Title: F0159 - Assistant Professor – Digital Rhetorics & Storytelling

State Role Title: Faculty-Teaching/Research

Hiring Range: $70,298.00

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Norfolk State University

Location: Norfolk State University

Agency Website: WWW.NSU.EDU

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Norfolk State University’s Department of English and Foreign Languages invites applicants for a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor of English/ Rhetoric, a 9-month position with a focus on digital rhetoric and storytelling; the application of contemporary rhetorical theory; expertise in the analysis and creation of digital rhetoric and media; facility in the analysis of digital disinformation also desirable, beginning August 2026. Application review begins December 1, 2025, position remains open until filled.

Responsibilities:

• Teaching and developing undergraduate English courses at various levels, including within the existing Certificate in Professional and Technical Writing. Teaching responsibilities will include classes in the general education core as well as required and elective classes for the major.

• Active engagement in research, scholarship, and/or grantsmanship. Contributions to program and curriculum development inside and outside the department.

• Attendance at departmental meetings, collegial engagement with faculty, holding office hours, and meeting university deadlines. Advising and mentoring students and participation in recruitment activities. Participation in ongoing assessment and accreditation activities. Perform other duties as assigned by the Department Chair.

Minimum Qualifications

1. An earned Ph.D. degree in English with a specialization in Digital Rhetoric or a closely related subfield at the time of employment.
2. Demonstrated record of scholarly research and/or publications in relevant subfields.
3. Demonstrated commitment to serving diverse and/or underrepresented student populations.

Additional Considerations

1. Considerable practice with higher education face-to-face and online teaching and commitment to distance learning and online course delivery modalities.
2. Experience and commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarly activity at the university level with knowledge in areas of specialization in the discipline as stated above.
3. Demonstrated ability to communicate to a diverse student body, both verbally and in writing.
4. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

How to Apply

Candidates should submit:

1. State of Virginia application.
2. A cover letter of interest outlining research agenda and teaching interests.
3. Current Curriculum Vitae.
4. Philosophy of Teaching.
5. Transcripts of highest degree conferred (unofficial transcripts are accepted; however, official transcripts are required of finalists).
6. Three letters of reference.

Some requirements must be saved into one file and attached as other to the state application.


NSU Teaching Philosophy for Underrepresented Populations
Norfolk State University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for all students regardless of background. Candidates must include a statement that reflects their philosophy and experience working with initiatives or with students and communities from underrepresented populations.
Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University is a comprehensive urban public, doctoral granting institution committed to transforming students’ lives through exemplary teaching, research and service. The University is a top ranked and largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Historically Black College and University (HBCU) with nationally recognized STEM programs and enrolls 6,000 students in over thirty undergraduate and nineteen on-line & in-person graduate programs. Norfolk State University garners over $20M in annual grant acquisitions, has as an NCAA Division I athletic program with fifteen sports that boasts three regular season MEAC conference championships in men’s basketball, and a coveted marching band as winners of the 2024 Circle City Classic Battle of the Bands.

About the City of Norfolk
Norfolk is one of seven cities that make up the Hampton Roads Region. With a population of about two million, Hampton Roads is the 33rd largest Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in the nation, the 8th largest metro area in the Southeast, and the 2nd largest between Atlanta and Washington, DC. It is home to the world's largest naval base, the Port of Virginia, one of the world's leading maritime gateways, and NATO’s only North American headquarters (NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation). By virtue of its strategic location, it is a cosmopolitan area with many minority groups from every corner of the world. Norfolk has big city amenities and attractions of arts and culture, as well as cuisines of the Eastern Seaboard and is a home port for Carnival Cruise Lines year-round with other cruise lines using Norfolk as a port-of-call. In addition, the region boasts accessible parks, riverfronts, beaches, and numerous festivals, all favorable for weekend getaways.

Contact Information

Name: Norfolk State University

Phone: 757-823-8160

Email: NO EMAIL MATERIAL ACCEPTED

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.