If the search committee is involved in the preparation of the position announcement, the following format is to be utilized as it drafts the announcement for placement in printed and online media. The format contains many “should” and “could” statements, as well as several “suggestions.” Those items are solely within the purview of the Dean, who may advise the Department Head/Chair and search committee that some or all of those “should, could and suggestion” statements are requirements for the position announcement.
It is understood that for certain advertising venues, a very condensed posting may be prepared, while for others, the posting may be expanded. If a foreign national is hired and the department wants to sponsor this faculty member for permanent residency, one of the requirements is advertising in a national professional publication (in print or electronic) for a minimum of 30 days. The ad must state the job title, job duties and job requirements. This ad should be run at the beginning of the search in order to avoid future advertising for a Test of the Labor Market.
Heading: This would include the discipline in which the vacancy exists and the position title.
Introduction: Sample – The Department of Art at Auburn University, located in Auburn, Alabama, invites applications for a tenure-track position as an Assistant Professor in Studio Arts to begin Fall Semester 20XX.
If the posting is for a visiting faculty or other temporary appointment, the term of the appointment should be included. If an option exists to extend the term of the original appointment beyond what is stated in the posting, that information should also be included.
Responsibilities: This could include specific course(s) to be taught, course load, research expectations, outreach activities, advising, departmental service, etcetera.
Requirements/Qualifications: All postings must include a statement of minimal education and experience requirements. The terminal degree is the minimum educational requirement for tenure-track faculty positions. If a doctorate is the terminal degree but ABDs will be considered, the posting must contain a statement to that effect. The acceptable discipline(s) in which the terminal degree is held must be included in the posting. If a professional degree or other certification is required, the posting must contain a statement to that effect. If only candidates with specific types of research and/or instructional experience will be considered, that must be stated in the posting. Any desirable qualification which will be considered in the candidate review process must be stated in the posting.
The following statement must be included in all postings:
The candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment; excellent communication skills required.
Application Process: This would include documents to be submitted on-line, which may include a cover letter, curriculum vita, transcripts, letters of reference, and any other appropriate materials as determined by the search committee. The web address to which applications must be submitted and the date review of applications will begin should be indicated. A minimum of two weeks from the date of the posting appears in all venues should provide sufficient time for interested candidates to respond.
While a closing date for receipt of application may be included, this is not advised. A statement that review of candidates will continue until a successful candidate has been identified may be more beneficial to the recruiting unit; however, such a statement is not required.
For More Information: This may include a phone number, email address, and/or a web site address.
Closing: One of the following tag lines must be used:
“Auburn University is an EEO/Vet/Disability employer.”
OR
“Auburn University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other classification protected by applicable law.”
OR
“Diversity among its administrators, faculty, staff, and students is an Auburn University commitment. Auburn University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other classification protected by applicable law.”
Note that we no longer use the phrase “minorities and women are encouraged to apply” although we still have AA goals for women and minorities.
Note: In a department initiating multiple searches, a single position announcement may be utilized; however, the announcement must be carefully drafted and must be specific regarding the number and type of available positions.
Additional Information for the Advertisement:
This is the most recent text for advertising purposes - it is optional, but these are the most recent figures. Also, please use only the approved logo from Communications & Marketing.
“In the 2016 edition of the U.S. News and World Report ratings of America’s Best Colleges, it was ranked 46th among public universities. The University’s main campus enrollment is over 27,000 students, including approximately 22,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students. There are over 1,200 full-time instructional faculty members distributed across nine Colleges and three Schools, with degrees offered in more than 200 academic programs.”
Although not required, the position announcement should include language expressing the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Proactive language conveys a level of commitment beyond what is required by law and informs potential candidates that diversity is a core university value.
Last Updated: October 17, 2016
