Journalism Adjunct Professor - Public Relations

University of La Verne; La Verne (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 49,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of La Verne in La Verne, California seeks a part-time Journalism Adjunct Professor to teach Public Relations Methods (Journalism 430) for the Spring 2027 semester. Courses are in person and scheduled as an evening class.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s in Journalism or Public Relations with 5 years of professional experience; a Master’s degree is preferred. Adjunct pay is $30.40 per hour. This position requires background check clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Public Relations or related field.
• Professional journalism or public relations experience – 5 years.
• Master’s Degree in Journalism or Public Relations (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain syllabus materials and course assessments.
• Facilitate class instruction aligned with learning objectives and outlines.
• Evaluate student performance using rubrics and course deliverables.

Skills

Public relations experience

Teaching adjunct experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or Public Relations

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Journalism Adjunct Professor - Public Relations

Posting Summary

Position Title

Position Title Journalism Adjunct Professor - Public Relations

Division

Major Department

Major Department College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department Communications Department

Location

University Overview

Embark on an exciting journey with the University of La Verne, where your career aspirations come to life in a vibrant and welcoming environment. Established in 1891, our diverse and inclusive community is more than just a university—it’s a home for passionate individuals like you.
At the University of La Verne, we embody four core values that set us apart—Ethical Reasoning, Diversity and Inclusivity, Lifelong Learning, and Civic and Community Engagement. If you’re fueled by these principles and are eager to make a meaningful impact, your journey begins here.
With a rich history spanning 132 years, the University of La Verne boasts a global Leo Family of 89,000+ accomplished alumni. As the #1 private university in California for social mobility according to U.S. News and World Report 2024, and recently recognized as the 33rd Best U.S. College by the Wall Street Journal 2024, we take pride in our commitment to excellence in education.
Join us in shaping the future, where your passion meets purpose. Come be part of something extraordinary and apply today!

Diversity Statement

The University supports a diverse and inclusive environment where students recognize and benefit from the life experiences and viewpoints of other students, faculty, and staff. Diversity is an active and intentional practice that supports difference and multiplicity to expand knowledge, educate capable citizens, develop the whole person, and serve our local and global communities. Promoting and sustaining diversity is a commitment to educational quality and the creation of positive, respectful learning communities.

Job Description

The University of La Verne is a private not-for-profit university founded in 1891 located in La Verne, California. The core values that we live by are Ethical Reasoning, Diversity and Inclusivity, Lifelong Learning and Community and Civic Engagement. If you’re passionate about these values, join us at the University of La Verne!
The Journalism program in the Department of Communications at the University of La Verne (30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles) has an immediate opening for a part-time adjunct instructor/professor to teach Public Relations Methods, Journalism 430, in the Spring 2027 semester. The 16-week semester begins in January 2027.

The course is taught in person and is scheduled as an evening class that meets once a week on Tuesdays, from 6:50 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Public Relations Methods, Journalism 430

Course Description

Methods of Public Relations is a core class for Public Relations majors. This professionally-oriented class provides the fundamental hands‑on experience and knowledge required for the professional practice of public relations. Through instructor lectures, guest speakers, team projects, activities, social media and web writing, plus writing and reading assignments, students will be exposed to public relations strategies and tactics that will be useful in their future careers.

By the end of the semester, students are expected to be familiar with the strategic planning involved in public relations and the various tactics involved to help clients achieve their goals, including media relations, social media, PR writing techniques and presentation skills.

Course Objectives

• Attain competency in advocacy writing and learn how to position a client’s product or services. Story structure, tone of writing and voice, and the Associated Press journalistic style will be examined.
• Attain experience in the gathering of information and develop a critical analysis of situations in order to counsel public relations clients. Students will develop techniques that include interviewing, observation and how to research primary and secondary sources.
• Acquire expertise in thinking critically and creatively, while exercising news judgment. They will learn to organize and present information in multiple journalistic forms (i.e., print, visual and digital).
• Develop an ethical basis for making journalistic and public relations decisions.
• Learn to adapt to the rapidly evolving mass communication media and environments using a variety of technologies and techniques.
• Develop a skill set to make social media matter in public relations.
• Develop a skill set to write excellent web copy and understand how to assemble effective web pages.
• Learn how to assemble press packages in a digital format.

Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Program Chair the adjunct professor will:
  Develop and Maintain Syllabus Materials: The adjunct professor is responsible for selecting and compiling tests, assignments and/or online discussion exercises.
• Facilitate Class Instruction: The adjunct professor is responsible for teaching the assigned course in accordance with learning objectives and session plan outlines.
• Evaluate Student Performance: The adjunct professor is expected to administer evaluations of student performance based on course deliverables and course rubrics. All course grades will be posted on the D2L Brightspace Grade Center.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree, Journalism, Public Relations or related field.
• Professional journalism or public relations experience – 5 Years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree, Journalism or Public Relations.

Benefits Summary

• Benefit Hub (discount perks).
• Free Parking.
• Adjunct Faculty Development Funds.
• Staff discounted lunches at the Spot.
• 10% off discount at the University of La Verne Bookstore and Graphics.
• Tuition Remission (Senior Adjuncts).
• Contribution Retirement Plan (must meet hours) for Mandatory – Voluntary Contribution at anytime.
• Medical (must meet hours).
• Utilize services offered at CTL and the wellness center.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of a background check and employment verification.

Hiring Pay Rate

Adjunct Professor (with terminal degree): $30.40

Posting Number

AF111P

Job Open Date

10/20/2026

Job Close Date

01/01/2027

Open Until Filled

Yes

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • HigherEdjobs.com
  • AcademicCareers.com
  • University of La Verne Website
  • Referred by University of La Verne Employee
  • Other