LEO Intermittent Lecturer - Environmental Activism

The University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 6,000 - 9,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Michigan in Ann Arbor seeks a part‑time Intermittent Lecturer to teach one Spring 2027 course in the Program in the Environment (PitE). The appointment is 33% FTE and non‑tenure track, with instruction primarily on campus unless remote options are approved.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in environmental studies, public policy, or a sustainability field, or a Masters with five years of relevant experience, and demonstrate excellence in teaching and mentoring.

Qualifications

• PhD in environmental studies, public policy or sustainability-related discipline OR a Masters with at least five years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Teach one Spring 2027 course and fulfill standard instructional duties.
• Hold office hours and manage routine teaching duties.
• Coordinate with PitE and UM faculty to deliver the course effectively.

Skills

Teaching

Mentoring

Education

PhD in environmental studies, public policy or sustainability-related discipline

Masters with at least five years professional experience

Job description

LEO Intermittent Lecturer - Environmental Activism

If considered, you will be contacted and interviewed remotely. The start date for this position is expected to be May 1, 2027.

Please contact Nicole Rutherford, [e-mail], if you have any questions.

PitE is an interdisciplinary program that is jointly managed by the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts and the School of Environment and Sustainability (SEAS). PitE blends foundational knowledge, skills, and practices from natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities/culture towards an integrated analysis of environmental and sustainability issues facing society at all scales and approaches to address and adapt to the associated challenges.

At the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), we are at the forefront of building a more sustainable and just world for all by transforming the impact of higher education and reimagining the future. We are advancing action through innovation, research, education, and engagement in society, and developing leaders who are empowered to halt the climate crisis and create an environmentally sound future for generations to come.

The Program in the Environment (PitE) at the University of Michigan seeks applicants for one part‑time lecturer position to teach one course in the Spring 2027 half term. The FTE will be 33%.
This is an Intermittent Lecturer appointment which is a non-tenure track position and subject to the terms of the LEO bargaining agreement which can be found at https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/academic-human-resources/contracts .

Specifically, the successful candidate will be prepared to teach the following course or something similar:

Description: This course examines the relationship between scientific knowledge, environmental issues, and activism. Students explore how science interacts with public communication, social movements, and policy efforts to address environmental challenges. The course introduces key ideas in social movement theory, environmental justice, and advocacy strategies while critically evaluating the effectiveness and limitations of activism tactics. Students will examine challenges such as activist burnout, ethical tradeoffs, and unrealistic expectations. A central component of the course is a scaffolded Environmental Action Plan, where students design a realistic, evidence‑based strategy to address a specific environmental issue.

Responsibilities*

Desired Teaching/ Content Expertise

Our PitE faculty represent a wide range of disciplinary expertise, with many having joint appointments with other units on the University of Michigan campus. For this position, we will consider candidates from a broad range of environmental and climate studies. All courses are expected to be taught in person on the University of Michigan Ann Arbor campus unless there is a compelling pedagogical reason for remote or hybrid instruction. This course is permitted to be remote instruction.

In addition to teaching one course, the selected individuals will be expected to hold office hours and handle all routine matters related to instruction. While teaching is expected to take place in‑person, office hours can be held remotely.

Required Qualifications*

• A PhD in environmental studies, public policy another sustainability‑related discipline OR a Masters Degree with at least five years of relevant professional experience

Desired Qualifications*

• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentoring

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long‑term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .

Additional Information

All application materials must be submitted no later than November 17, 2026. Selected candidates will be contacted and interviewed remotely. We expect to make an offer of employment no later than December 1, 2026. The anticipated start date for this position is May 1, 2027. This appointment will end June 30, 2027.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third‑party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Union Affiliation

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U‑M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL‑CIO, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of ten calendar days.The review and selection process maybegin as early as the eleventh day after posting.Thisopening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U‑M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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