Social Work Full-Time Instructor or Teaching Assistant Professor

***THIS IS A FACULTY POSITION***

The UMD Department of Social Work invites applications for two (2) full-time term faculty positions. This is a non-tenure-track, 100% time, 9-month appointment for fall semester 2026 and spring semester 2027, with possible extension as needed by the department. The appointment begins August 24, 2026.

Candidates will be considered for the rank of Instructor or Teaching Assistant Professor, determined by qualifications. A master's degree is required for the rank of Instructor (9404), and a doctorate is required for the rank of Teaching Assistant Professor (9403T).

Job duties and responsibilities include teaching and service. Teaching duties include in class teaching, grading, office hours, and student advising. Service duties include meeting attendance, committee work, and other service and outreach activities.

Applicants should be able to teach a wide range of social work courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels such as child welfare courses; American Indian social work courses; Global Issues; Introduction to Social Welfare and Social Work; Anti-Oppressive Social Work; Individual, Family & Group Practice; Introduction to Social Work Research; Organization and Community Practice; Practicum; Senior Capstone; and others.

Instructor Required Qualifications:

• A Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Two years post-MSW practice experience (required for practice courses).
• Commitment to fostering diversity across campus, the social work curriculum, and the social work department.
• Valid Minnesota social work license or verification of eligibility for licensure by the Minnesota Board of Social Work.

Instructor Preferred Qualifications:

• Social work practice experience in specific courses assigned to teach.
• Demonstrated success working effectively with culturally diverse students, colleagues, and communities, including intercultural communication skills, awareness of diverse cultural values and beliefs, and willingness to examine your own cultural biases.
• Experience, knowledge base and commitment to American Indian and/or Indigenous people and communities.
• Experience and knowledge base in child welfare.
• Evidence of organized and effective academic classroom teaching or professional training experience.
• Demonstrated skills related to the development and implementation of online courses.
• Evidence of effective communication skills necessary for a faculty position.

Teaching Assistant Professor Required Qualifications:

• A PhD or Doctorate in Social Work or related field.
• A Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Two years post-MSW practice experience (required for practice courses).
• Commitment to fostering diversity across campus, the social work curriculum, and the social work department.
• Valid Minnesota social work license or verification of eligibility for licensure by the Minnesota Board of Social Work.

Teaching Assistant Professor Preferred Qualifications:

• Social work practice experience in specific courses assigned to teach.
• Demonstrated success working effectively with culturally diverse students, colleagues, and communities, including intercultural communication skills, awareness of diverse cultural values and beliefs, and willingness to examine your own cultural biases.
• Experience, knowledge base and commitment to American Indian and/or Indigenous people and communities.
• Experience and knowledge base in child welfare.
• Evidence of organized and effective academic classroom teaching or professional training experience.
• Demonstrated skills related to the development and implementation of on-line courses.
• Evidence of effective communication skills necessary for a faculty position.
  

Pay Range

Instructor: $46,914.00 - $62,552.00 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Teaching Assistant Professor: $51,015.75 - $68,021.00 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

Complete applications should include

• A cover letter expressing your interests, experience, accomplishments, and strengths as they relate to the position, including your experience working with students and/or social work clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Brief statement (2-3 paragraphs) on your teaching philosophy.
• Your current resume/CV.
• A list of the names, phone numbers and email addresses of three references.
  

To ensure full consideration of your application, please submit all materials online by March 20, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. Finalists may be required to submit additional materials. The starting date is August 24, 2026.

Please send any inquiries to Dr. Nomi Ostrander at nomi@d.umn.edu.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).