Adjunct Instructor, Communication and Media Studies

Position Details

Position Information

Job Title Adjunct Instructor, Communication and Media Studies Department Communication Studies Division Provost Terms and Hours Part Time Adjunct Faculty, Semester by Semester Basis Salary Range Per semester: $1,400 per credit hour (or equivalent); $4,200 per 3-credit lecture class. Benefits

Part Time, non benefits eligible.

Job Summary

The University of Portland Department of Communication and Media invites applications for Adjunct Instructors to teach Communications courses to begin as early as August 15, 2026. Examples of expected courses include Introduction to Communication Studies, Introduction to Organizational Communication, Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication and Qualitative Research Methods. This position requires course instruction with three in-person class contact hours per week per section, maintaining regular availability to meet with students, and participation in department orientation and trainings.

Adjunct Instructors are hired on a per semester basis and teach assigned Communication or Media courses, not to exceed six credit hours (or equivalent) per semester. Please visit the Department of Communication and Media website for information about the department.

Core Duties

• Teach assigned communication or media courses using evidence-based instruction practices.
• Provide a supportive learning environment and facilitate effective student learning.
• Adhere to course curricula, methods, practices, and lesson plans as developed by the Department of Communication and Media.
• Adhere to University and College of Arts and Sciences policies and processes related to class instruction, including but not limited to syllabus requirements.
• Conduct regular student assessments and provide timely graded feedback including homework, quizzes, and exams.
• Access the online learning system and other network resources to assign homework, communicate with students, complete grading and other assessment tasks.
• Conduct student meetings by holding regular office hours outside of regularly scheduled class time.

Education & Experience

• Required: Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Required: Teaching or instructional experience.
• Preferred: Ph.D. in a relevant field.
• Preferred: Experience teaching undergraduate courses.

Certifications & Licenses

• None

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated effectiveness in inclusive and student-centered teaching.
• Strong orientation towards continued learning and applying learning in the teaching environment.
• Evidence of a commitment to teaching and student mentoring.
• Competence with and commitment to inclusive excellence; ability to be an effective partner with diverse students, faculty, and staff.
• Commitment to collegial collaboration (e.g., teaching, research, or service) both within the department and across the University.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and effectively handle sensitive and personal information with sound judgment, tact, and discretion.
• Effective ability to use and learn computers, technology, software, and applications at level of sophistication required for teaching duties including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), the internet, and learning and course management systems (Moodle/Canvas and Banner).

Physical Requirements

• Frequently: sit, perform desk-based computer tasks; use fine manipulation and grasp; use a telephone; write by hand; sort and file paperwork.
• Frequently: stand and walk; twist; lift, carry, push, and push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
• Frequently: ability to interact and communicate with members of the University and others as necessary.

Working Condition

• Hours of employment: sometimes may require working flexible hours when necessitated by projects or class schedules.
• Stress from work-related situations such as those involving challenging, important, urgent, time-sensitive, or multiple matters.

Work Standards

• Respect for the University's mission and Catholic identity: demonstrates commitment to learning, respecting, and contributing to the mission of the University, a Catholic and Congregation of Holy Cross institution. The University's mission statement states in relevant part: "we pursue teaching and learning, faith and formation, service and leadership in the classroom, residence halls, and the world." The University's Statement of Inclusion states in relevant part: "Our belief in the inherent dignity of each person is founded upon the social teaching of the Catholic Church. At the center of that teaching is the fundamental mandate that every person, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, social or economic class, age, or disability shall be treated with respect and dignity."
• Promote culture of safety: demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Compliance with laws and policies and procedures: subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University, departmental, and other applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to, the personnel, business, and/or other policies of the University.
• Compliance with driving-related laws and requirements: when conducting university business while driving, must comply with the Oregon Vehicle Code and University of Portland driving requirements.
• Interpersonal skills: demonstrates the ability to work professionally with all University of Portland community members, external organizations, and any other person or organization employee interacts with in his or her University capacity.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number F032-2023 Estimated Start Date Open Date 06/17/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions Summary

To apply, please complete the online application. The documents needed to apply include the following:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Names and contact information for three professional references

Inquiries about this position can be made to the Dr. Jennette Lovejoy at lovejoy@up.edu or Dr. Vail Fletcher at fletcher@up.edu. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Finalists may be asked to submit additional materials at a later date.

The University of Portland is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Additional Requirements Upon Hire

A background investigation check is required before final hiring procedures can be completed for all faculty and staff positions.

For those requiring a reasonable accommodation to apply: Applicants who have a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation regarding the application or hiring process should contact the University's Human Resources Office at hr@up.edu or (503) 943-8484.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents