Instructor or Lecturer, Games and Interactive Media

The Opportunity:
The Nicholson School of Communication and Media (NSCM) in the College of Sciences (COS) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for an instructor or lecturer position in the Games and Interactive Media program. This job is a 9-month, non-tenure earning, annually renewable position that offers a clear career path with the possibility of promotion based on years of service and performance. This position is anticipated to begin in August 2027.
The selected candidate will contribute to the Games and Interactive Media (GaIM) program's mission by teaching foundations, web, and/or games courses. Appropriate specializations may include areas such as game development, web design, mobile and responsive design, virtual/augmented/mixed reality, and technical art. Faculty teaching responsibilities will support the Digital Media B.A. (with specializations in Web and/or Game Design).
Instructional duties include teaching four courses each semester ('4-4') at the undergraduate level. Courses include, but not limited to, Game Design, Introduction to Digital Media, Immersive Platforms, Creative Industries, Digital Cultures and Narratives, Contemporary Topics, and Game Testing. Other courses may be assigned based on need and/or expertise.
Other typical responsibilities include appropriate service in student advising (academic and career) and participating in the academic life of the school (e.g., attending faculty meetings, graduations, assessment of student learning, etc.).
External service expectations include work with appropriate academic disciplinary bodies and professional organizations. There is no research expectation for this position, but research and scholarly activities may be supported. The instructional duties and service assignments are in accordance with the department’s current equitable workload policy.
The UCF Nicholson School of Communication and Media (NSCM) provides a student-centered experience at the exciting intersection of technology, media, film, advertising, communications, and public relations. Our faculty and staff bring an impressive background of experience—from developing health communication to producing Super Bowl commercials—and connect our students to internship and career opportunities. As the premier academic program for communications and media in Central Florida with successful alumni around the globe, NSCM is known for excellence in research, teaching, and service to students and the community. The curriculum blends both the theoretical and applied aspects of the field, offering eight bachelor’s degree programs, four master’s degree programs, and a Ph.D. program in strategic communication. For more information about the school, visit https://communication.ucf.edu.
The UCF College of Sciences (COS) is the largest college at the university and a powerhouse for the regional and national STEM workforce, spanning the natural, computational, and social sciences with centers, institutes, and initiatives that serve as hubs for research and innovation. Through sharing and applying knowledge, COS is cultivating pathways for students to solve our world’s most pressing and complex problems. The mission of COS is to provide a world-class education in an environment where faculty, staff, and students thrive, research flourishes, and our community prospers. Several COS academic programs are nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report, Princeton Review, and others. For more information, please visit https://sciences.ucf.edu.
UCF, located in Orlando, Florida, is classified as a Very High Research Activity university by the Carnegie Foundation. With a diverse student body of more than 70,000 students, UCF is one of the largest universities in the country. The university offers more than 240 degree programs. For more information, visit https://www.ucf.edu.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree (for an instructor) or a terminal degree (for a lecturer) in an appropriate discipline related to Games and Interactive Media from an accredited institution.
Preferred Qualifications:
Evidence of excellent communication and organizational skills.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative educational environment with faculty, students, and administrators.
Experience teaching in a variety of delivery modes, including large lecture and small skills classes, online (web) or mixed-mode environments is preferred or equivalent industry experience.
Technical experience with game engines or web technologies preferred.
Additional Application Materials Required:
UCF requires all applications and supporting documents to be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/. In addition to the online application, candidates should upload the following:
A letter of application outlining how you are prepared to join the faculty at UCF, highlighting teaching experience and other qualifications for one or more of the positions.
A professional resume or curriculum vita (CV) highlighting academic and professional experience.
The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials.
Note: Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be simultaneously uploaded. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.
Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Dr. Peter Smith at peter.smith@ucf.edu.
Special Instructions to the Applicants:
All applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer. H-1B visa sponsorship is not available for this position, and the university cannot accommodate H-1B transfers or employment-based visa processing for individuals currently sponsored by another employer.
Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?
As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.
Working at UCF has its perks! UCF offers:
Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program.
Paid time off, including annual (12-month faculty) and sick time off and paid holidays.
Retirement savings options.
Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions.
Education assistance.
Flexible work environment.
And more…For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide