Adjunct Professor - Human Development (HD)

Pacific Oaks College & Children's School; Pasadena (CA); Hybrid; USD 34,440 - 38,572; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Pacific Oaks College & Children's School in Pasadena seeks an Adjunct Professor to teach Human Development courses for bachelor’s and master’s students, across tracks including part-time and full-time. The role emphasizes scholarly and practical expertise in a culturally inclusive learning environment.

The ideal candidate will deliver high-quality HD instruction, respond to student inquiries, and collaborate with core faculty.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in HD, Psychology, Sociology, Education, or related field.
• Graduate‑level teaching experience is preferred.
• Ability to deliver online and in-person instruction.

Responsibilities

• Deliver HD courses online and on campus to undergraduate and/or graduate students.
• Create an engaging, inclusive learning environment.
• Respond to student inquiries and provide guidance throughout the course.
• Submit grades and timecards on schedule.
• Develop proficiency with Canvas and participate in faculty meetings.
• Contribute to curriculum development and assessment.

Skills

HD expertise

Effective communication

Digital pedagogy

Cultural competency

Student support

Education

Master's Degree in Human Development, Psychology, Sociology, Education, or related disciplines

PhD in related disciplines preferred

Tools

Canvas

Job description

Position Summary

The Adjunct Professor in the Human Development (HD) program is responsible for delivering high-quality instruction for bachelor’s and/or masters students. This role involves teaching HD-level courses across various tracks, including part-time and full-time. The adjunct faculty member is expected to bring their expertise as a scholar and practitioner to create an engaging, academically rigorous, and inclusive learning environment that supports the success of students from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.

Supervision Received

The incumbent is assigned duties according to specified procedures and receives detailed instructions. Work is checked frequently.

Essential Functions

• Foster a classroom culture that values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, ensuring that all students feel respected and supported.
• Deliver assigned HD courses through ground and online instruction, ensuring the highest quality of teaching.
• Respond promptly and consistently to student inquiries, providing support and guidance throughout the course.
• Maintain timely and consistent communication with the department or core faculty regarding student progress and classroom dynamics.
• Submit grades according to established deadlines.
• Submit timecards for compensation in a timely manner.
• Develop proficiency in Canvas, the learning management system, with training provided as needed.
• Actively participate in HD adjunct faculty meetings as scheduled.
• Adjunct faculty are encouraged to attend monthly All-Faculty meetings, hosted by the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
• Engage in curriculum development, review and assessment as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Expertise in Human Development and associated Social Science Disciplines: Deep understanding of human development methods, and practices, with the ability to effectively translate this knowledge into ground and online teaching.
• Strong Communication Skills: Ability to maintain clear, consistent, and professional communication with students, faculty, and staff.
• Technological Proficiency: Competence in using learning management systems, particularly Canvas, to create an engaging and effective online learning environment.
• Adaptability and Responsiveness: Ability to respond promptly to student inquiries and adapt teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of students.
• Cultural Competency: Ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide range of cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.

Position Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s Degree in Human Development, Psychology, Sociology, Education, or related disciplines is required.
• PhD in Human Development, Sociology, Education, or related disciplines is preferred.

Experience:

• Teaching Experience: Previous graduate-level teaching experience is preferred, demonstrating the ability to deliver content effectively in an online format.
• Professional Expertise: Proven track record of professional excellence in social services, education or related settings, with a commitment to ongoing professional development and learning.

Typical Working Conditions

• Office environment; typically, 70 degrees.
• Noise level is usually quiet to moderately noisy while in the office.
• Remote: The work environment must be in a quiet, professional space that supports accessibility for students and compliance with institutional standards; must have adequate bandwidth and technology to perform all duties.

Equipment Used

• Computer/Laptop
• Telephone
• Copier, scanner and fax machines

Essential Physical & Mental Tasks

Physical Demands:

• Standing, Lifting (3 lbs.), Pushing/Pulling, Walking, Hearing, Speaking, Reaching, Writing, Seeing, Typing & prolonged sitting.

Physical Environment - Exposed to:

• Noise, Dust.

Mental Demands:

• Reading, Frequent Interruptions, Periods of Concentrated Attention, Detailed Work, Irregular Work Schedule, Frequent Contact with People, Frequent Deadlines, Multiple Concurrent Tasks.

Travel

No Travel.

Environmental Conditions

The noise level in the work environment is usually quite to moderately noisy while in the office. The office temperature is about 70 degrees. If remote, the work environment must be in a quiet space.

Decision Making

The position is governed by the policies of Pacific Oaks, along with established procedures for the department. Independent judgment is required in the supervision of personnel as well as in the carrying out of the department's strategic goals and budget management.

Contact Responsibilities

• Routine exchange or presentation of information.
• Responsible for demonstrating professionalism and leadership in resolving conflicts with students and employees. Recommends alternative approaches to solve problems and conflicts.

Financial Responsibility

This position does not require the management of budgets, but it is required to follow Pacific Oaks policies for purchasing and budget approvals.

Compensation & Benefits

This opportunity is budgeted at $25.00-28.00 base compensation. Additional compensation factors may impact total compensation. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, see https://www.pacificoaks.edu/about/careers-pacific-oaks/.

Pacific Oaks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pacific Oaks participates in E-Verify and verifies identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired.

Compliance with Federal Antidiscrimination Guidance

Pacific Oaks College is committed to providing equal employment and educational opportunity to all people and strictly adheres to federal anti-discrimination laws. In accordance with DOJ guidance, the College affirms that no programs, hiring practices, promotions, admissions, or other decisions shall provide preferential treatment based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected characteristics without appropriate lawful rationale. The College will also ensure compliance of its third-party contractors or program partners in this regard.

Disclaimer

The duties listed above describe the general nature and level of work expected of faculty in this position and are not an exhaustive list of responsibilities. The College reserves the right to amend or modify the job description as institutional needs evolve. Pacific Oaks College provides equal employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or any other protected status under applicable law.