Beverage and Brewery Operations Affiliate Instructor, School of Hospitality

Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) is a distinguished public university located in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1965, the university was created to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education and whose life experiences did not follow the traditional path. Over more than fifty years, MSU Denver has grown to become the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, proudly serving over 16,000 diverse and extraordinary students. It is celebrated for its inclusive and holistic educational approaches, fostering the academic and personal growth of a broad student population, including many first-generation college students and individuals from various cultural backgrounds. The university is also recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and holds the distinction of being the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, underscoring its commitment to excellence and equity in higher education.

The university’s mission emphasizes fostering a supportive and inclusive environment aligned with its core CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. MSU Denver is dedicated to removing barriers to education and facilitating open dialogues within its community. The institution supports world-class scholarship and innovative learning opportunities for all students, faculty, and staff. Through affordable, flexible learning options and a multicultural, global perspective, the university equips students with essential skills for career success and lifelong achievement.

The School of Hospitality at MSU Denver is an exceptional academic unit that distinguishes itself with unique, state-of-the-art resources and programs. It offers four majors, one minor, and six certificates, providing comprehensive education and training in the hospitality field. The school boasts a LEED Gold-certified SpringHill Suites hotel, a commercial conference space, a cutting-edge beverage testing laboratory, a commercial restaurant, the Day Leadership Academy, and the Charlie Papazian Brewing Education Lab. These facilities offer students unparalleled practical experience, preparing them for dynamic careers in the hospitality and tourism industries.

The School of Hospitality invites applications for temporary, part-time affiliate faculty positions designed to support its growing academic offerings. These positions are non-tenure track and vary in availability from semester to semester, depending on the program’s needs. The affiliate faculty members will teach courses that may include topics such as Wine Fundamentals, Beer and Spirits, Enology, Wines of the Old World, Wines of the New World, and Wine and Food Pairing. Successful candidates will be expected to demonstrate the ability to integrate technology effectively into their teaching and to engage with diverse student populations. They will also provide timely feedback, hold office hours for student consultations, and comply with university instructional policies.

While these teaching positions are part-time and contractual, they offer the opportunity to contribute to a vibrant academic community committed to excellence and diversity. Faculty appointments will be based on budget and enrollment, with teaching assignments compensated at rates between $1,233 and $1,512 per credit hour. Candidates must have earned at least a Master’s degree in their relevant field or hold a Bachelor’s degree in a hospitality-related discipline combined with significant professional experience. Preferred qualifications include nationally recognized certificates or licenses such as different levels of Sommelier or Cicerone credentials.

Affiliate faculty members play a vital role in preparing the next generation of hospitality professionals by delivering quality instruction in person at the university campus. MSU Denver strives to maintain a rich academic environment that fosters student success and embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout its community.