Edtech.com's Summary

University of Minnesota is hiring a Teaching Specialist (Mortuary Science, Medical School) to teach Funeral Service Marketing and Merchandising (MORT 3016), a three-credit course, during Spring Semester 2027. The course is already built, so the instructor delivers the existing lectures, leads class discussions, and grades student work in the Medical School’s Program of Mortuary Science. The class follows American Board of Funeral Service Education accreditation standards and covers pricing, marketing, and prearranged funeral planning for students preparing for funeral service careers.

Highlights

Teach MORT 3016 in person on Wednesdays from 1:30 to 4:10 PM for 15 weeks on the Twin Cities East Bank campus, with instruction beginning January 19, 2027.
Deliver the established lecture materials, facilitate in-class activities, and guide student discussions using the course’s existing quizzes, group projects, semester podcast project, and exams.
Administer and grade quizzes, assignments, and exams through Canvas, assess student progress regularly, and post grades promptly.
Cover accreditation-aligned topics including product mix and pricing, small-business market analysis, brand management, website and social media management, pre-need funeral planning, and cremation options.
Bring current industry innovations, technology tools, and digital platforms into class discussions.
Coordinate guest speakers and program-approved field trips, and hold about one hour of office hours per week.
Attend program faculty meetings and events, report safety or academic concerns to the program director, and fulfill Title IX reporting duties under university policy.
Master’s degree or higher is preferred, ideally an MBA or business-related field, along with prior teaching experience at a regionally accredited college or university.
Three or more years of leadership or management experience at a funeral home or mortuary, plus knowledge of insurance products and pre-funded funeral contracts, are preferred.
Part-time 20 percent appointment with pay of $5,769 to $7,764 for the three-credit course, set primarily by the candidate’s highest earned degree.

Teaching Specialist (Mortuary Science, Medical School) Full Description

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)

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.

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.

Qualifications

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 experience at a funeral home, mortuary, or related business.
Knowledge of insurance products and pre-funded funeral service contracts.

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; and 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).

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.

About the Department

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 and Benefits

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.

How To Apply

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 [email protected].

Diversity

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

Employment Requirements

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.

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