Career Center

About us:

Harper College was established by referendum in 1965 and opened its doors in September 1967. Named after Dr. William Rainey Harper, a pioneer in the junior college movement in the United States and the first president of the University of Chicago, the College carries forward this legacy of innovation in education.

Today, Harper College stands as one of the nation's premier community colleges and one of the largest, serving approximately 29,000 students annually in Chicago's northwest suburbs. Our academic programs are designed to prepare students for rewarding careers and seamless transfer to four-year universities. Harper offers a wide range of associate degree and certification programs, advanced career tracks, workforce training, professional development opportunities, continuing education classes, accelerated degree options for adults, and developmental education programs.

At Harper College, we are committed to facilitating active learning and fostering the knowledge, critical thinking, and life/work skills necessary for participation in our global society. We collaborate with our community partners to enrich the intellectual, cultural, and economic fabric of our district. We believe that excellence in education must thrive within an ethical environment of integrity and respect. We recognize that the strength of our society is rooted in diversity, and it is through synergy that we achieve excellence. Our core values--Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence--guide everything we do.

Aspen Prize

* For the second consecutive time, Harper College is a semifinalist for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation's most prestigious recognition for community colleges that are attaining high and improving levels of student success, as well as equitable outcomes for Black and Latine students and those from lower-income backgrounds.

* Twenty colleges are vying for the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program's 2025 Prize. Harper was also one of the 25 semifinalists for the 2023 prize.

Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI)

* In 2023, Harper College was designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education.

* This designation provides federal funding to enhance educational programs and support services for Latine and underrepresented students.

* Latine students make up about 30% of Harper's enrollment, reflecting the College's pride in its HSI status.

Equity and Diversity Award

* Harper College received the 2023 Equity and Diversity Award from the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA).

* The award honors leadership in promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity for underrepresented groups.

* Harper previously won this award in 2017

Schedule Information: The successful candidate is expected to teach 30 contact hours each year in the Communication Arts Department. In addition to teaching 30 contact hours per academic year, a full-time faculty member serves on departmental, divisional and institutional committees; holds six office hours per week (some of which must be on campus); and pursues professional development opportunities related to discipline and pedagogy. Evening and weekend instruction may be required. Instruction may take place in face to face, online, blended and flex formats.

Weeks per fiscal year: Faculty are covered under a 9-month contract period (August thru May) - We seek a full-time colleague to begin August 12, 2025.

Benefits: Health, Dental, Life & Disability Insurance; Sick and Holiday pay; Personal Business; Educational Assistance: Tuition Waivers at Harper & Professional Expense

Position Description and Duties:

The Communication Arts Department at Harper College is actively seeking a student-centered, diverse pool of candidates to fill a full-time faculty position specializing in the field of Communication and Speech. Successful candidates will assume responsibilities that encompass a broad spectrum of courses, including, but not limited to, SPE 101 - Oral Communication, SPE 200 - Interpersonal Communication, SPE 210- Group Communication, SPE 215 - Intercultural Communication, and SPE 180 - Forensics.

The Communication Arts Department program provides theory and training in the skills essential to equipping students to be effective communicators in various professions. Through Communication and Speech training, our students develop confidence, enhance their public speaking abilities, and master the art of persuasion and cultural understanding. They learn to analyze, adapt to audiences, work in teams, and engage and inspire audiences. Successful students have experience and professions in media, education, public relations, corporate communication, and the performing arts.

Harper College provides excellent facilities to students and faculty in the Communication Arts program. The college offers a range of labs and facilities as part of its learning environment, including multiple theaters, a media lab, video-enhanced classrooms, and distance learning classrooms.

The successful candidate will be able to teach a wide variety of introductory courses to students from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of college readiness, using both traditional and alternative delivery methods. We encourage interested candidates to familiarize themselves with our course offerings. This position teaches a standard load of fifteen (15) credit hours per semester (30 credits per academic year), consisting primarily of Communication courses, with a focus on Speech 101. This may include reassigned time for chair/coordinator duties. Classes may be scheduled in day, evening, and/or online modalities. They may also have the opportunity to teach in the Honors Program, Social Justice Studies Program, and "linked" courses (through the college's Learning Communities Program).

Candidates should possess expertise in Forensics, specifically, Speech and Debate coaching in the competitive community, teaching, and competition experience. The ideal candidate should be able to demonstrate strong organizational skills, particularly in managing a large Speech and Debate team, and be committed to traveling, attending weekly meetings, and coaching. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in guiding students through the creative and technical aspects of speech and debate competitions and assist in their development as performers and public speakers.

Educational Requirements: The ideal candidate should possess a master's degree in Communication. Advanced degrees beyond the master's are welcomed.

Experience Requirements: The ideal candidate will:

* Have at least 2 years of experience teaching Communication courses

* Have at least 2 years of experience coaching a speech and debate team.

* Skilled at working with members of the campus community, hosting tournaments, traveling with the speech team, building relationships with other schools, and creating opportunities for speech team students to improve both on and off campus.

* Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate coaching experience and a commitment to Speech and Debate Coaching and Forensics team management.

* Preference will be given to candidates who have taught the introductory speech course extensively.

* Will be knowledgeable about current trends in the field of Communication

* Have the ability and knowledge to create and teach upper-division courses within the department.

We are seeking a candidate who is skilled in their field, collaborates with colleagues, is student-focused, and dedicated to creating and maintaining a supportive and collaborative learning environment for all students, faculty, and staff.

Application Review Date: Applications are accepted until the position is filled though priority will be given to applications received on or before December 1, 2025.

Special Notes:

*You will not be able to complete the application without attaching the following documents:

* Cover letter

* CV/Resume (Does not substitute for completed application)

* Copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts from Regionally accredited institutions

* A one page single-spaced statement of your teaching philosophy. In your teaching philosophy, please include how you approach classroom management, how you assess students, and how you use instructional technology.

*Official transcripts required upon hire.

*Employment is contingent upon a Criminal Background Check

*Employment Sponsorship is not available

Harper College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create an inclusive learning and working environment where individual differences and identities are respected, valued and embraced. We encourage women, people from historically underrepresented groups, individuals