Position Summary
The proposed appointment is 75% Teaching, 15% Outreach (primarily coordinating the online Master of International Planning Studies (MIPS) program), and 10% Service. The teaching specialist will teach in-person and online courses with expected load of five courses per year, with possible opportunities for specialized courses depending on expertise. The core instructional responsibilities include planning practice, healthy and resilient community planning, introductory planning history and theory, and planning sustainability. The position will also support large undergraduate courses (100+ seats) that contribute to the college by generating substantial student credit hours. The teaching specialist will also assist with coordination of the MIPS online program and manage online classes in planning theory and economic development. The position's intended start date is August 16, 2026.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Masters -Urban & Regional Planning, from a US Accredited Planning Program
Desired Degree
Doctorate -Urban Planning, or allied discipline
Minimum Requirements
This position requires either: 1) A master's degree in Urban and Regional planning from a U.S. Accredited Planning Program, 1-3 years experience in instruction and working with students, and a minimum of seven years of professional planning practice in the U.S.; or 2) A Ph.D. degree in Urban Planning (or allied discipline). In addition, excellent oral and written communication skills and excellent public speaking ability are required.
Desired Qualifications
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification, on-line teaching experience and expertise teaching large classes preferred. Practical professional planning experience is desired.
Required Application Materials
All candidates for the position must apply online at http://careers.msu.edu/. Upload the following required documents: a) letter of interest that includes qualifications for the position and statement of teaching philosophy highlighting how your experiences align with the position (2-page maximum); b) current curriculum vitae; c) a description of how you will contribute to our positive culture, fair access to resources, and a sense of belonging; and d) letters from three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Special Instructions
The search committee will begin reviewing applications on April 20, 2026, and continue until a suitable candidate is selected. Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: Zenia Kotval, School of Planning, Design and Construction, Michigan State University, kotval@msu.edu, 517-353-5460.
Review of Applications Begins On
04/20/2026
Website
https://www.canr.msu.edu/spdc/
Department Statement
The Urban and Regional Planning program was established in 1946, the Program is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB)since 1987. We offer a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning (BSURP), a Master of Urban and Regional planning (MURP) and a Ph.D. in Planning, Design and Construction. The Urban and Regional Planning Program is STEM designated at Michigan State University.
The overall vision/mission of the Urban & Regional Planning (URP) Program is to create a sustainable built and natural environment that enriches communities through leadership, entrepreneurial creativity, social responsibility and environmentally sustainable planning and policy. Toward that end, the URP program strives to offer exemplary teaching in the programs, relevant and timely research, and foster a sense of community among faculty, students, alumni, staff and other stakeholders. For more information, please refer to our website at:https://www.canr.msu.edu/spdc/programs/urban_and_regional_planning/index.
The School of Planning, Design, and Construction unites four academic programs related to the built environment: Construction Management, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, and Urban and Regional Planning, with 47 faculty and academic specialists, and 7 staff members. The School offers 8 degree pathways from Bachelors to Ph.D.; including 5 professionally accredited degrees with over 600 undergraduate and 70 graduate students. The School is in the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. The mission of the School is to advance the knowledge, prepare innovative leaders, and support the practice of planning, design, and construction. Our academic activities address sustainability, health, transportation, economic development and communities.
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
