Job Details

Native American/American Indian Studies: Contract Instructor-College Credit

Position Number: 6882555
Location: San Diego, CA
Position Type: Liberal Arts - Ethnic & Multicultural Studies

Native American/American Indian Studies: Contract Instructor-College Credit

Closing Date: 3/16/2026
Location: San Diego Mesa College

Pay Information:

Class 1, Step C - Class 6, Step C ($6,933.44- $8,849.03) per month based on the current AFT - College Faculty Tenured-Tenure Track Faculty Salary Schedule.

Initial salary placement is commensurate with required education and related teaching experience as outlined in section A2.1 of the AFT Faculty Collective Bargaining Agreement and it is non-negotiable.
The District offers a comprehensive fringe benefit package including employer paid medical, dental, vision plans, sick leave, and opportunities for professional development. This position is FLSA Exempt and may not accrue overtime. Benefits will be provided under the terms of the AFT-Guild, Local 1931 - Faculty Collective Bargaining Agreement. Annual Salaries will be recalculated for service less than a full academic year based on Education Code 87815, any required adjustment will be made within the first pay period. Travel reimbursement for interviewees traveling more than 200 miles, one-way, may be paid according to geographic location (see SDCCD Travel Stipend Policy, Rev 7/14/2011). Typically, Assistant Professors earn tenure after 4 years and promote to Associate Professor. The SDCCD Employment Web Page provides a link to employee collective bargaining agreements and handbooks, and more information about terms and conditions of employment to include salary and benefits.

Position Equivalent FTE:

1.0 FTE

No. Months: Position Number: 002848
FLSA Status: Exempt (does not accrue overtime)
Position Type: Academic
Bargaining Unit: AFT/College Faculty
Range: (na)
Department: School of Social/Beh Sci and Multicul Studies

The Position:

From San Diego Mesa College President Ashanti Hands:

San Diego Mesa College seeks energetic and dedicated candidates to apply for academic positions. The College is committed to academic excellence and diversity, equity, and inclusion among its faculty, classified professionals, staff, and students. As the "Leading College of Equity & Excellence", we take responsibility for equitable outcomes and successful pathways for all of our students.

As the largest college in the San Diego Community College District, the institution enjoys a solid financial standing, state-of-the-art facilities, and a world-class faculty, classified professionals, and staff. For 61 years, Mesa College has been on the leading edge, from offering a Community College Bachelors Degree, to being a lead California Community College in graduating students with an Advanced Degree for Transfer. We embrace the mission of community colleges and are committed to empowering our students to maximize their potential, leading to healthy and thriving communities.

We are adding new staff, classified professionals, faculty, and administrators who, alongside our stellar colleagues, will lead us into the future. If this opportunity sounds like the right fit for you, I encourage you to file an application for employment.

Applications are being accepted for the position of Assistant Professor, Native American and Indigenous Studies, at San Diego Mesa College, beginning Fall 2026. Assignments may include some combination of day, evening, and/or online classes.

While the current vacancy exists at San Diego Mesa College, applicants should understand that they are subject to assignment at any District facility at the option of the Chancellor.

Classification Description:

Desired Qualifications:

Knowledge, understanding and ability to articulate the scope and mission of Native American and Indigenous Studies/American Indian Studies in higher education.
Formal undergraduate and graduate coursework in Native American and Indigenous Studies/American Indian Studies.
Additional undergraduate and graduate coursework with specialization in Native American and Indigenous Studies/American Indian Studies.
Recent academic and teaching preparation indicating qualification to offer instruction in Native American and Indigenous Studies/American Indian Studies.
Evidence of recent incorporation of rigorous academic standards, including critical thinking and problem-solving techniques.
Recent academic and professional experience dealing with Native American and Indigenous Studies/American Indian Studies issues through professional associations, publications, and/or teaching experience.
Ability to revise and teach Introduction to Native American and Indigenous Studies, Introduction to Federal Indian Law, American Indian Spirituality, Native American Educational Issues and other Native American and Indigenous Studies/American Indian Studies courses.
Evidence of leadership skills, including leadership skills within the Native American and Indigenous /American Indian community.
Evidence of organizational activities directed toward integration of community, students, faculty, staff, and administrators, including the promotion of Native American and Indigenous Studies/American Indian Studies experiences.
Evidence of effective oral and written communication skills in English.
Evidence of continued professional growth and professional development in Native American and Indigenous Studies/American Indian Studies.
Evidence of experience using integrated computer technology in a classroom setting.
Ability to communicate in and access primary sources in English.
Demonstrated cultural competency, sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty and classified professionals.

Foreign Degree:

Applicants with foreign degrees from colleges or universities outside of the United States must have their coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, INC.(ACEI). A copy of the evaluation must be submitted with your on-line application.

Commitment to Diversity:

All applicants must have demonstrated cultural competency and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty and classified professionals.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To ensure full consideration, qualified candidates must submit a complete online application that includes the items listed (extraneous material will not be reviewed). References to rsums or other uploaded documents within the online application will be considered an "incomplete" application; please enter "N/A" if any section does not apply.

Complete online application;
Cover Letter;
Curriculum Vitae;
Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; AND
Unofficial graduate transcripts.

Important: To ensure consistency and fairness to all candidates, please do not submit materials other than those requested (i.e., personal photo, articles youve written, etc). Please only upload requested documents using respective document name labels. Uploading extraneous materials, unless specifically requested within this posting, may result in your application not being reviewed. Only complete application packets will be forwarded to the committee.

Application materials sent via mail, fax, or e-mail will not be accepted.

Note that correspondence, including interview invitations, will be sent to you via e-mail.

All inquiries, nominations and applications will be held in the strictest confidence.

Tentative Timeline (Subject to Amendments):

Conditions of Employment:

SELECTED CANDIDATE IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING PRIOR TO EMPLOYMENT:

Submit "official" transcripts as stated on application;
Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment);
Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the Districts expense (Clearance must be received prior to first day of employment);
Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States as required by the I9 Employment Eligibility Verification form; AND
Attend a new hire processing appointment in People, Culture, and Technology Services located at the District Administrative Offices.

Employed on an initial contract of one (1) year that is eligible for renewal annually for up to a subsequent one-year period.

EMPLOYMENT AFTER RETIREMENT
If you accept a contract (permanent) position with SDCCD and are a retired annuitant with CalPERS or CalSTRS, you must reinstate from your retirement system. Please reference the CalPERS or CalSTRS website for further information.

Additional Information:

Please note that an employee may be transferred to any site at the option of the Chancellor.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
SDCCD provides a comprehensive fringe benefit package for its full-time academic employees. The District contributes toward the cost of the premium (including dependent coverage) for the medical insurance plan options. Additional benefits include dental, vision, sick leave, vacation and opportunities for professional development. Contract employees become members of the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) upon appointment.

Posting Number: AC01165

To apply, visit: https://www.sdccdjobs.com

All applicants must have demonstrated cultural competency and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff.