ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

Sample Adjunct Instructor job descriptions across multiple disciplines to help institutions standardize hiring language and qualification requirements.

Adjunct Instructor Job Description Template

1. About the Role

Adjunct Instructor work is defined by a simple constraint: no full-time equivalent can cover every course section a college needs to staff. The Adjunct Instructor holds assigned sections independently, builds syllabi against approved course abstracts, and delivers instruction that must meet the same FERPA compliance and regional accreditation standards as any faculty member on the roster. Within a department overseen by a Chair or Instructional Coordinator, this position carries direct accountability for grading integrity and student advising. Curriculum ownership is real, even at part-time hours.

2. Position Summary

As the Adjunct Instructor, you deliver credit-bearing courses within an assigned discipline, building each section around college-approved curriculum while meeting all grading, attendance, and regulatory obligations tied to regional accreditation. You operate under the oversight of a Department Chair or Instructional Coordinator, contributing directly to the department's course completion rates and student success metrics.

3. Why Join Us

Career Impact: Teaching in a regionally accredited community college environment builds a verifiable instructional record that supports advancement toward full-time faculty or Department Chair candidacy.

Business Impact: Students in credit-bearing sections depend on consistent, qualified instruction to meet program completion requirements and advance toward employment or transfer.

Growth Opportunity: Each term of documented teaching, advising, and curriculum work strengthens eligibility for professional development funding, advisory committee roles, and expanded course load.

4. Key Responsibilities

  • Deliver assigned course sections using college-approved curriculum, syllabi, and instructional resources aligned to course learning objectives.
  • Develop course syllabi for each assigned section against the approved course abstract and institutional syllabus template.
  • Incorporate active learning strategies, problem-based activities, and inclusive pedagogical approaches into classroom instruction.
  • Conduct academic advising for enrolled students, providing accurate guidance on course requirements, grading standards, and referral resources.
  • Participate in department and division meetings, curriculum development committees, and annual evaluations as required by the department.
  • Maintain professional development hours annually, with a documented focus on teaching improvement and discipline currency.
  • Submit attendance records, final grades, credentials, and all requested institutional documentation within required deadlines.
  • Comply with FERPA, ADA, and all applicable institutional and regulatory obligations, communicating any discrepancies to appropriate officials.

5. Required Qualifications

  • Master's degree in the field of instruction or a master's degree with a minimum of 18 graduate-level credit hours in the discipline, from a regionally accredited institution, or equivalent work experience.
  • Two or more years of teaching experience using interactive or active learning techniques, with demonstrated evidence of student engagement.
  • Ability to develop course syllabi, select instructional materials, and align assessments to approved course objectives.
  • Demonstrated ability to advise students accurately on academic requirements, course expectations, and available referral resources.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse student and faculty community.
  • Ability to comply with institutional policies including FERPA, ADA, grading standards, and attendance requirements.

6. Preferred Qualifications

  • Doctorate or advanced degree in the field of instruction or a closely related discipline.
  • Experience teaching within a community college or two-year post-secondary setting, including participation in curriculum review or advisory committees.
  • Familiarity with learning management system administration and technology-enhanced course delivery.
  • Demonstrated multicultural competence and prior experience working with underserved or first-generation college student populations.

7. Success Metrics & Environment

  • Course completion rate per section, reflecting how consistently enrolled students reach final grade submission.
  • Student grade distribution alignment with departmental grading standards, measured each term.
  • Professional development hours logged annually, with at least a portion documented in teaching-focused activities.
  • Syllabi and documentation submission rate, tracking on-time delivery of required institutional records.
  • Student advising accuracy, measured by the rate of advising-related corrections or escalations per term.
  • Typical tools: learning management systems (commonly Canvas or Blackboard); student information systems (commonly Colleague or Banner).

8. Compensation & Benefits (US Market Benchmark)

  • Base Salary Range: $1,500 to $3,500 per course section, per term
  • Bonus: typically not applicable for per-section adjunct contracts
  • Equity: not applicable
  • Health Benefits: generally not offered at adjunct load; varies by institution and course count
  • PTO: structured around academic calendar; no accrued PTO in most adjunct contracts
  • Common Perks: library access, campus facilities use, professional development stipends at some institutions


Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

9. EEO & Legal

Employment in this role is contingent on successful completion of a background check, and offers may include verification of academic credentials and teaching history. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation during any stage of the hiring process are encouraged to request one. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Adjunct Instructor Job Description Examples

1. Adjunct Instructor (Law Enforcement Education)

The Adjunct Instructor delivers law enforcement courses in coordination with the Department Chair, developing and upgrading curriculum to meet state and federal regulations. Reporting to the Instructional Coordinator and/or Department Chair, this role shapes student outcomes within a community college setting by ensuring quality instruction and compliance with all applicable policies and accreditation standards.


Key Responsibilities

  • Coordinate teaching materials required for law enforcement education with the Department Chair.
  • Develop, coordinate, and upgrade curriculum and teaching materials required by state and federal regulations for law enforcement programs.
  • Teach classes in an appropriate instructional area.
  • Participate in annual student and chair/coordinator evaluations.
  • Comply with departmental curriculum, grading standards, attendance policies, textbook choices, assessments, and other established processes.
  • Attend classes regularly; return college reports, credentials, and other requested documentation on time; effectively communicate with appropriate staff and chair.
  • Comply with all legal and ethical obligations, including FERPA, ADA, and other regulatory legislations; communicate discrepancies to appropriate officials.
  • Commit to furthering the mission, goals, and core values of the college at all times.
  • Meet other contractual obligations as spelled out in the Joliet Junior College adjunct faculty contract.


Required Qualifications

  • Associate's degree in the field of instruction; Bachelor's degree in the field of instruction or a related field preferred.
  • Successful completion of a state-recognized law enforcement academy.
  • Completion of instructor training coursework at a recognized state or federal institute preferred.
  • 5 years as a full-time municipal police officer, with a combination of education, training, and tested experience.
  • Experience in academic instruction in a post-secondary environment.
  • Ability to advise students, interpret data, and provide analysis on data.
  • Expertise in appropriate technologies for instruction.
  • Effective human relations, oral and written communications (English and Spanish verbal and written communication proficiency).
  • Ability to positively interact with a diverse college community, establish cooperative working relationships, and demonstrate multicultural competence.
  • Demonstrated commitment to teaching and learning and to the college's core values of respect and inclusion, sustainability, integrity, collaboration, humor and well-being, innovation, and quality.

2. Adjunct Instructor (Advanced Practice Provider Telemedicine)

Sitting at the intersection of clinical care and healthcare education, the Adjunct Instructor - APP assesses and treats urgent care patients via video connection while providing clinical instruction to residents, medical students, and nursing students in the emergency department. Operating across telemedicine and in-person settings under a written practice agreement with the Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine, this role builds patient satisfaction outcomes and advances the quality of care through protocol development and quality assurance participation.


Duties

  • Assess and treat urgent care patients via video connection using a video platform within the EHR to conduct urgent care visits.
  • Collaborate with team members to communicate with and transition care back to the patient's PCP; discharge patients in a timely manner.
  • Provide clinical instruction to residents, medical students, nursing students, nurse practitioners, and paramedic students related to the delivery of observation services in the emergency department.
  • Assist in decreasing cost through the development and use of protocols and practice guidelines.
  • Participate in Emergency Department quality assurance activities.
  • Enhance cost effectiveness and quality of care, increase patient satisfaction as indicated by improvement in satisfaction scores.


Requirements

  • Master's degree as required by the specific Advanced Practice Provider role.
  • Certified Nurse Practitioner or certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
  • Current Oregon NP or PA license required before start date.
  • Registered with the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration and authorized to prescribe medications.
  • Completion of the credentialing process and approval by the OHSU Professional Board to practice as an independent practitioner in an acute care/emergency setting.
  • 2-3 years of clinical experience as an APP or in an emergency care setting demonstrating ability to fulfill role responsibilities.
  • Ability to manage a heavy workload with multiple priorities and inflexible deadlines.
  • Proficient in computing hardware and software, including personal computing equipment, electronic medical records, word processing, and spreadsheet software.
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

3. Adjunct Instructor (College Physics Instruction)

A key member of the Division of Physical Sciences and Process Technologies, the Adjunct Instructor owns delivery of college-level and technical physics courses using traditional and alternative instructional methods while preparing curriculum, writing syllabi, and selecting textbooks. Collaborating across the division with advisors and committee members, this role builds student success and supports the college's broader instructional and enrollment initiatives.


Functions

  • Report to the Chair of the Division of Physical Sciences and Process Technologies.
  • Teach college-level physics classes as well as technical physics classes for industrial programs using traditional and alternative delivery methods.
  • Prepare curriculum, including writing syllabi, developing new courses, and selecting textbooks.
  • Assist in the advisement of students.
  • Serve on various assigned college committees.
  • Support the college's student success initiatives.
  • Pursue summer teaching opportunities as enrollment dictates.


Experience & Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Physics or a master's degree.
  • Minimum of 18 graduate hours in Physics from a regionally accredited college or university.
  • Demonstrated evidence of successful teaching experience.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Strong oral and written communication and human relations skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with culturally diverse populations.
  • Interest in alternative instructional delivery methods.

4. Adjunct Instructor (Allied Health Instruction)

Embedded within the medical assistant program, the Adjunct Instructor - Medical Assistant owns the delivery of assigned courses in accordance with competencies and objectives while coordinating laboratory schedules, clinical rotations, and student advising with the CND. Working closely with Academic Dean and program leadership, this role builds student retention and success by applying active retention strategies and maintaining compliance with accreditor and state regulatory reporting requirements.


Core Functions

  • Instruct assigned courses in accordance with course competencies/objectives, and inform students about course requirements, evaluation procedures, and attendance policies.
  • Academically coach, guide, mentor, monitor progress, and empower students to achieve optimum success, and provide referrals, tutoring, and other assistance as needed, using technology for academic alerts and interventions.
  • Teach classes based on the assigned schedule and modality; complete all related administrative responsibilities such as attendance taking and final grade submission.
  • Support student retention and success through full participation in all retention initiatives, utilizing all provided systems tools, and demonstrating functional expertise in retention strategy solutions.
  • Manage classroom environment through active instructor presence, and conduct program/course curriculum assessment and evaluation duties as assigned.
  • Attend required faculty meetings, maintain an annual professional development plan, and ensure all accreditation and in-service professional development is completed and documented.
  • Coordinate laboratory schedules, classroom rotations, student advising, and clinical rotations with CND; explain and demonstrate laboratory/practical procedures.
  • Arrange and monitor students' field placement.
  • Assist the Academic Dean with data collection and reporting as required by applicable accreditors and/or state regulatory agencies.
  • Stay current with regional and state code changes and industry standards.


Qualifications & Experience

  • Associate's degree or certificate/diploma from an accredited institution in the discipline.
  • Minimum 3 years of related practical work experience as a medical assistant.
  • Active MA certification or registration credentialed by an NCCA-accredited organization (CCMA, CMA, CMAC, NCMA, or RMA).
  • CPR/BLS certification required within 60 days of hire.
  • Ability to clearly and effectively convey information using appropriate communication methods.
  • Willing to make decisions.
  • An organized, results-oriented approach with high standards of ethical conduct, high quality of work, accuracy, and motivation to perform without extensive direction.
  • Creative, positive, solution-oriented approach to problems.
  • Professional growth and academic currency.
  • Dependable with the ability to work effectively in a team environment while balancing team and individual responsibilities.

5. Adjunct Instructor (Humanities & Philosophy)

Reporting to the department, the Adjunct Instructor leads instruction of assigned philosophy courses using college-approved curriculum, incorporating active learning and problem-based activities into a civil and inclusive classroom environment. Partnering with department and division colleagues through committees, curriculum development, and advisory groups, this role shapes student achievement and advances the instructional quality of the philosophy program.


Primary Duties

  • Provide quality instruction reflective of current discipline standards using college-approved curriculum and resources.
  • Develop a course syllabus for each class using the approved course abstract and syllabus template.
  • Incorporate active learning, authentic and problem-based activities, and other pedagogical strategies into classroom instruction, and foster an inclusive, accessible, and civil learning environment.
  • Present course content in an unbiased manner, demonstrating respect, helpfulness, and responsiveness toward students, hold a minimum of five office hours per week in a convenient format and modality.
  • Participate in required professional development hours annually, ten of which must focus on teaching improvement, demonstrate reflective practice, including formative and departmental assessments.
  • Actively participate in department and division meetings, events, and initiatives.
  • Mentor junior adjunct instructors as needed.
  • Assist in textbook and course material selection, and participate in curriculum development and advisory committees.
  • Provide accurate and appropriate academic advising, exhibit exemplary attendance and punctuality.
  • Comply with college policies and procedures.


Skills & Qualifications

  • Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution with at least 18 graduate-level credit hours in the field of instruction.
  • Doctorate or an advanced degree preferred.
  • 2 years of teaching experience using interactive teaching techniques.
  • Experience with academic advising and within a collegiate setting preferred.
  • Experience using assessment techniques to promote teaching and learning excellence (participation in professional organizations related to the teaching area preferred).
  • Ability to use information technology for professional productivity, including Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Experience with an LMS such as Blackboard or Canvas, and with Colleague preferred.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with all constituencies of a diverse community.
  • Demonstrated interest in and passion for teaching community college students.
  • Ability to work well with others.

Editorial Process and Content Quality

This content is developed by the Lamwork Editorial Team using structured analysis of real-world job data, skill requirements, and hiring patterns.

Research framework by Lam Nguyen, Founder & Editorial Lead.

Reviewed by Thanh Huyen, Managing Editor.

Learn more about our editorial standards.