POOL - Instructor-Professional Performance

The Professional Performance Program in the School of Professional Studies at the University of Kansas Edwards Campus invites qualified scholars and professionals with experience in entrepreneurship, content creation, or professional performance to submit applications that will be reviewed by the faculty and placed in a pool for consideration for part time lecturer positions. A lecturer teaches either in-person or online, or develops an undergraduate level course and must possess an advanced degree. Lecturers report to the Program Director for Professional Performance.

The Professional Performance program equips students with workforce-ready skills in entrepreneurship, branding, media, finance, and communication, enabling them to transform their talents and interests into sustainable careers. The Professor of the Practice will bring real-world experience and academic insight to help students develop personal brands, launch businesses, and navigate the evolving landscape of digital influence and self-employment.

Learn more about the Professional Performance program at https://sps.ku.edu/programs/professional-performance

This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between The University of Kansas and United Academics, United Academics of KU, AAUP, or AFT.  UAKU is the exclusive representative. As the State of Kansas is a right to work state, you have the right to be a member or not be a member of a union without fear of personal or professional repercussions. 
Instructors are instructional members of the faculty and are not eligible for tenure or promotion in rank. Primary role is instruction with no obligations to perform research or service. Instructors are placed in single term appointments, with renewal based upon unit needs and funding as well as performance that meets expectations, not to exceed two continuous semesters.  

Due to complex state employment laws, the University of Kansas may be unable to hire fully remote workers for this position outside of Kansas. Specifically, we cannot currently offer employment to candidates residing in the following states: California, Delaware, Idaho and Minnesota. We appreciate your understanding and invite interested individuals from eligible states to apply.

The successful candidate must have appropriate authorization to work in the U.S. before employment begins. Any employment with the University of Kansas is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check. Appointments are one semester, renewable and subject to review, funding and adequate student enrollment.


  100% Instructional Duties

• Plan, prepare and deliver online (synchronous/ asynchronous), in-person, or hybrid course instruction based on an approved course syllabus.
• Provide timely, meaningful, supportive feedback on assignments both verbally in class and on written assignments via the learning management system to support of individual growth and maintain an inviting classroom climate.
• Maintain office hour availability and offer timely response to student questions via email. Engage with individual students in a way that demonstrates awareness of and respect for differences -- and a commitment to an inviting learning environment for all.
• Update existing PowerPoints, written assignment instructions, and discussions boards within learning management system (Canvas) as needed to support student learning in each class section. Maintain well-organized, accurate and easy to navigate content within Canvas.
• Attend monthly faculty meetings virtually and engage in at least one teaching professional development activity each semester.
• All instructors are expected to collaborate with colleagues, be current in the field, and are required to adhere to department, school/college and university policies and prcedures.

1. Master of Business Administration (or specific discipline within business), Master of Science (in communications or related field), Master of Arts (in communications or related field), Master of Education (in Sport Management, Leadership, or related field), or Master of Fine Arts from a regionally accredited institution.
2. At least 3 years of professional performance-related experience.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have the foundational knowledge and skill set required to perform the duties of the position.  The level of degree is based on accreditation requirements, institutional standards of academic and professional excellence, alignment with peer institution benchmarks, and contributes to the credibility and effectiveness of the role within the university community.

1. Evidence of prior success in teaching, in-person and/or online (e.g. course evaluations, supervisor ratings).
2. Experience with learning management systems.
3. Excellence in written communication skills as demonstrated in application materials.
4. Business ownership or content creation experience as demonstrated in application materials.
5. Involvement in relevant industry associations and communities as demonstrated in application materials.

Rebecca Achen, Ph.D.
beckyachen@ku.edu
 

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

1. A cover letter addressing how required qualifications are met.
2. Resume or curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for three professional references.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
 

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.