Instructor (POOL) - School of Public Affairs & Administration

University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Kansas Lawrence Campus invites qualified scholars and professionals to apply for part‑to‑full‑time instructor positions for in‑person and online courses within the School of Public Affairs & Administration. The instructor is an instructional, adjunct faculty position not eligible for tenure or promotion.

Lecturers may teach undergraduate or graduate courses and duties include designing, teaching, providing feedback, and maintaining office hours.

Qualifications

• MA in discipline or relevant field OR BA in discipline & 5 years of relevant work experience directly related to specific area of instruction.
• PhD in relevant field OR Master's and 7 years of relevant work experience directly related to specific area of instruction.
• Record of research, scholarship or achievement in discipline.

Responsibilities

• Teach a specified number of courses per semester. Courses may be undergraduate or graduate level and may be taught face‑to‑face, hybrid, or online.
• Design course content and syllabus in accordance with departmental guidance and KU standards, utilizing resources provided by the School and University as needed.
• Prepare for and attend all class meetings. Provide timely feedback and instructor/student interaction.
• Provide instruction for course(s). Instructional expectations for online courses match those of the face‑to‑face experience.
• Develop & administer assignments & tests, evaluate student work, provide timely feedback to students, and assign grades.
• Be available for students involved in classes taught. Office hours may include a set time where students can contact the instructor, but must also include expectations for timely responses to student inquiries outside of a set contact time.
• Adhere to departmental, college and university policies.

Skills

Teaching

Curriculum design

Online instruction

Education

MA in discipline or BA + 5 years experience

PhD or Master's + 7 years experience

Job description

Position Overview

The School of Public Affairs & Administration invites qualified scholars and professionals to apply for part‑to‑full‑time instructor positions for the development and instruction of in‑person and online courses. The Instructor is an instructional, adjunct faculty position that is not eligible for tenure or promotion in rank. Renewal will be based upon unit needs and funding as well as performance that meets expectations.

Primary role of the Instructor is instruction with no obligations to perform research or service. The appointment dates will vary based on the timeframe for the preparation and instruction of the course(s). Classes can range from 8‑16 weeks depending on programmatic needs.

Application materials will be reviewed by the faculty and placed in a pool for consideration for developing and teaching undergraduate or graduate courses in the School of Public Affairs & Administration consistent with departmental instructional needs. Applications will be accepted throughout the year.

Lecturers may teach in any academic program offered by the School of Public Affairs & Administration including:

• Undergraduate program in public administration
• Undergraduate program in law and society
• Master's of Urban Planning (MUP) program
• Master's of Public Administration (MPA) program

Course needs vary and include the following areas: Public Finance; Public Management; Nonprofit Management; Performance Management; Auditing; Human Resources Management; Budgeting and Policy Analysis; Public Policy and Administration; Organizational Analysis; Ethics; Quantitative Methods; Organizational Change; Information Technology; Law & Society; Urban Planning; Housing and Development; Sustainable Land Use Planning; Transportation; Electives related to the above topics.

This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between The University of Kansas and United Academics, United Academics of KU, AAUP, or AFT. UAKU is the exclusive representative. As the State of Kansas is a right‑to‑work state, you have the right to be a member or not be a member of a union without fear of personal or professional repercussions.

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. prior to the start date of the position.

Job Description

100% Instructional Duties

• Teach a specified number of courses per semester. Courses may be undergraduate or graduate level and may be taught face‑to‑face, hybrid, or online.
• Design course content and syllabus in accordance with departmental guidance and KU standards, utilizing resources provided by the School and University as needed.
• Prepare for and attend all class meetings. Provide timely feedback and instructor/student interaction.
• Provide instruction for course(s). Instructional expectations for online courses match those of the face‑to‑face experience.
• Develop & administer assignments & tests, evaluate student work, provide timely feedback to students, and assign grades.
• Be available for students involved in classes taught. Office hours may include a set time where students can contact the instructor, but must also include expectations for timely responses to student inquiries outside of a set contact time.
• Adhere to departmental, college and university policies.

Required Qualifications

For Instruction of Undergraduate‑Level Courses:

1. MA in discipline or relevant field OR BA in discipline & 5 years of relevant work experience directly related to specific area of instruction.

For Instruction of Graduate‑Level Courses:

1. PhD in relevant field OR Master's and 7 years of relevant work experience directly related to specific area of instruction.
2. Record of research, scholarship or achievement in discipline.

Additional Candidate Instruction

• A letter of application, including a list of courses the applicant is qualified to teach (https://kupa.ku.edu/class-offerings)
• A curriculum vitae
• The names and contact information (including email) for three professional references

Review of applications will be ongoing with hires being made as positions become available throughout the academic year.

Initial Review will begin: July 23, 2026

Estimated Start Date: Ongoing

Advertised Salary Range

Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Application Review Begins

23-Jul-2026

Anticipated Start Date

18-Aug-2026

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

FTE

Varies

Reg/Temp

Temporary

Employee Class

F‑Faculty

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, [e-mail], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.