Faculty Position – Kinesiology

Position Summary:

Full-Time: The Department of Kinesiology at Vanguard University of Southern California invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level to begin in Fall 2026. The department is housed within the College of Arts and Sciences which champions a holistic Christian liberal arts education. Vanguard University faculty are committed to academic excellence and the integration of faith and learning.

Founded in 1920 Vanguard University is located in Costa Mesa California not far from the Pacific Ocean. Today nearly half of Vanguards undergraduate students are Hispanic and the university is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. Vanguard offers a top-rated Christian education combining intellectual rigor spiritual formation and professional preparation in the liberal arts sciences and professional programs. With a tight-knit community of 2200 students Vanguard is a campus where each student is known and where their story matters.

The Department of Kinesiology seeks a faculty member who will contribute to Vanguard Universitys mission of preparing Christ-centered leaders in fields related to human movement and health. The department emphasizes experiential learning critical thinking and the integration of faith and science to equip students for professional excellence and service within the field.

Areas of specialization are open; however candidates with expertise in biomechanics motion analysis and applied (functional) anatomy are especially encouraged to apply. Candidates whose interests complement and enhance existing course offerings within the Kinesiology program are preferred. An ideal faculty member would be prepared to teach across multiple sub-disciplines in Kinesiology.

Essential Functions:

• Teach a range of undergraduate courses across the Kinesiology curriculum which may include:
  • Injury Recognition and Management
  • Movement Anatomy
  • Biomechanics
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • Other courses as needed
• Teach four courses per semester (eight per academic year).
• Actively engage students in the integration of faith and learning.
• Collaborate with department faculty in curriculum implementation student support and program assessment.
• Participate in the implementation of department-level assessment of student learning outcomes.
• Facilitate the learning of first-generation college students and incorporate culturally-relevant pedagogy within the classroom.
• Mentor undergraduate students including the initiation and supervision of student research projects.
• Maintain a commitment to scholarly activity and professional development in the field of expertise.
• Contribute to departmental and university service including faculty committee participation (after the first year of employment).

Minimum Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in Kinesiology Exercise Science or a closely related field (ABD candidates nearing completion may be considered).
• Evidence of a strong commitment to undergraduate education including mentoring and research collaboration with students.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collegially with students colleagues and community members in a diverse multicultural environment.
• Demonstrated teaching effectiveness and familiarity with diverse pedagogical methods at the collegiate level.
• Excellent interpersonal oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with undergraduate research collaborations.
• Experience with laboratory equipment and technologies used in human performance assessment such as motion analysis systems metabolic carts isokinetic dynamometers and force plates (e.g. AMTI VALD Cosmed Biodex) is strongly preferred.
• Current CSCS certification is preferred or the ability to become certified and familiarity with the CASCE accreditation process.
• Possess a vibrant Christian faith and a demonstrated ability to integrate faith and learning.

Salary:

Full-time position. Rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications and experience. Highly qualified candidates may be considered for an appointment to an endowed professorship with additional compensation.

Assistant Professor: $60595 to $81501

Associate Professor: $70676 to $95190

Professor: $82031 to $113974

Placement at an appropriate rank (e.g. Assistant Associate or Full Professor) and initial salary are dependent upon education and experience and are based on Vanguards faculty compensation schedule. The upper range is reserved for candidates who demonstrate the highest level of proficiency within a particular rank. Vanguard University also offers a very competitive and generous benefits package.

Vanguard offers both tenure-track and term faculty contracts; the type of contract offered will be determined based on the candidates qualifications at the time of hire.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Please complete and submit the application along with the required documents. Please do not send your documents directly to the Department Chair.

Accompanying Essays:

1. Personal Testimony of Relationship with Jesus Christ. Please provide a brief account of your experience of coming to faith in Christ. Include current church attendance ministry outreach and service involvement any experience you have had with the Assemblies of God or other Pentecostal churches.

2. Philosophy of Christian Education and Role of a Christian University. Explain what you believe to be the elements essential to the educational theory & practice of a Christian University.

3. Integration of Faith Teaching and Scholarship. Explain how you integrate your faith with your discipline & in your teaching and scholarship.

Curriculum vitae includes:

Colleges/universities attended location & degree or units earned.

Majors or fields of study undergrad & graduate majors minors & areas of concentration.

With the most recent a chronological listing of teaching experience - name and location of institutions title/academic rank full/part-time dates of employment

A specific listing of courses previously taught

Publications presentations honors awards and memberships in professional organizations

With the most recent employment position/title full/part-time dates of employment

Any other qualifying experience paid/voluntary other.

References - Names e-mail and phone numbers of at least 3 people not related to you whom we may contact for an evaluation of your professional abilities.

Pastoral reference letter - Pastor or church leader.

Transcripts - Unofficial transcripts accepted to apply. If selected notarized transcripts are required prior to employment.

* All of the above requested attachments must be included with your application in order to be considered. Applications will be accepted until position is filled or until there are a sufficient number of applicants.