Adjunct Faculty, Career Development

Dominican University; River Forest (IL); On-site; USD 11,160 - 22,320; Part time

Job summary

Dominican University seeks dynamic Adjunct Instructors for the 2026-2027 academic year and beyond. TheCareer Programs team hires faculty to deliver a templated sequence of four one-credit career courses and a two-credit practicum, mostly in-person with some online or hybrid sections.

Applicants should hold a graduate or advanced degree (Bachelor’s with 5 years in the field also considered), demonstrate commitment to diverse student populations, and be proficient with Canvas and other

Qualifications

• Experience in teaching, training, or mentoring across diverse student populations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; proficient with Microsoft Office and information systems.
• Comfort with instructional technologies, including learning management systems (Canvas or similar).

Responsibilities

• Deliver and adapt existing course content to align with the instructor’s expertise and course career pathway.
• Help students meet learning outcomes and complete coursework and career practicums.
• Grade weekly assignments and provide timely feedback to students.
• Prepare course materials and deliver assignments appropriate to the subject matter.
• Hold office hours and meet with students to support their career development.
• Attend orientation and faculty feedback sessions, adhering to university policies and calendars.

Skills

Teaching

Student engagement

Communication

Diversity & inclusion

Technology literacy

Education

Graduate or advanced degree

Bachelor's + 5 years experience

Tools

Canvas LMS

Job description

Job Status: Part-time Faculty (non-tenure track)

Position Summary:

The Office of Career Programs and Employer Relations at Dominican University is seeking dynamic and student-focused individuals to join us as Adjunct Instructors for the academic school year 2026 - 2027 and beyond.

As we continue to expand career development programming, we are hiring student-centered, culturally competent, and enthusiastic faculty who are leaders in their field or industry on an adjunct basis for fall 2026 and spring 2027. Career Development Adjunct faculty teach in a templated sequence of four one-credit-hour career and vocation courses and a two-credit-hour career practicum course. Courses are usually 15 weeks long and primarily taught in-person, while a few are taught online or a mix of online and in-person.

This is an exciting time for Dominican University and the Career Programs team. In 2023, the Career Program won the Cooperative Education and Internship Association Best Practices Award and the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Services Excellence Award in the “Small School” category.

Career and vocation courses are offered within multiple academic pathways. This adjunct hiring pool primarily supports courses serving students in the following areas:

• Health Sciences (e.g., nursing, nutrition, public health, healthcare administration, or related fields)
• Human Services (e.g., social work, psychology, sociology, criminology, counseling, or related fields)
• STEM (e.g., biology, chemistry, mathematics, environmental science, computer science, or related fields)
• Education & Training (e.g., education, languages, communications, journalism, or related fields)
• Arts & Creative (e.g., fine arts, design, media, music, theatre, or related fields)

Courses offered:

• CV100 Career and Vocation: Launching Your Career
• CV200 Career and Vocation: Leveraging Your Strengths
• CV300 Career and Vocation: Presenting Yourself Professionally
• CV400 Career and Vocation: Managing Your Career

Responsibilities:

Adjunct faculty are responsible for the following:

• Deliver and adapt existing course content to align with the instructor’s expertise and course career pathway.
• Help students fulfill their maximum potential in mastering course content, assessing student learning outcomes, and focusing on completion, career practicums, and fulfilling the institution’s goals of 90% of students becoming employed in career-ladder positions, in graduate school, or doing mission or full-time volunteering within six months of graduation.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of trends and connections in the field(s) of expertise.
• Connect the University and students to colleagues and other subject matter experts with an interest in working with Dominican.
• Attend orientation as well as virtual or in-person training and faculty feedback sessions.
• Adhere to the university policies, procedures, and university calendar with respect to reporting information to university offices.
• Administer student evaluation and timely and accurately submit the required paperwork related to instruction, including grades and course evaluations.
• Grade weekly assignments, respond to student emails and phone calls promptly, and provide feedback in a timely manner.
• Prepare course materials and deliver assignments appropriate to the subject matter.
• Meet with students and host office hours.
• Adhere to the goals and objectives of the course, as guided by the Department Chair.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience in guiding, encouraging, and supporting a diverse student population.
• Experience in teaching, training, or mentoring diverse individuals.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Strong computer literacy skills, including Microsoft Office and other information systems.
• Comfort learning and using instructional technologies, including learning management systems (e.g., Canvas or similar platforms). Training on Dominican University's Canvas environment and career platforms will be provided.
• Graduate or advanced degree required.
• Candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree and five years of work experience in the current field of study will be considered.

To Apply:

Dominican University will accept applications for this position until it is filled. Please submit a (1) cover letter, (2) CV/resume, including a list of references, and (3) a one to two-page teaching philosophy statement.

Official transcripts will be required of finalists; submission instructions will be provided to applicants as necessary.

Physical Demands

• Ability to spend moderate durations of the workday standing or walking around
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds at times

Salary and FLSA Status

• Salary: $1,000 - $2,000. The actual pay is determined based on credentials, course level, and credit hours.
• FLSA Status: Exempt, Part-Time

Employment at Dominican University is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation.

About Dominican University

Dominican University is a Catholic, comprehensive teaching university located in River Forest, a suburb of Chicago, with an additional campus in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Dominican University offers associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It is highly regarded for its academic rigor, thoughtful accompaniment of students, intentional affordability, and values based, relationship-centered learning environment.

Dominican currently enrolls over 3,800 students, including 2,690 undergraduates and 1,114 graduate students. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of undergraduate students identify as Latinx, 5% as Black or African American, and 3% as Asian. Under-represented minority students comprise 77% of the undergraduate enrollment and 38% of the graduate enrollment. Over 90 percent of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. Nearly half of all undergraduates are first-generation college students; over half are federal Pell Grant recipients, illustrating their families’ level of income; and 58% are eligible for low-income MAP grants from the State of Illinois. Recognized since 2011 as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, Dominican is committed to expanding and enhancing educational opportunities for Latinx students and all students from historically underrepresented groups. For more information, visit www.dom.edu.

Expectations for all Dominican Employees

To support the University's mission of preparing students to pursue truth, give compassionate service, and participate in the creation of a more just and humane world, engage in university service work that promotes collaboration and community building. This includes participating in organizational initiatives, supporting campus events, contributing to community outreach, and fostering a supportive environment through involvement in various staff-driven activities and groups.

Institutional Statement

Dominican University is committed to fostering a supportive academic community that provides access and opportunity for all our students.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Dominican University is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal and state employment regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need accommodations due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail] for assistance.