Teaching Specialist

Position Overview & Course Structure

The Program of Mortuary Science within the University of Minnesota Medical School is actively seeking an instructor for a part-time (.20 FTE), temporary/casual academic professional appointment as a Teaching Specialist (Job Code 9754).

The selected candidate will serve as the instructor for MORT 3016: Funeral Service Marketing and Merchandising (3 credits) during Spring Semester 2027.

• Salary and Compensation: The salary range for this Mortuary Science teaching position is $5,769-$7,764 for this 3-credit course, with compensation determined primarily by the candidate's highest earned degree (bachelor's, master's, or doctorate).
• Course Status: The course is essentially built. Lecture topics, reading assignments, grading rubrics, weekly quizzes, individual and group projects (including a semester podcast project), exams, and the Canvas LMS site framework are established. The instructor will deliver content, lead class discussions, and engage with students.
• Delivery Format: In-person; Twin Cities Campus, East Bank
• Class Schedule: Wednesdays, 1:30 PM - 4:10 PM (15 weeks total)
• Course Dates: Spring Semester 2027 (Instruction begins January 19, 2027)
• Reporting to: Dr. Michael P. LuBrant, Director, Program of Mortuary Science
• Office Hours: Typically 1 hour per week (in-person, virtual, or by appointment)
• Instructional Support & Collaboration: The primary instructor is supported by an experienced funeral service professional who serves as a guest presenter for multiple class sessions, offering specialized industry insight and practical mortuary-science applications throughout the semester.

• Course Materials: Marketing: An Introduction (15th Ed.) by Armstrong & Kotler (ISBN: 9780137476459). Note: This course utilizes the University's Inclusive Access digital materials program.

Scope of Course & Curriculum Coverage

The instructor will deliver content aligned with the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) accreditation standards and student learning outcomes. A second individual with marketing expertise in mortuary science typically assists by providing approximately 5 profession-specific presentations as part of class sessions throughout the semester.

Key programmatic learning outcomes and course objectives covered in MORT 3016 include:

ABFSE Student Learning Outcomes (Standard 2.1 Compliance):

• Relationship & Community Building: Explain the importance of funeral service professionals in developing relationships with the families and communities they serve.
• Ethical Standards: Identify standards of ethical conduct in funeral service practice.
• Legal Compliance: Interpret how federal, state, and local laws apply to funeral service.
• Management & Operations: Explain management skills associated with operating a funeral establishment.

• Professional Communication: Demonstrate verbal, written, and research communication skills needed for funeral service practice.

Curriculum Focus: This course applies foundational small business marketing principles-including market analysis, digital strategy, pricing models, and service branding-to the funeral service profession.

Core Merchandising & Marketing Topics Covered:

• Conceptual and practical knowledge of product mix determination, price quotation, and price determination.
• Market analysis and strategic plan execution for small businesses.
• Role of technology in communication, funeral service sociology, brand management, website development, and social media management.
• Prefunded/preplanned funerals (pre-need strategy) and cremation options.
• Concepts and merchandising related to pet disposition.

Duties & Responsibilities (100%):

• Instruction: Teach MORT 3016 on scheduled meeting days. Deliver established lecture materials, facilitate in-class activities, and guide student discussions.
• Course Management & Assessment: Administer and grade quizzes, assignments, and exams via Canvas. Assess student progress regularly and post grades in a timely manner.
• Technology & Innovation: Integrate relevant industry innovations, technology tools, and digital platforms into course discussions.
• Guest Speakers & Field Trips: Coordinate guest speakers for specialized presentations and arrange program-approved field trips as appropriate.
• Student & Faculty Engagement: Maintain required weekly office hours to assist students. Attend and actively participate in program faculty meetings and events.
• Policy Compliance & Reporting: Immediately communicate safety or academic concerns to the Program Director. Fulfill required reporting duties under University policies regarding EOAA/Title IX and general compliance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree (or higher) from a regionally accredited college/university, preferably in Business Administration (MBA) or a business-related field.
• Prior teaching experience at a regionally accredited college or university.
• Three (3) or more years of leadership, management, or marketing experience in small business, professional services, and/or funeral service/mortuary operations.
• Knowledge of insurance products, pre-funded funeral service contracts, or specialized service industry models.

Required Application Documents:

• Resume / CV (Attached as PDF or MS Word document).
• Cover Letter addressing the following specific elements:
  • A clearly articulated vision for an effective, relevant business and marketing curriculum for mortuary science students.
  • A discussion of your academic credentials, professional work experiences, and unique talents that make you a strong candidate.
  • A concise statement of your teaching interest, highlighting relevant teaching and/or leadership experience.
• Unofficial Transcripts: Unofficial copies of transcripts verifying degree completion and required business/marketing coursework (official transcripts directly from the issuing institution will be required prior to hiring/appointment).

Note: Professional references will be requested only from candidates selected as finalists.

Application Deadline: For priority consideration, please submit all application materials by December 1, 2026. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The University of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer.

Prepare Skilled Professionals | Serve Communities

Our mission is to skillfully combine the study of behavioral, physical and applied sciences for the goal of preparing graduates for careers as knowledgeable, skilled and innovative funeral service professionals.

Funeral directors are health care professionals who serve others during a time of loss, pain and grief. The Program of Mortuary Science's mission is to skillfully combine the study of behavioral, physical and applied sciences for the goal of preparing graduates for careers as knowledgeable, skilled and innovative funeral service professionals. Program graduates will be prepared to serve bereaved members of their communities in a manner that is proficient, dignified and caring.

The central objective of an ABFSE-accredited program must be to educate students in every phase of funeral service so that program graduates are prepared for entry-level employment in funeral service.

• Upon completion of an accredited program, students will be able to:
• Explain the importance of funeral service professionals in developing relationships with the families and communities they serve.
• Identify standards of ethical conduct in funeral service practice.
• Interpret how federal, state, and local laws apply to funeral service in order to ensure compliance.
• Apply principles of public health and safety in the handling and preparation of human remains.
• Demonstrate technical skills in embalming and restorative art that are necessary for the preparation and handling of human remains.
• Demonstrate skills required for conducting arrangement conferences, visitations,services, and ceremonies.
• Describe the requirements and procedures for burial, cremation, and other accepted forms of final disposition of human remains.
• Describe methods to address the grief-related needs of the bereaved.
• Explain management skills associated with operating a funeral establishment.
• Demonstrate verbal and written communication skills and research skills needed for funeral service practice.
  

Pay Range: $5,769-$7,764 for this 3-credit course, with compensation determined primarily by the candidate's highest earned degree (bachelor's, master's, or doctorate); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 20% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Required Application Documents:

• Resume / CV (Attached as PDF or MS Word document).
• Cover Letter addressing the following specific elements:
  • A clearly articulated vision for an effective, relevant business and marketing curriculum for mortuary science students.
  • A discussion of your academic credentials, professional work experiences, and unique talents that make you a strong candidate.
  • A concise statement of your teaching interest, highlighting relevant teaching and/or leadership experience.
• Unofficial Transcripts: Unofficial copies of transcripts verifying degree completion and required business/marketing coursework (official transcripts directly from the issuing institution will be required prior to hiring/appointment).

Note: Professional references will be requested only from candidates selected as finalists.

Application Deadline: For priority consideration, please submit all application materials by December 1, 2026. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The University of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.