Adjunct Instructor, Law, Politics, & Society

Drake University; United States; On-site; USD 12,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefits for employees and/or/

Inclusive culture and diversity

Support for research and scholarship

Job summary

The Department of Law, Politics, and Society at Drake University invites applications for one to two adjunct instructors to teach a Spring 2026 topical elective in-person. The position may extend to subsequent semesters.

Successful candidates will hold a PhD, JD, Masters, or equivalent and have experience teaching undergraduate students. Appointment is contingent on background checks and departmental needs.

Qualifications

• Successful candidates should have a PhD, JD, Masters, or equivalent advanced degree.
• Experience teaching undergraduate students.

Responsibilities

• Teach a relevant topical elective course in Spring 2026, in person.

Skills

Experience teaching undergraduate

Education

PhD, JD, Masters, or equivalent advanced degree

Job description

College of Arts and Sciences JM

The Program in Law, Politics, and Society (LPS) at Drake University is a unique interdisciplinary undergraduate legal studies program. Faculty come from various disciplines but share a commitment to undergraduate teaching and scholarship in the field of Law and Society. Students enjoy small, discussion-based classes on topics ranging from constitutional law to crime and film. Many students go on to law school, but LPS graduates can be found in government, politics, advocacy, non-profits, and more. LPS is housed in the College of Arts & Sciences, the largest academic unit at Drake University. Students choose from a variety of majors, including several unique interdisciplinary programs. The student experience includes opportunities for community engagement, campus involvement, study abroad, and internships taken for course credit. Advanced students pursue their own research interest through independent study and senior capstone courses.

Job Summary

The Department of Law, Politics, and Society seeks one to two adjunct instructors with ability to teach a relevant topical elective course in the Spring of 2026, and perhaps other courses in subsequent semesters. Classes will be taught in person.

Minimum Qualifications

• Successful candidates should have a PhD, JD, Masters, or equivalent advanced degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching undergraduate students.

Selection Criteria

For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview.

For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.

All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

About Drake

Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees. All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike.

We stand firmly against discrimination including on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

More than 900 faculty and staff members have chosen Drake as the place to further their careers.

All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.

At Drake University, we highly value a diverse, inclusive workforce. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

We are proud to support an equal opportunity, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace.

Benefits

• Inspire lifelong learning through tuition benefits for employees and their eligible dependents/partner to pursue degrees at Drake
• Encourage work/life balance through competitive personal time, vacation and holiday schedule, including an extended Winter Break
• Practice shared governance and strategic planning through various representative bodies, including Faculty Senate and All Staff Council
• Support research through internal and external grants as well as through collaborative student engagement
• All In This Together - Drake Bulldogs find a home where they can pursue their passions and ideas while having an impact on the future of our University.
• One of Drake’s top strategic priorities is to maintain and build our inclusive community.
• Drake University moves past mere tolerance of diversity and creates a culture of inclusion that sees diversity of identities, backgrounds, and ideas as fundamental to our excellence and success as an institution.
• A welcoming and diverse campus is critical to delivering on our mission of providing an exceptional learning environment.
• Some key inclusion and diversity initiatives and activities on campus include: Drake's Campus Climate Assessment, which gauged the experiences and attitudes of current faculty, staff, and students, showcases a racially
• Faculty and Staff Affinity Groups
• Free or reduced tickets to fine arts and select athletics events make it easy to proudly support our students and colleagues.
• A variety of workshops, webinars, lectures and events aimed at encouraging civil debate and bringing the world to campus to support our commitment to lifelong learning.

Campus Experience

Check out our campus tour video highlighting Drake University. Self-Directed Drake Campus Tour