Inst/Ast Prof - Fixed Term

Working/Functional Title

Inst/Ast Prof - Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Department of Religious Studies seeks a highly skilled practitioner to teach in the new Nonprofit Leadership, Global Cultures, and Social Enterprise Master of Arts Degree and Certificate program. This position requires expertise in, and enthusiasm for, teaching graduate courses, mentoring students, providing career advice, and engaging with supportive and collaborative colleagues. This position offers an exciting opportunity for an individual interested in teaching in a liberal-arts style department with all the resources of a large Big Ten research university. 

The candidate will work with the Department of Religious Studies to teach a 5-week online and asynchronous courses; examples: 1. Nonprofits and the Legal Environment and 2. Nonprofit Governance. 

The successful candidate brings substantial knowledge of national and international nonprofit organizations, including working for and with the nonprofit sector. The candidate also has a background in nonprofit management, nonprofit law, and board operations and best practices. Experience with teaching, training, and mentorship is desired. 

This is a part-time, fixed-term position. The teaching assignment will begin January 1, 2026 and is renewable contingent upon funding and performance. Rank can include instructor or assistant professor and is determined by highest degree with a Master’s degree required for an instructor position and a JD or PhD required for an assistant professor position.

Position is planned to recur every Spring Semester

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

Other - Juris Doctorate

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s Degree for Instructor rank or JD for Assistant Professor rank.
• Professional experience related to nonprofit management, organizational development, leadership, or entrepreneurship.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in the design and development of graduate or adult learning experiences, such as lesson plans, mentorship efforts, workshops, or syllabi. 
• Demonstrated advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, service, and/or community involvement. 

Required Application Materials

• a cover letter application.
• a resume or curriculum vitae.
• the names and email addresses of 3 potential referees.
• a summary of the candidate’s experience with diversity in the classroom and/or in past or
  planned research endeavors, experience mentoring diverse students or community outreach
  initiatives, and an explanation of how the candidate will advance our goals of inclusive
  excellence.

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin 11/25/2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Applications must be submitted electronically to the Michigan State University Human Resources website http://careers.msu.edu Posting Number 1093326. For more information, contact Chair of the Search Committee, Arthur Versluis, at versluis@msu.edu. 

Review of Applications Begins On

11/25/2025

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Department Statement

The College of Arts & Letters recognizes that only an academic and organizational culture, which actively seeks out and strengthens diverse voices and perspectives among its members results in true excellence. We are an equal opportunity employer. The College of Arts & Letters is particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that intellectual leadership is achieved through open access and pro-active inclusion.

Michigan State University (MSU) and MSU’s Department of Religious Studies actively promotes a dynamic working and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

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.