Instructor - Journalism and Mass Communications Programs

The University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications seeks applications from people interested in being Instructors.

The Instructor is an instructional, adjunct faculty position that is not eligible for tenure or promotion in rank. This is a term appointment for the Summer 2026 semester. Renewal will be based upon unit needs and funding as well as performance that meets expectations, not to exceed two continuous semesters.

The Instructor is a union covered position within the collective bargaining unit represented by United Academics of Kansas University (UAKU). UAKU is the exclusive bargaining representative for the bargaining unit. As the State of Kansas is a right to work state, ou have the right to be a member or not to be a member of the union without fear of personal or professional repercussions.

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 the appropriate authorization to work in the U.S. before employment begins.

100% Instructional Duties:

• As an instructor for the university, primary duties and responsibilities include: teaching in a specific field, developing course materials, developing and managing syllabi, creating lectures and assignments, grading student work, advising students and holding office hours.

• All instructors are expected to collaborate with colleagues, be current in the field, and are required to adhere to departmental, school/college and university polices and procedures.

1. Master's degree and two years professional experience related to the subject to be taught OR
2. Those without a relevant Master's Degree will have a Bachelor's Degree in the discipline & 5 years of relevant experience OR Bachelor's Degree in any discipline & 10 years of relevant experience. Relevant experience includes experience in relevant jobs in the media, creative, or representation industry with publications or work products demonstrating:

• Executive or management experience, and/or
• Research, analysis and creative experience, and/or Preferred Qualifications
• Supervisory experience, and/or
• A documented record of successful teaching at the post-secondary level.

Graduate Level Courses:

1. PhD, JD, MD or other post-graduate doctoral degree, and two years of professional experience related to the subject or scholarly research or creative work suitable to the subject taught OR
2. Those without a PhD, JD, MD or other post-graduate doctoral degree may be certified to work with a PhD student on an ad-hoc basis. Such instructors shall have at least a Master's degree and 7 years of relevant experience and demonstrated scholarly research credentials including:

• Published academic or scholarly articles, books or equivalent material, and/or
• Substantial creative products demonstrating work at the national or international level,and/or
• A documented record of successful teaching at the graduate level.

Digital and Integrated Marketing Communications - Graduate Level Courses:

1. PhD, JD, MD, MFA or other post-graduate doctoral degree, and two years of professional experience related to the subject or scholarly research or creative work suitable to the subject taught OR
2. Those with a relevant Master's degree may be certified to teach in the DIMC Program if they have at least 7 years' service in the media, creative or representative profession with publications or work products demonstrating:

• Executive or management experience, and/or
• Research, analysis and creative experience, and/or
• Supervisory experience, and/or
• A documented record of successful teaching at the post-secondary level OR

1. Those without a relevant Master's degree may be certified to teach a specific course in the DIMC Program if they have at least a Bachelor's Degree and seven years' service in the media, creative or representative profession, with expertise specific to the course taught, documented with publications or work products demonstrating:

• Executive or management experience and/or
• Research, analysis or creative experience, and/or
• Supervisory experience, and/or
• A documented record of successful teaching at the post-secondary level.

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.

A complete application consists of:

1. Completion of the online application
2. CV
3. Contact Information for three professional references

Lisa McLendon
lisamclendon@ku.edu

Sunday May 31, 2026

Monday June 1, 2026