Assistant Professor of Communications - DigiPen Institute of Technology

Located in Redmond, Washington, DigiPen Institute of Technology is a small college that offers undergraduate degree programs in Computer Science, Game Design, Digital Audio and Music, Computer Engineering, and Digital Art and Animation, as well as Master’s degree programs in Computer Science and Digital Art. DigiPen Institute of Technology has been ranked one of the top 5 game design schools in the country by the Princeton Review for more than a decade. To learn more, visit: https://www.digipen.edu/ .

Position: Assistant Professor of Communications

Department of Humanities and Social Sciences

Reports to: Chris Hawk, Associate Professor, HSS Chair

Location: Redmond, WA – This in-person position requires candidates to be available on-site.

Start Date: August 1, 2025

The Department of Humanities and Social Sciences is seeking an applicant with expertise in the field of communications, with a strong pedagogical background to collaborate with the Department Faculty in curriculum development and research. Courses offered at DigiPen include but are not limited to: Interpersonal and Work Communication and Professional Communication.

This is a full-time position offered at the rank of Assistant Professor. Candidates with exceptional qualifications may be considered for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Professional and scholarly activities, advising and mentoring students, active participation in program assessment and development, supervising student projects, and university/community service

Specifically,

• Lecture and teach in classroom and/or lab settings, with responsibilities commensurate to a full-time teaching load
• Actively collaborate to develop and improve department curriculum in alignment with program outcomes
• Participate in teaching-related service roles, including scheduled office hours, archiving of student work, and program assessment activities
• Contribute to institutional and academic service through participation in the Faculty Senate, interdepartmental committees, and outreach activities
• Engage in active research/professional development via faculty colloquium events, or professional conferences
• Maintain a robust scholarly or creative agenda, and work proactively towards fulfilling the same, in close alignment with the institutional vision

Qualifications / Competencies

Required

• Master’s degree in Communications or related field, supported by evidence of exemplary academic and/or industry experience
• Interest and ability to teach undergraduate communications courses is essential, to include interpersonal and professional communications, media and ethics, popular culture, and special topics
• Ability to provide quality feedback, practical work solutions, and instruction in areas related to their field of expertise
• Demonstrated ability to successfully communicate the fundamentals of communications theory and practice
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Portfolio of published works, published research projects or other body of work related to the position

Preferred qualifications

• Ph.D. in Communications or closely related field
• Demonstrated effectiveness in the classroom and/or experience in developing curriculum sensitive to marginalized and underrepresented groups
• Exposure to or familiarity with the video game or other entertainment industries

Salary Range

$55,000 - $65,000 per year

This is a 9-month position, with the possibility of promotion.

Benefits:

• Dental, medical, and vision (begins the first of the month following 60 days of employment)
• Two weeks of vacation in the first year, with increasing accrual each year thereafter
• 14 paid holidays
• An additional paid week off between Christmas and New Years
• 401K after one year FT service, match vested immediately
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability and life insurance after one year
• Free DigiPen tuition for yourself to start; discounts for family after one year
• Complimentary soda, coffee, and tea
• Free parking

Application Procedure

To be considered for this position, please include the following by November 1:

• Cover letter of interest
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Statement of research and scholarly interests, focusing on current research activities and future goals
• Statement of the candidate’s views and prior experience with respect to fostering inclusion and diversity in an academic or professional environment
• List of 3 professional references with email and telephone contact information included

Upon accepting an offer of employment with us, the candidate will receive an invitation for a required background check, employment verification, and 5-panel drug screen as a part of the hiring process.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and academic freedom are priorities of DigiPen Institute of Technology, as DigiPen endorses the goals of affirmative action and equal opportunity employment. The Institute's intent is to hire the most qualified individuals for faculty and staff, attracting candidates from diverse backgrounds of race and ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, veteran status, nationality, culture, religion, and physical abilities. We are committed to broadening our candidate pool to include more diverse individuals and ensuring fairness in hiring by avoiding bias and determining criteria to judge all candidates prior to posting each new position.