Adjunct Faculty - Master of Science in Critical Sexuality Studies (Remote/Online Instruction)

California Institute of Integral Studies; San Francisco (CA); Remote; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Part time

Job summary

An established institution is seeking passionate adjunct faculty for its online Master of Science in Critical Sexuality Studies program. This role involves creating an engaging learning environment that fosters student growth and reflects the interdisciplinary nature of sexuality studies. Candidates will prepare course materials, lead online discussions, and provide constructive feedback. Join a diverse community committed to social justice and transformative pedagogy, making a meaningful impact on students' educational journeys in a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or terminal degree in relevant field required.
• Experience teaching graduate-level courses in online formats.

Responsibilities

• Prepare course content and lead online sessions.
• Provide feedback and maintain communication with students.

Skills

Teaching Experience

Critical Sexuality Studies

Online Instruction

Curriculum Development

Education

Master's Degree in Relevant Field

PhD or Terminal Degree

Tools

Canvas

Blackboard

Moodle

Job description

California Institute of Integral StudiesJob Posting: Adjunct Faculty - Master of Science in Critical Sexuality Studies (Remote/Online Instruction)

Adjunct Faculty - Master of Science in Critical Sexuality Studies (Remote/Online Instruction)

Category: Faculty Positions

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Department: Human Sexuality

Locations: San Francisco, CA

Posted: May 6, 2025

Closes: Jun 13, 2025 - 11:59 PM EDT

Type: Part-time Non-Exempt

Salary Type: Hourly

Salary Range: $31.50 - $52.25

PositionID: 187931

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About California Institute of Integral Studies:

California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) is an internationally recognized leader in integral education. CIIS strives to embody spirit, intellect, and wisdom in service of individuals, communities, and the earth. CIIS has an enrollment of over 2,000 students pursuing degrees and professional certificates in a variety of academic programs in its schools of Consciousness and Transformation, Professional Psychology and Health, Undergraduate Studies, and our research centers and global initiatives.

CIIS is a mosaic of faces and philosophies, and backgrounds and beliefs. Like our faculty and staff, students are intellectually engaged and socially active. Each day brings new experiences that broaden horizons and hone critical thinking. Programs, both inside the classroom and throughout the University, inspire creativity, nurture community, cultivate curiosity, and foster social good. In addition, CIIS offers a dynamic array of events through its Public Programs, including conversations, workshops, continuing education, and conferences and hosts a vibrant art exhibition series. The University also provides low-cost mental health services to the San Francisco Bay Area through its 6 award-winning community counseling clinics. CIIS is accredited by the Western Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

CIIS strives to cultivate a culture of inclusion and belonging as part of its Seven Commitments . More than accept difference, we honor and celebrate our staff's diversity of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. In turn, our diverse and inclusive culture brings us together in ways that empower everyone to connect, belong, and grow.

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY

CIIS seeks adjunct lecturers for select courses offered in our full online Masters of Science in Critical Sexuality Studies program with emphases in Sex Counseling, SexTech, and Public Health Analysis for Academic Year 2025-2026 semester. Please note that admissions for Fall 2025 are for Sex Counseling emphasis students only with SexTech and Public Health Analysis emphasis student admissions aimed for Fall 2026. Course descriptions are found below. Please indicate which course/s you are interested in teaching and your qualifications for teaching the course/s in your cover letter. We may consider adjuncts to teach more than one course, especially the MS-level Understanding Research and Methodology I courses listed below. Find out more about the MS program in the Human Sexuality Department here: https://www.ciis.edu/academics/graduate-programs/human-sexuality/about-the-ms

Adjunct faculty are responsible for creating an intellectually rigorous, inclusive, and engaging learning environment that fosters student growth and reflects the interdisciplinary and critical nature of sexuality studies. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Preparing course content using the provided syllabus and collaborating with instructional designers to develop asynchronous Canvas course materials.
• Leading synchronous online sessions (as indicated by the course design) that promote critical dialogue and learning.
• Providing timely and constructive feedback on assignments and assessments using Canvas and email.
• Maintaining regular communication with students and being accessible via virtual office hours.
• Supporting and supervising a graduate teaching assistant, where applicable.
• Participating in department meetings and related activities as requested.

Adjunct appointments are contractual per course and do not carry the service or governance expectations of full-time faculty roles.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

CSS 6102 Understanding Research for Sexuality Studies (3 units) - Fall 2025

This course focuses on the methodologies and analytical frameworks used by researchers in Sex Counseling, SexTech, Public Health Analysis, and related fields to interpret and understand the social world. Students gain foundational knowledge of the research process, including problem identification, relevance, and significance, formulation of research questions, literature review, data collection and ethical analysis, and the critical examination of findings. The course integrates critical theory to help students assess the broader socio-political contexts influencing research and question the assumptions underlying conventional scientific methods.

CSS 6103 Critical Sexualities Studies Theory (3 units) - Fall 2025

This foundational course introduces students to the key theories in Critical Sexuality Studies (CSS) through a triadic framework of concepts, abjection, and normativities, drawing from disciplines such as psychology, sociology, and feminist studies. It serves as an essential primer for understanding how sexuality and gender are interwoven with power structures and various social and cultural identities. The course is grounded in critical theory, urging students to explore how normative assumptions about sexuality and gender are constructed and maintained, and how they intersect with positionalities like race, class, and geographic location.

CSS 6105 Methodology I (3 units) - Spring 2026

This course introduces students to quantitative research methods, with a particular focus on survey techniques for investigating sexuality-related topics. Students will engage with foundational debates on epistemology, examining what constitutes valid knowledge and rigorous research within the field. Ethical considerations in the design and execution of quantitative studies are explored, including the historical development of institutional oversight and its role in safeguarding research participants. Through the application of critical theory, students will critically assess the implications of quantitative methodologies, interrogating how power dynamics influence research design, data interpretation, and the production of knowledge in sexuality studies.

CSS 6201 Ethics in Sex Counseling (3 units) - Spring 2026

This course provides a foundational exploration of ethical considerations in sex counseling, drawing on the evolving discourse of critical sexuality studies. Participants will engage with key methods, concepts, and theories necessary to analyze experiences that are often subject to moral judgment, particularly within the practice of sex counseling. Through lectures, discussions, case studies, and critical evaluations, students will examine common ethical dilemmas in the field. They will develop the ability to identify and analyze ethical concerns in sexuality-related experiences, apply theoretical frameworks to guide ethical decision-making in areas such as note-taking and case documentation, and articulate the principles that shape their personal ethical perspectives. Additionally, participants will refine their ability to construct and defend solutions to complex ethical challenges while identifying areas for further professional development and ongoing ethical inquiry.

CSS 6202 Critical Policy Analysis in Sex Counseling (3 units) - Spring 2026

This advanced course provides an in-depth examination of the policies, texts, and data that shape research and policy outcomes in sex counseling, with a focus on timely issues such as gender-affirming care, abortion restrictions, and consent laws. Grounded in critical sexuality studies, the course interrogates the heterosexist and cisnormative assumptions often embedded in dominant policy frameworks, engaging with both emerging and established queer theorists and community scholars. Participants will critically assess the implementation and effectiveness of policies and programs as these uniquely impact sex counselors and their clients. Through rigorous analysis, students refine their decision-making processes, identify and challenge personal biases, and conduct a comprehensive investigation of a major policy issue in sex counseling. The course emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, equipping participants with the analytical tools necessary to navigate the practical, complex impacts of policy development and advocacy on sex counseling practice.

Requirements:

REQUIREMENTS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Master's degree (MA, MS) or terminal degree (PhD, EdD, or equivalent) in a field directly relevant to the course(s) of interest (e.g., sexuality studies, public health, psychology, counseling, education, gender studies, sociology, critical race studies, or a related discipline).
• Demonstrated experience teaching graduate-level courses in online or hybrid formats.
• Foundational knowledge of and commitment to critical sexuality studies, with evidence of expertise relevant to at least one emphasis area of the MS program: Sex Counseling, SexTech, or Public Health Analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to teach from a critical, intersectional, and inclusive pedagogical approach that engages diverse student experiences and scholarship.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A terminal degree (PhD, EdD, MD, JD, or equivalent) in a discipline aligned with the course content.
• Evidence of scholarly, clinical, professional, or research contributions in the area you are applying to teach.
• Experience teaching graduate students in a fully online learning environment using platforms such as Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, or equivalent.
• Experience with online course design, curriculum development, and digital pedagogy.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, anti-oppression practices, and decolonial or community-based approaches to sexuality studies.

Occasional work performed alone with ability to work remotely from time-to-time. Collaboration and constant work around and with other people.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

This position requires attention to detail, good memory, ability to work under deadline pressure, sitting and standing for long periods of time, oral and written communication, keyboarding for significant portions of the workday, pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, reaching, patience, and tact to perform the essential functions.

LOCATION

REMOTE/ON-LINE INSTRUCTION

Additional Information:

COMPENSATION AND CONTRACT

This is a semester-based, part-time adjunct faculty position. Adjunct faculty are hired on a per-course basis, with rates ranging from $31.05-52.25 per hour for adjunct lecturer ranks of: instructor, lecturer, senior lecturer, or professor. Compensation is based on course load and determined according to CIIS's adjunct faculty pay scale, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Adjunct faculty teaching 9 units or fewer are not eligible for benefits. Teaching assignments are contingent upon course enrollment minimums and programmatic needs. CIIS is committed to fair compensation practices and to fostering an equitable hiring process that recognizes the labor, expertise, and preparation required of adjunct educators.

These position are part-time, non-exempt; temporary academic appointments.

NOTES TO CANDIDATE

• Working Conditions - Duties are primarily performed in an office environment at a desk or computer terminal, typically Monday through Friday.
• Background Check - Due to the sensitivity and requirements of this position, you should expect to undergo and be cleared of an employment background/criminal check, if extended an offer for employment. You may also be asked to provide proof of educational degree(s), licenses, or credentials pertinent to the position. If your job requires driving on behalf of CIIS you will be required to provide proof of a valid driver's license.
• Visa Sponsorship - Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer.
• Relocation Assistance - This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY

The California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) is an equal opportunity employer that actively seeks to expand the diversity of its faculty. We strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC); LGBTQIA+ individuals; people with disabilities; and those whose work and lived experience engage the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, class, and culture. The Human Sexuality Department is committed to transformative, anti-oppressive pedagogy and inclusive community practices. We value candidates who bring critical perspectives to their work and who are committed to cultivating equitable learning environments for diverse student populations. We especially welcome candidates whose teaching, research, or professional background reflects a deep engagement with historically marginalized communities and critical approaches to sexuality and gender. CIIS prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, veteran status, and any other status protected by applicable law.

Application Instructions:

• Cover letter to indicate which course/s you are interested in teaching and your qualifications for teaching the course/s
• Current CV with contact information
• Teaching statement
• Teacher evaluation/s
• If applicable, syllabus/syllabi you have designed
• Application process is open until June 13, 2025 or until filled.