Specialist - Teacher-Continuing

Position Summary

Michigan State University actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

The School of Planning, Design and Construction seeks a full-time academic specialist with continuing appointment to teach core Urban & Regional Planning program curricula.  The successful candidate will have demonstrated teaching/professional experience and a willingness to teach across the Planning Curriculum, with interest in incorporating multicultural perspectives into teaching.

This is a 12-month, 90% teaching and 10% service, position. The Academic Specialist will teach in-person core courses with an expected load of three courses per academic semester and two online courses in summer.  This may change based on program needs.  Current program needs include introductory planning history and theory, economic development, land use and land management, planning practice and planning process and development review.  The person will teach graduate and undergraduate courses, some are large classes with seats of more than 100. The person will also assist with program needs and priorities such as student recruitment activities, student advising, curriculum assessments, etc.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -Urban & Regional Planning

Desired Degree

Doctorate -Urban Planning

Minimum Requirements

This position requires either:

1. A master's degree in urban and regional planning from a U.S. Accredited Planning Program, 1-3 years’ experience in instruction and working with students, and a minimum of seven years of professional planning practice in the U.S. are required; or
2. A Ph.D. degree in Urban Planning (or allied discipline). 

In addition, excellent oral and written communication skills and excellent public speaking ability are required.

Desired Qualifications

A Ph.D., preferably in Urban Planning from an accredited U.S. university.American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification, on-line teaching experience and expertise teaching large classes preferred.  Practical professional planning experience is desired.

Required Application Materials

All candidates for the position must apply online at http://careers.msu.edu/.  Qualified applicants should submit a) current resume/CV; b) a cover letter describing your teaching experience and philosophical approaches related to community development; c) a diversity and inclusion statement (a statement addressing how past and/or potential contributions to diversity and inclusion will advance MSU’s commitment to inclusive excellence); and d) three academic references.

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin on February 3, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. The appointment will commence in Fall 2025. Contact for administrative inquiries:  Mary Beth Graebert, email: lakemary@msu.edu. For position-related questions, contact the search committee chair, Dr. Zeenat Kotval-K, email: kotvalze@msu.edu.

Review of Applications Begins On

02/03/2025

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/spdc/

Department Statement

The Urban and Regional Planning program was established in 1946, the Program is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) since 1987. We offer a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning (BSURP), a Master of Urban and Regional planning (MURP) and a Ph.D. in Planning, Design and Construction. The Urban and Regional Planning Program is STEM designated at Michigan State University. The overall vision/mission of the Urban & Regional Planning (URP) Program is to create a sustainable built and natural environment that enriches communities through leadership, entrepreneurial creativity, social responsibility and environmentally sustainable planning and policy. Toward that end, the URP program strives to offer exemplary teaching in the programs offered, relevant and timely research, and foster a sense of community among faculty, students, alumni, staff and other stakeholders.  For more information, please refer to our website at:  https://www.canr.msu.edu/spdc/programs/urban_and_regional_planning/index.

The School of Planning, Design, and Construction unites four academic programs related to the built environment: Construction Management, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, and Urban and Regional Planning, with 43 faculty and academic specialists, and 8 staff members. The School offers 8 degree pathways from Bachelors to Ph.D. – including 5 professionally accredited degrees with over 600 undergraduate and 75 graduate students. The School is jointly administered by the Colleges of Agriculture & Natural Resources and Social Science.

The mission of the School is to advance the knowledge, prepare innovative leaders, and support the practice of planning, design, and construction. Our academic activities address sustainability, health, transportation, economic development and communities. Please refer to the School’s homepage available at: http://www.spdc.msu.edu/.

The School is committed to achieving excellence by nurturing an inclusive culture that values cultural and academic diversity. We are an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. We are particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that academic excellence is achieved through open access and proactive inclusion.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.