Teaching Specialist (# 377080)

About this position

Job ID: 377080 About the Job Position Overview & Course Structure The Program of Mortuary Science within the University of Minnesota Medical School is actively seeking an instructor for a part-time (.20 FTE), temporary/casual academic professional appointment as a Teaching Specialist (Job Code 9754). The selected candidate will serve as the instructor for MORT 3016: Funeral Service Marketing and Merchandising (3 credits) during Spring Semester 2027.Salary and Compensation: The salary range for this Mortuary Science teaching position is $5,769-$7,764 for this 3-credit course, with compensation determined primarily by the candidate's highest earned degree (bachelor's, master's, or doctorate). Course Status: The course is essentially built. Lecture topics, reading assignments, grading rubrics, weekly quizzes, individual and group projects (including a semester podcast project), exams, and the Canvas LMS site framework are established. The instructor will deliver content, lead class discussions, and engage with students. Delivery Format: In-person; Twin Cities Campus, East Bank Class Schedule: Wednesdays, 1:30 PM - 4:10 PM (15 weeks total) Course Dates: Spring Semester 2027 (Instruction begins January 19, 2027) Reporting to: Dr. Michael P. LuBrant, Director, Program of Mortuary Science Office Hours: Typically 1 hour per week (in-person, virtual, or by appointment) Instructional Support & Collaboration: The primary instructor is supported by an experienced funeral service professional who serves as a guest presenter for multiple class sessions, offering specialized industry insight and practical mortuary-science applications throughout the semester. Course Materials: Marketing: An Introduction (15th Ed.) by Armstrong & Kotler (ISBN: 9780137476459). Note: This course utilizes the University's Inclusive Access digital materials program. Scope of Course & Curriculum Coverage The instructor will deliver content aligned with the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) accreditation standards and student learning outcomes. A second individual with marketing expertise in mortuary science typically assists by providing approximately 5 profession-specific presentations as part of class sessions throughout the semester. Key programmatic learning outcomes and course objectives covered in MORT 3016 include: ABFSE Student Learning Outcomes (Standard 2.1 Compliance):Relationship & Community Building: Explain the importance of funeral service professionals in developing relationships with the families and communities they serve. Ethical Standards: Identify standards of ethical conduct in funeral service practice. Legal Compliance: Interpret how federal, state, and local laws apply to funeral service. Management & Operations: Explain management skills associated with operating a funeral establishment. Professional Communication: Demonstrate verbal, written, and research communication skills needed for funeral service practice. Curriculum Focus: This course applies foundational small business marketing principles-including market analysis, digital strategy, pricing models, and service branding-to the funeral service profession. Core Merchandising & Marketing Topics Covered:Conceptual and practical knowledge of product mix determination, price quotation, and price determination. Market analysis and strategic plan execution for small businesses. Role of technology in communication, funeral service sociology, brand management, website development, and social media management. Prefunded/preplanned funerals (pre-need strategy) and cremation options. Concepts and merchandising related to pet disposition. Duties & Responsibilities (100%):Instruction: Teach MORT 3016 on scheduled meeting days. Deliver established lecture materials, facilitate in-class activities, and guide student discussions. Course Management & Assessment: Administer and grade quizzes, assignments, and exams via Canvas. Assess student progress regularly and post grades in a timely manner. Technology & Innovation: Integrate relevant industry innovations, technology tools, and digital platforms into course discussions. Guest Speakers & Field Trips: Coordinate guest speakers for specialized presentations and arrange program-approved field trips as appropriate. Student & Faculty Engagement: Maintain required weekly office hours to assist students. Attend and actively participate in program faculty meetings and events. Policy Compliance & Reporting: Immediately communicate safety or academic concerns to the Program Director. Fulfill required reporting duties under University policies regarding EOAA/Title IX and general compliance. Qualifications Preferred Qualifications:Master's degree (or higher) from a regionally accredited college/university, preferably in Business Administration (MBA) or a business-related field. Prior teaching experience at a regionally accredited college or university. Three (3) or more years of leadership, management, or marketing experience in small business, professional services, and/or funeral service/mortuary operations. Knowledge of insurance products, pre-funded funeral service contracts, or specialized service industry models. Required Application Documents: Resume / CV (Attached as PDF or MS Word document). Cover Letter addressing the following specific elements:A clearly articulated vision for an effective, relevant business and marketing curriculum for mortuary science students. A discussion of your academic credentials, professional work experiences, and unique talents that make you a strong candidate. A concise statement of your teaching interest, highlighting relevant teaching and/or leadership experience. Unofficial Transcripts: Unofficial copies of transcripts verifying degree completion and required business/marketing coursework (official transcripts directly from the issuing institution will be required prior to hiring/appointment). Note: Professional references will be requested only fro

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