Adjunct Faculty - BS Christian Ministry and Spiritual Formation

Abilene Christian University is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. All qualified applicants for these positions must be professing Christians and have a meaningful relationship with the Churches of Christ, and willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of the university.

Basic Responsibilities

A. Provide high-quality instruction, student engagement, and support for students in the online classroom environment.

B. Participate with the program faculty in planning, development, and implementation of the program and curriculum.

C. Attend program training sessions twice a year.

Essential Duties

A. Provide high-quality instruction, student engagement, and support for students in the online classroom environment.

1. Provide rich and timely feedback on student work, being both encouraging and constructively critical.

2. Facilitate class sizes of up to approximately 32 students.

3. Participate in and monitor student online discussion forums for depth and respect aligned to higher ed constructive dialogue. 

4. Provide timely and helpful answers to students’ inquiries regarding course material or academic matters.

5. Conduct periodic synchronous interaction sessions.

6. Facilitate and grade all assignments in a timely manner.

7. Enter final course grades after consultation with Program Director by the deadline.

8. Alert Program Director to any student issues. This includes performance issues (e.g. failing grades, failing to turn in assignments, etc.) and policy violation issues (e.g. AI violations and plagiarism).

9. Comply with all pertinent policies and procedures outlined in Abilene Christian University’s Handbook, Instructor Expectations, and those specified by ACU’s College of Leadership and Professional Studies.

10. Other duties, as assigned and directed by lead faculty and/or program director.

B. Participate with the program faculty and in planning, development, implementation of program and curriculum.

1. Provide feedback to Program Director for program and/or course improvement.

2. Participate in program and faculty meetings.

3. Attend/complete program and faculty trainings and provide credentialing/records updates as required.

4. Gain and maintain knowledge of trends and information pertaining to program field through current practice, professional reading, active research and/or continuing education.

Professional Development Requirements

Skills

• Pastoral care and compassion for undergraduate online learners. 
• Attention to detail and follow through.
• Time management skills.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Computer proficiency to include the Google suite and Canvas.
• Excellent verbal communication, written communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Provide quality instruction and support to students while maintaining academic and university standards.
• Ability to collaborate or work independently as the situation requires.

Training Modules Required

• Microsoft and G-Suite applications
• Canvas

Qualifications

Professional

• Master’s of Divinity or Doctorate degree in Biblical Studies, Ministry, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Past or current full-time experience in a ministry related field (congregational, non-profit, church adjacent, chaplaincy, etc).
• Online teaching experience in higher education is preferred.
• Computer literate in software and internet-based applications.
• Proficient in APA style (formatting, citation requirements, punctuation, etc.)

Personal

• Faith in Christ is secure with a healthy connection to a body of believers.

• Employee outer facing communications, substacks and social media are consistent with the Christian faith and do not disrupt hospitality for our diverse student body.

•  Strong communication skills, both written and oral.

• AI use is ethical and cannot be used to grade or interact with students.

• Ability to view and manage roles and responsibilities in relation to larger mission, goals and perspective of the University.

• Collaborative nature, with the ability to build consensus.

• Outstanding organizational and project management skills with the ability to consistently meet deadlines.

• Self-motivated and solves problems, asking for input and initiating solutions as appropriate and reasonable.

• Capacity to quickly learn new software applications.

• Willingness to receive additional training and/or faculty mentoring.

• Ability to demonstrate good judgment when interacting with students, other faculty and staff.

Physical Demands

• The majority of work is performed in front of a computer and on the telephone; applicants must have the ability to use the computer and remain stationary for long periods of time.
• Manage conversations in person, online and by telephone.
• Work well under pressure and manage stress well.
• Communicate clearly: speak, read, write, and hear clearly to perform essential functions.

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets. Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions. As a current employee, it will be determined if you need an additional background check upon your hire.