple leadership frameworks, building collaborative leadership skills, and developing their leader identities.

The Leadership Minor is among the oldest and largest undergraduate leadership programs in the nation, celebrating over 25 years of leadership education with nearly 2,000 students enrolled each year.

Learn more at lead.umn.edu.

Pay Range: $65,000-$75,000 ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Submit a resume and a cover letter. In your cover letter, please include how you would work towards our departmental mission in this role.

Apply by Monday, June 15 for best consideration.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.