Journalism Instructor - Pool - UCLA Extension

UCLA Extension; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA Extension is seeking an INSTRUCTOR for its Journalism program in Los Angeles, offering practical learning opportunities for professionals and a range of certificate courses. Open date July 29, 2026; final date June 30, 2027. Applicants will be considered year-round to fill anticipated needs.

The role involves developing syllabi, engaging with students, and coordinating with program staff, with emphasis on current journalism practices, digital platforms, and ethical storytelling.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years professional experience in journalism.
• Commitment to high academic standards and integrity.
• Current knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in the subject area.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Experience using instructional technology and online teaching tools.
• Experience designing curriculum and measuring student performance.
• Familiarity with LMS and online instruction tools.

Responsibilities

• Complete annual and biannual compliance trainings.
• Develop or update course syllabus for campus approval.
• Leverage subject-matter expertise to enhance curriculum.
• Design engaging classroom activities to reinforce learning.
• Regularly monitor and update course materials based on evaluations.
• Use Canvas for in-person, online, and hybrid courses.
• Post final grades within two weeks after course end date.
• Respond to student questions within 24 hours.
• Coordinate with Portfolio Director and Program Staff.
• Complete administrative tasks including hiring paperwork and syllabus updates.
• Participate in orientations and instructor training.
• Assist in guest lecturing, events, and other activities.
• Employ inclusive teaching methods for diverse learners.
• Stay current with professional knowledge in the field.

Skills

Journalism experience

Communication skills

Curriculum design

Online teaching tools

Student engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism

Tools

LMS

Video conferencing

Job description

Position overview

Position title: INSTRUCTOR

Salary range: See posting https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF11220

Application Window

Open date: July 29, 2026

Final date: Wednesday, Jun 30, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

UCLA Extension is considered one of the top programs of its kind, offering to more than 35,000 students per year approximately 4,500 classes and non-degree certificate programs to meet the professional development, continuing education, and personal enrichment needs of the full spectrum of nontraditional students as well as companies and organizations throughout and beyond the Los Angeles region.

Course / Program Description

The UCLA Extension Journalism program provides practical learning opportunities for professionals seeking to advance or initiate their career in professional journalism. Our program relies on the hands-on expertise of active journalism professionals who design and teach courses focused on up-to-date skills for today's complex job market.

As the digital era reshapes how information is created, verified and shared, skilled journalism has become even more important. Journalists must navigate a multifaceted media environment, identify credible information sources and leverage digital platforms to craft responsible narratives that engage and inform global audiences. These capabilities are indispensable in new and traditional news settings, and across various professional landscapes including public relations, content marketing, social media management and more. As media boundaries merge, the need for adaptable skills grows, offering broader career paths and the ability to influence through well-informed, impactful storytelling.

Visit our site UCLA Extension Journalism Courses for a list of current

Visit UCLA Extension Journalism Certificate to learn about the Certificate in Journalism.

Job Description

UCLA Extension is the open-access, self-supporting continuing education division of UCLA. The Division offers a wide variety of certificate programs and courses, including post-baccalaureate credit-bearing (400-level), continuing education (CEU) credit, and non-credit bearing general interest courses. Our courses and certificate programs offer students the opportunity to learn from highly qualified practitioners who are passionate about teaching.

Applications to teach are accepted throughout the year in order to fill immediate program needs and to increase the depth of the instructor pool, but interviews will only be scheduled with qualified applicants who can fill anticipated openings. Qualified applicants possessing current knowledge in the following topic area(s) – for adults -- are encouraged to apply. For a sense of the depth and breadth of our course offerings, visit Humanities & Social Sciences Courses & Certificates | UCLA Extension

Instructor Duties:

• Complete annual and biannual University compliance trainings by the deadlines set by Human Resources.
• Develop or update course syllabus to meet campus approval requirements, in consultation with the UCLA Extension Portfolio Director.
• Use subject-matter expertise to impart knowledge to students and leverage additional resources appropriately to enhance the curriculum (i.e. make arrangements for guest speakers, etc.)
• Design interactive and motivational classroom activities to fully engage participants and to reinforce student learning
• Update materials periodically, and regularly monitor course evaluations in order to make adjustments and improvements to the curriculum.
• Utilize Canvas as a course support platform in in-person courses, and as the delivery platform in online and hybrid courses.
• Post final student grades to the transcript system in a timely manner, no later than 2 weeks after course end date.
• Respond to student questions and learning needs within 24 hours.
• Communicate with Portfolio Director and Program Staff in a timely manner.
• Complete required administrative tasks in a timely manner including: completing all new hire paperwork, submitting updated quarterly syllabus, posting bio and photo on the UCLA Extension website, accepting quarterly contract, submitting required textbook orders, and communicating classroom needs to the appropriate people.
• Participate in required orientations and instructor training programs.
• Assist in occasional program activities such as guest lecturing, community events, and other curricular and extra-curricular activities.
• Employ culturally competent teaching methodologies and inclusive teaching strategies in the classroom inclusive of both domestic and international student populations.
• Stay current regarding the professional body of knowledge in the field of instruction.
• Respond to student inquiries about final grades and consult with Portfolio Director as needed.
• Maintain a record of final grades for up to 13 months following the last class session

General Employment Information

Employment as a UCLA Extension Instructor is dictated by contract terms and conditions. Please take the time to read the UCLA Extension Instructor Employment Policies.

For information on UCLA Extension instructor benefits, please visit Pay, Benefits, & Privileges

Division: https://www.uclaextension.edu/communications/journalism/certificate/journalism

Instructor Resources: https://www.uclaextension.edu/teaching-at-ucla-extension

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

• Minimum 5 years professional experience in journalism, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Commitment to the highest level of academic standards and integrity.
• Current knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in subject area.
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey conceptual and complex ideas and information.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence.
• Proficiency in or willingness to learn the use of instructional technology and online teaching tools.
• Experience designing curriculum and measuring student performance.
• Experience facilitating group discussions and activities.
• Participation in relevant professional organizations.
• Demonstrated commitment to educating learners of diverse backgrounds and educational experience.
• Familiarity with common tools of online instruction such as video conferencing software and LMS.

Preferred qualifications

• College-level teaching experience preferred.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae/Resume - Your most recently updated Curriculum Vitae/Resume
• Cover Letter

Reference requirements References are requested from candidates after the interviewing stage, and references are only contacted for finalists via SkillSurvey system

About UCLA

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affi…

Job location

Los Angeles, CA