Visiting Faculty Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of academia, the role of visiting faculty is increasingly significant.

As education evolves, the demand for skilled educators who can contribute fresh perspectives, innovative teaching methods, and a diverse breadth of knowledge grows.

But what exactly is expected from a visiting faculty member?

Whether you are:

• An academic professional seeking to understand the core responsibilities of this position,
• An educational institution outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the dynamics of academia,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable visiting faculty job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or academic career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Visiting Faculty Duties and Responsibilities

Visiting Faculty members are experienced professionals invited by an educational institution to impart knowledge in their field of expertise.

They play a vital role in supplementing the permanent faculty and bringing in fresh perspectives.

Their duties and responsibilities often include:

• Preparing and delivering lectures to students on topics in their area of expertise
• Engaging with students, answering their queries and providing additional help, if necessary
• Participating in departmental meetings and contributing to the development of academic programs
• Designing, administering and grading assignments, tests and exams
• Providing constructive feedback to students to help them improve their learning outcomes
• Collaborating with other faculty members to enhance the teaching methodology
• Staying updated with the latest developments in their field and incorporating them into their teaching
• Conducting research, if applicable, and presenting findings in scholarly journals or conferences
• Participating in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities
• Complying with all institutional policies, procedures, and regulations

 

Visiting Faculty Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a highly-qualified and professional Visiting Faculty to join our academic institution.

The responsibilities of the Visiting Faculty include delivering lectures, supervising lab work, conducting research, and participating in committee meetings.

The ideal candidate should be a subject matter expert in their field, have a passion for teaching, and possess excellent communication skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate and/or graduate students on topics within a specific field of expertise.
• Supervise student laboratory and field work, as applicable.
• Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
• Participate in campus and community events, as required.
• Engage in departmental and university committee functions.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to students.
• Design, administer and grade examinations to assess student understanding of subjects.
• Stay updated in the field of expertise through continuous learning and research.

 

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a related field.
• Proven teaching experience at a university level.
• Extensive knowledge in the field of expertise.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Ability to engage students and provide effective instruction.
• Proficient in curriculum development and course design.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible working hours

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Visiting Faculty
• Work Environment: University setting with classroom and office workspace. May require occasional weekend or evening hours for special events or projects.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Department or Dean of the faculty.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Contractual
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a list of at least three professional references to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Visiting Faculty Do?

Visiting Faculty members typically hold temporary teaching positions at universities, colleges, or other educational institutions.

They could be experts from different fields, from academics to industry professionals, invited to contribute their knowledge and experiences to the institution’s curriculum.

They develop and deliver course content in their area of expertise, providing students with unique perspectives and insights based on their academic or professional experiences.

They use various teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, hands-on activities, and technology integration to deliver the course.

Visiting Faculty often collaborate with the permanent faculty to align their teachings with the overall curriculum, ensuring that their contributions are meaningful and beneficial for the students’ academic growth.

They also grade student assignments and examinations, provide constructive feedback, and guide students in their academic pursuits.

In some cases, Visiting Faculty may also conduct research, publish academic papers, and participate in seminars or workshops within the institution.

They may also contribute to community outreach and service initiatives.

Their presence can be an enriching addition to the academic environment, exposing students and faculty alike to diverse viewpoints and innovative ideas.

 

Visiting Faculty Qualifications and Skills

A competent visiting faculty member should possess skills and qualifications that align with the job role, such as:

• Advanced knowledge of their field of expertise to provide quality education and share relevant industry experience.
• Effective communication skills to deliver lectures, explain complex concepts in easy-to-understand terms, and engage in academic discussions with students and faculty.
• Time management skills to efficiently plan lectures, grade assignments, conduct research, and fulfill other academic responsibilities within the provided timeframe.
• Interpersonal skills to connect with students, faculty, and staff, building a constructive academic environment.
• Adaptability to adjust teaching methods according to the learning styles of different students and cope with varying academic environments.
• Problem-solving skills to help students overcome academic challenges and enhance their learning experience.
• Experience in curriculum design and development to effectively plan courses and deliver lectures that meet educational standards and students’ needs.
• Research skills to stay updated with the latest developments in their field and incorporate them into their teachings.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development to keep their knowledge updated and relevant.

 

Visiting Faculty Experience Requirements

Visiting Faculty candidates are often expected to have a significant amount of academic and professional experience in their field of expertise.

This typically includes holding a doctoral degree and having multiple years of teaching experience, ideally at a college or university level.

Some institutions may require visiting faculty members to have a proven record of research and publication, showcasing a high level of expertise in their subject matter.

This could include articles in peer-reviewed journals, books, or presentations at academic conferences.

Prior to becoming a Visiting Faculty member, many professionals hold positions such as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or even full-time Professor.

In addition to teaching, these roles often involve conducting research, advising students, and participating in departmental and university service.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience are generally considered to have a wealth of knowledge and teaching proficiency to provide valuable insights to students and faculty alike.

Those with extensive experience may also be qualified to serve as mentors for less experienced faculty members or be involved in departmental decision-making processes.

Furthermore, Visiting Faculty members are often expected to have some level of administrative experience, as they may be tasked with organizing lectures, seminars, or workshops.

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are also highly valued for this role.

 

Visiting Faculty Education and Training Requirements

Visiting Faculty members typically hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) or the highest degree available in their field of study.

They are often distinguished professionals or academics who have substantial experience and expertise in their subject matter.

In addition to formal education, visiting faculty members usually have a strong academic or professional background.

This includes a proven track record of research, publications, or significant contributions to their field.

There are no specific certification requirements for visiting faculty.

However, some institutions may require additional qualifications depending on the complexity and level of the course being taught.

For example, teaching a specialized postgraduate course may necessitate specific professional certifications or expertise.

Teaching experience, while not always mandatory, is often preferred.

This can be in the form of prior experience as a university professor, lecturer, or educator at a comparable level.

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills are vital for effective teaching and student engagement.

Continuing education and staying updated with the latest advancements in their field is also essential for visiting faculty members.

They must be able to incorporate current research and developments into their teaching material and methodologies.

Lastly, they must have the ability to work independently, adapt to new environments, and integrate into the existing faculty, as their role often involves short-term appointments at various institutions.

 

Visiting Faculty Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Visiting Faculty member is approximately $48,392 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can greatly differ based on factors such as qualifications, experience, the institution they are teaching at, and the location of the institution.

 

Visiting Faculty Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Visiting Faculty member need?

Most institutions require Visiting Faculty to hold a PhD or other terminal degree in the field they are teaching.

They should also have a strong record of academic achievement, significant teaching experience, and expertise in their subject matter.

In addition, some institutions might require professional experience or accomplishments in the field.

 

What are the main responsibilities of a Visiting Faculty?

Visiting Faculty are typically responsible for teaching courses in their field of expertise, conducting lectures, and preparing course materials.

They might also be involved in academic advising, departmental meetings, and professional development activities.

Some Visiting Faculty might also conduct research or participate in scholarly activities.

 

What should you look for in a Visiting Faculty resume?

A Visiting Faculty resume should highlight relevant academic qualifications, teaching experience, and professional accomplishments.

Look for evidence of expertise in the subject matter they will be teaching, as well as any awards, grants, or publications that demonstrate their competence and contributions to the field.

Additionally, strong communication skills and a passion for teaching should be evident.

 

What qualities make a good Visiting Faculty?

A good Visiting Faculty member is passionate about their subject matter and committed to delivering high-quality education.

They should be approachable, engaging, and able to communicate complex ideas in a way that students can understand.

Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous professional development are also essential qualities.

 

Do Visiting Faculty have the same duties as regular faculty?

The duties of a Visiting Faculty member can vary depending on the institution and the terms of their appointment.

They typically focus on teaching and may not be expected to participate in administrative duties or serve on committees like regular faculty.

However, they are usually expected to maintain the same level of academic rigor and adhere to the same standards and policies as regular faculty.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a visiting faculty member.

Surprise, surprise.

It’s not just about lecturing.

It’s about shaping the intellectual landscape, one lesson at a time.

With our ready-to-use visiting faculty job description template and real-world examples, you’re equipped to make your next move.

But why pause there?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next leap towards meticulously-constructed listings or refining your curriculum vitae to sheer excellence.

Remember:

Every lesson taught is a part of the larger educational tapestry.

Let’s weave that future. Together.

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