Instructor-Fixed Term

MSU Careers Details•East Lansing, MI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Michigan State University actively promotes a dynamic research and learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry. The College of Social Science at Michigan State University invites applications for a fixed term instructor with expertise in career readiness and professional development for students with interest in non-profit and governmental career pathways. Responsibilities include Draw on current, active professional practice in a workplace-leadership or people-focused field to ground course content in real, present-day organizational dynamics rather than theory alone. This is a practitioner-taught course: the instructor is expected to maintain relevant professional engagement outside the classroom and continually translate live workplace experience into case studies, simulations, and examples for students. Bring authentic, real-world context to every module, including how organizations actually make decisions, how workplace culture and unspoken norms operate, and how professionals navigate influence, setbacks, and cross-generational communication, so students learn from insight that reflects the current employment landscape. Continually refresh content to mirror evolving workplace realities, updating materials each semester based on firsthand exposure to current professional environments and emerging expectations of employers. Design, prepare, and continually update all course materials, assignments, and assessments so content reflects current workplace practices and employer expectations. Administer and debrief validated self-assessment tools (e.g., strengths-based, emotional-intelligence, and communication/behavioral-style instruments) to build student self-awareness. Teach the “post-hire” dimension of career readiness: workplace culture, cues, and norms; situational awareness; professional communication across differences and generations; navigating setbacks; and ethical influence. Equip students with practical, immediately usable tools, such as scripts, frameworks, and strategies, for real professional situations. Communicate regularly with students and coordinate with the Career Development Office and Undergraduate Affairs regarding course progress, student concerns, and logistics. Evaluate student performance and submit final grades (Pass/No Pass) by university deadlines. Foster an inclusive, respectful, and supportive learning environment for a diverse undergraduate population.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., business, human resources, organizational development, social science, education, communication, or a related discipline) by the effective date of hire.
Significant professional experience (typically five or more years) in a people-focused field such as talent development, organizational development, human resources, leadership, or workplace strategy.
Demonstrated experience teaching, training, facilitating, or coaching adult learners or students.
Commitment to inclusive, learner-centered, and ethical professional development.

Nice To Haves

Senior- or leadership-level professional experience in talent management, organizational development, human resources, or workforce strategy within a complex organization.
Experience administering and interpreting strengths-based, emotional-intelligence, or behavioral-style assessments (e.g., CliftonStrengths, DiSC, EI inventories).
Formal training or certification in change management or a comparable professional credential.
Experience mentoring, coaching, or sponsoring early-career professionals.
Experience designing original curricula, training content, or professional-development frameworks.
Familiarity with career-readiness competencies and the transition from academic settings to professional environments.
Demonstrated commitment to engaging individuals of differing perspectives and cultural backgrounds with mutual respect in professional or educational settings.

Responsibilities

Draw on current, active professional practice in a workplace-leadership or people-focused field to ground course content in real, present-day organizational dynamics rather than theory alone.
Maintain relevant professional engagement outside the classroom and continually translate live workplace experience into case studies, simulations, and examples for students.
Bring authentic, real-world context to every module, including how organizations actually make decisions, how workplace culture and unspoken norms operate, and how professionals navigate influence, setbacks, and cross-generational communication.
Continually refresh content to mirror evolving workplace realities, updating materials each semester based on firsthand exposure to current professional environments and emerging expectations of employers.
Design, prepare, and continually update all course materials, assignments, and assessments so content reflects current workplace practices and employer expectations.
Administer and debrief validated self-assessment tools (e.g., strengths-based, emotional-intelligence, and communication/behavioral-style instruments) to build student self-awareness.
Teach the “post-hire” dimension of career readiness: workplace culture, cues, and norms; situational awareness; professional communication across differences and generations; navigating setbacks; and ethical influence.
Equip students with practical, immediately usable tools, such as scripts, frameworks, and strategies, for real professional situations.
Communicate regularly with students and coordinate with the Career Development Office and Undergraduate Affairs regarding course progress, student concerns, and logistics.
Evaluate student performance and submit final grades (Pass/No Pass) by university deadlines.
Foster an inclusive, respectful, and supportive learning environment for a diverse undergraduate population.