Adjunct Faculty in Oral Communication

Fresno Pacific University; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 1,119,000 - 1,347,000; Part time

Job summary

Fresno Pacific University seeks an adjunct instructor to teach Oral Communication, focusing on the fundamentals of spoken communication and practical application in one-on-one, group, and public speaking formats.

You will deliver course content, facilitate discussions, and assess student performance while upholding the university’s faith-based mission and inclusive classroom environment.

Qualifications

• MA or higher in Communication, Film Studies, or related field.
• College-level teaching experience in communication or related subjects.
• Strong understanding of communication theory and real-world oral/interpersonal application.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses as described and assigned.
• Discuss class progress with the program coordinator, including teaching performance through observation.
• Collaborate with other faculty as needed.
• Commitment to serving and inspiring students in a Christian academic context.
• Support Fresno Pacific University's mission and faith expectations.

Skills

Oral communication

Presentation skills

Interpersonal skills

Inclusive teaching

Education

MA or higher in Communication, Film Studies, or related field

Job description

Position Overview

This position is for an adjunct instructor to teach Oral Communication, an introductory course focused on the fundamentals of spoken communication. The course covers essential communication theories and principles, with an emphasis on practical application in various formats, including one-on-one (dyadic) interactions, group discussions, and public speaking.

Students will explore the role of communication in everyday life and develop key skills in clarity, confidence, and ethical expression. The instructor will be responsible for delivering course content, facilitating class discussions and activities, and assessing student performance through presentations and other assignments.

This course plays a vital role in helping students build a strong foundation in effective communication—both personally and professionally—within an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses as described and assigned
• Discuss class progress with the program coordinator, including teaching performance through observation
• Collaborate with other faculty as needed
• Demonstrate a commitment to serving and inspiring students in an academic context that integrates your Christian faith and learning.
• Embrace the mission, vision, and values of Fresno Pacific University, affirm the FPU Faith Expectations, and support the ideals and practices articulated in “The Fresno Pacific Idea”

• Other job duties as assigned

Required

• M.A. or higher in Communication, Film Studies, or a closely related field.
• College-level teaching experience in communication or related subject areas.
• Comprehensive understanding of communication theory and its real-world application in oral and interpersonal settings.
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills, with the ability to connect with and support a diverse student body.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive, student-centered classroom environment.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with students, faculty, and staff in a professional and collegial manner.
• Commitment to the Christian faith and the University’s mission of Christ-centered teaching and learning and involvement in a local church.

Preferred

• Teaching focus in Oral Communication, Public Speaking, and/or Communication Theory.
• Background in delivering lower-division, General Education courses, particularly those geared toward first-year college students.
• Ability to support and engage a diverse student population through inclusive instructional practices.
• Availability to teach the course as currently scheduled, with flexibility as needed.

Environmental Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in a classroom, studio, or lab setting, with occasional requirements to teach in online or hybrid formats.
• May be required to stand, walk, and move between classroom spaces for extended periods during instruction.
• Regular use of computer, audiovisual, and media equipment in both instructional and administrative tasks.
• Must be able to lift and carry instructional materials or equipment (up to 25 lbs.) as needed.
• Exposure to standard office and classroom environments, with moderate noise levels.
• May involve occasional evening or weekend hours, depending on course scheduling.
• Public contact position requiring professional apparel, personal hygiene, and grooming.

Physical Demands

• Ability to remain standing for long periods during lectures, discussions, and presentations.
• Frequent speaking and listening for extended periods, including leading discussions and facilitating group activities.
• Occasional bending, reaching, or walking around the classroom to engage with students.
• Ability to transport and set up instructional materials, including textbooks, visual aids, and equipment (up to 25 lbs).
• Manual dexterity required to operate audiovisual and classroom technology.
• Reasonable accommodation for those with disabilities will be provided in accordance with law.

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Official Transcripts (showing highest degree earned)
• 2 Professional References

Compensation is based on highest completed degree level:

Master's degree: Anticipated pay per unit $811.51, $23.97 per hour

Terminal degree: Anticipated pay per unit $977.98, $28.82 per hour

UNIVERSITY DESCRIPTION

Fresno Pacific University is the only accredited Christian university founded in the Central Valley. FPU connects every student’s untapped potential with unlimited opportunity for professional, personal and ethical growth. FPU offers undergraduate, graduate and seminary programs that stress solid academic preparation and a strong ethical foundation to more than 3,500 traditional and adult students on the main campus in southeast Fresno and regional campuses in North Fresno, Visalia, Bakersfield and Merced as well as online. The university also reaches about 8,000 students through professional development studies. FPU has the highest four-year graduation rate of any Central Valley college or university, and is a Hispanic Serving Institution, with a Hispanic student population of 47 percent. FPU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and ranked in the top tier among western universities—master’s category by U.S. News & World Report. Both U.S. News and Washington Monthly include FPU on their “Best Value” and “Best Bang for the Buck” lists, U.S. News places it at number 13 in its category for student social mobility and Money has ranked it at number 11 among 50 Best Colleges for Transfer Students. FPU is affiliated with the Mennonite Brethren Church, and all employees express a personal Christian commitment and support the Christian mission of the university. A description of the unique quality of FPU as an academic community can be found in the Fresno Pacific Idea at fresno.edu/about/fpu_idea.

Reserving its rights as a religious institution, Fresno Pacific University is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age or disability, or other classes protected by applicable law. Committed to excellence and actively supportive of cultural diversity, FPU invites individuals who contribute to such diversity to apply. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you should contact FPU’s Human Resources Department at [e-mail]. As a religious institution, the University will administer the equal opportunity employment policy consistent with the Fresno Pacific University statement of faith, the FPU Idea and the University’s governance by the Pacific District Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.

*This information, including salary, is accurate as of October 1, 2026.