Assistant Professor of Media and Director of the GEM Center
Heidelberg University

ApplyDescription

GENERAL PURPOSE:

The Assistant Professor of Media and Director of the GEM (Gaming, esports, & Media) Center will teach a

.75-1.0 course load in addition to overseeing the Center and student media projects. This is a 9-month,

full-time position with the opportunity for supplemental summer work. Additional responsibilities include

service to the Department and University, as well as research and continued professional development. This is

a multi-year position beginning August 2025 with the possibility of applying for a multi-year extension.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Reports directly to the Chair of the Department of Communication & Media.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

The Assistant Professor of Media and Director of the GEM Center may supervise student employees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Assistant Professor of Media and Director of the GEM Center will:

? Teach up to 24 credit hours per academic year in a variety of communication and media subjects, as

assigned by the Department Chair. (Credit load may vary per semester based on GEM Center Director

duties.)

? Utilize innovative and collaborative teaching methods in support of the Department's mission and

learning objectives that promote critical thinking, communication competency, and media literacy

through an active educational environment.

? Attend faculty meetings at the Department and University levels.

? Contribute to Departmental and interdisciplinary initiatives, including recruitment and retention efforts

and curriculum development.

? Improve upon and maintain a video production studio and podcasting labs.

? Oversee operations of the GEM Center, including facility scheduling, space utilization, and collaboration

with esports.

? Perform other essential duties as assigned/as outlined in the Faculty Manual.

CORE VALUES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

? Core values - models leadership values of integrity, honesty, humility, transparency, respectfulness,

diversity, caring, loyalty and accountability in all work.

? Intellectual dynamism - demonstrates mental sharpness, capability and agility.

? Self-knowledge - gains insight from successes and mistakes.

? Personal learning - seeks feedback and counsel to improve managerial behavior.

? Peer relationships - encourages collaboration and cooperation across the organization.

? Teamwork - performs most effectively as a hard-working member of a team.

? Constituency focus - completes work to meet constituencies' expectations and requirements.

? Community focus - brings a spirit of enthusiasm and energy to the campus and town.

Requirements

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Professional Experience:

(A) Ph.D. or ABD in Communication, Mass Communication, or related field.

(B) Two years of college-level teaching experience.

(C) Ability to teach courses such as digital media toolbox, graphic design, multimedia storytelling, media

law and ethics, film studies, and media writing. Special consideration given to those who can teach

courses in sports media.

(D) Ability to improve upon and maintain a video production studio and podcasting labs.

Preferred Education and Experience:

(A) Graduate coursework in and/or experience teaching courses in public speaking and explorations in

communication.

(B) Ability to advise the student newspaper, including recruiting and mentoring student talent, reviewing

and approving content, and managing the budget.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

? Must demonstrate analytical and strategic thinking abilities.

? Outstanding oral and written communication skills.

? Strong interpersonal skills.

? Ability to manage several projects simultaneously.

? Ability to relate to diverse cross-sections of individuals.

? Ability to work independently and with a team.

? Ability to travel as needed or required, work evenings and / or weekends as needed.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Knowledge of operation and use of various office equipment including, but not

limited to: personal computer, including spreadsheet and word processing software, Adobe Creative Cloud,

integrated database software, fax machine, copier, telephone, scanner, printers and audio/video production

equipment like Blackmagic studio cameras and switchers, ENG cameras, and Behringer audio mixers. Employee

in this position must have a valid Ohio driver's license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by

an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use arms, hands and fingers to

operate and manipulate equipment generally found in an office setting. The employee may be frequently

required to be mobile, communicate, and hear. The employee may occasionally be subject to a variety of

outdoor environmental conditions including heat, cold, and precipitation. The employee must frequently lift

and/or move up to ten (10) pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than fifty (50) pounds. Specific

vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth

perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Mental demands include varied degrees of occasional stress while

performing job duties.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an

employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this

job, the employee frequently works in an office setting, and educational facilities including sports and

entertainment venues, all of which may be indoor or outdoor. The noise level in the work environment will

range from moderately quiet to occasionally loud.

SELECTION GUIDELINES:

The Visiting Assistant Professor of Media and Director of the GEM Center will be

selected after a formal application procedure, education and experience rating, oral interview, and reference

check. Job related tests may be required. All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory criminal

background screen, motor vehicle record search, drug and alcohol screen, physical and / or psychological

examination at the University's discretion.

---