Lecturer Visa Sponsorship U.S

Job Description

Lecturer / Speech (Individual Events) Coach – Department of Communication

Appalachian State University — Boone, North Carolina
Full-Time | 9-Month Appointment | Visa Sponsorship Available

About the Opportunity

The Department of Communication at Appalachian State University is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Lecturer and Speech (Individual Events) Coach to join the team starting August 2026. This non-tenure-track role is ideal for someone passionate about teaching, mentoring, and coaching students in a dynamic academic environment.

This position offers visa sponsorship for eligible applicants. All candidates must meet U.S. work eligibility requirements. Learn more about general employment authorization in the U.S. through USCIS:
Employee Rights & Work Authorization: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/employee-rights-and-responsibilities

Minimum Qualifications

To be considered, applicants must have:

• A Master’s degree in Communication or a closely related field
• Foundational knowledge of intercollegiate forensics

Preferred Background

Although not required, candidates with the following experience will be highly regarded:

• Coaching or competing in individual speech events
• Experience with or knowledge of intercollegiate debate
• Teaching Public Speaking or similar communication courses

Licensure & Additional Requirements

Applicants must be willing and able to:

• Maintain a valid driver’s license
• Complete the university’s Multi-Passenger Vehicle Driver Approval Process
• Drive university vans to speech and debate tournaments

About the Department

The Department of Communication is home to 41 full-time faculty members and more than 1,000 majors across programs such as advertising, public relations, journalism, digital media, and communication studies.

The department also supports an impressive range of award-winning student media and organizations including:

• The Appalachian news organization
• AppTV
• The Peel Literature & Arts Review
• Second Story Media
• WASU-FM Radio

The intercollegiate forensics team, including competitive speech and debate

Learn more about the department: https://communication.appstate.edu

Role Overview

The new Lecturer/Speech (IE) Coach will contribute to both academic teaching and the university’s competitive forensics program. This dual-focus position includes:

• Teaching Responsibilities
• Delivering courses such as Thinking Through Communication and Public Speaking
• Advising assigned undergraduate students
• Participating in departmental committees
• Holding regular office hours

Coaching & Forensics Responsibilities

• Leading and attending weekly team meetings
• Running practice rounds, coaching sessions, and speech drills
• Traveling with students to tournaments as a coach, judge, and supervisor
• Preparing topics and providing critique at events
• Organizing recruitment activities and on-campus showcase events
• Managing team folders and resources in Google Drive
• Handling team travel, logistics, and supervision
• Supporting students during tournaments, including conflict resolution
• Reporting team results to appropriate promotional outlets
• Providing leadership for the speech team and supporting the debate program when needed

Performing additional responsibilities assigned by the Director of Forensics and Department Chair

Position Details

• Position Type: Full-time, non-tenure-track
• Appointment: 1.0 FTE (9 months per year)
• Proposed Start Date: August 1, 2026
• Salary: Competitive and based on experience and qualifications

ABD Consideration

This role does not require a doctorate, but applicants who are ABD (All But Dissertation) should note:

• ABD candidates may be hired at the Instructor rank with an adjusted salary
• Successful dissertation defense must be confirmed by set deadlines to be reclassified to Assistant Professor

Application Requirements

A complete application must include:

1. Letter of interest addressing forensics experience

2. A separate coaching philosophy statement

3. Curriculum vitae

4. Evidence of teaching effectiveness (or potential)

5. Copies of all academic transcripts

6. Names and contact information for 3–5 professional references

Additional Hiring Notes

Employment is contingent on institutional needs such as funding, enrollment levels, or other conditions defined by the UNC System.

Application Timeline

• Posting Date: September 6, 2025
• Open Until Filled: Yes

Search Contact

Search Chair: Jean Dehart
Email: dehart2jl@appstate.edu

Apply Online: https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/51733
Posting Number: FA00514P