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Adjunct Instructor - Job Opportunity at Columbia College

Columbia, US
Part-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 29, 2025
Remote
Based on market analysis for adjunct instructor positions in Missouri and similar regional markets, compensation typically ranges from $2,500 to $4,500 per course, with annual earnings potential of $15,000 to $35,000 depending on course load, subject area expertise, and institutional relationships across multiple colleges.

Benefits

Inclusive workplace environment that actively promotes diversity across race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age and disability
Safe and open discourse environment fostering professional academic freedom
Community-oriented workplace culture that welcomes all backgrounds and perspectives
Equal opportunity employment practices ensuring fair treatment and advancement opportunities

Key Responsibilities

Deliver virtual synchronous courses using advanced educational technology platforms to engage students in real-time learning experiences
Develop and implement curriculum that meets both undergraduate and graduate academic standards while adapting content for virtual delivery methods
Facilitate interactive online classroom discussions and activities that promote student engagement and learning outcomes
Assess student performance through various virtual assessment methods and provide constructive feedback to support academic growth
Maintain professional standards in virtual education delivery while staying current with online pedagogical best practices

Requirements

Education

Minimum qualifications to teach undergraduate courses include a master's degree in the related field including courses directly related to content area. Minimum qualifications to teach graduate courses include a doctorate degree in the related field including courses directly related to content area.

Experience

Current professional experience in an associated field and higher education teaching experience are highly desired

Required Skills

Virtual synchronous teaching capabilities Online course delivery expertise Educational technology proficiency Student engagement in virtual environments

Certifications

Authorization to work in the United States
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The higher education sector has experienced unprecedented growth in online and virtual learning platforms, with institutions investing heavily in digital infrastructure and faculty training to meet evolving student expectations and accessibility requirements. Virtual synchronous teaching has become a critical competency in academia, with colleges prioritizing instructors who can effectively engage students in real-time online environments while maintaining academic rigor and interactive learning experiences. The adjunct instructor market has expanded significantly as institutions seek flexible staffing solutions to meet diverse program demands while managing operational costs, creating opportunities for subject matter experts to contribute to multiple institutions simultaneously.

Role Significance

Adjunct instructors typically work independently with coordination from department chairs and academic coordinators, collaborating with 3-8 other faculty members within specific program areas while maintaining direct responsibility for individual course sections and student outcomes.
This position represents a specialized academic role requiring advanced subject matter expertise and pedagogical skills, positioned as a professional educator contributing to higher education mission while maintaining flexibility for other career pursuits or consulting opportunities.

Key Projects

Development and delivery of engaging virtual curriculum that meets accreditation standards and learning objectives Implementation of innovative online assessment strategies and student engagement techniques Participation in departmental curriculum review and program improvement initiatives Mentoring and academic advising support for students in specialized subject areas

Success Factors

Exceptional communication skills for virtual environment engagement and clear articulation of complex concepts through digital platforms Adaptability and technological proficiency to navigate various learning management systems and virtual classroom technologies effectively Strong organizational and time management capabilities to balance multiple courses and student needs while maintaining high academic standards Subject matter expertise combined with practical industry experience to provide real-world context and relevance to academic content Commitment to inclusive education practices that support diverse learner populations in virtual academic environments

Market Demand

High demand exists for qualified adjunct instructors, particularly those with virtual teaching experience and advanced degrees, as institutions continue expanding online program offerings and require flexible faculty resources to serve diverse student populations across multiple time zones and geographic regions.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Virtual synchronous teaching expertise is absolutely essential as this represents the core delivery method for the institution's global programs, requiring real-time student engagement, technology management, and interactive pedagogical techniques that ensure effective learning outcomes in digital environments. Advanced subject matter knowledge with graduate-level education is critical for maintaining academic credibility and meeting accreditation standards while providing students with current, relevant content that supports their professional and academic development goals.

Beneficial Skills

Industry experience and practical application knowledge enhances curriculum relevance and provides students with real-world context that bridges academic theory with professional practice, increasing program value and student satisfaction. Multicultural competency and inclusive teaching practices support the institution's commitment to diversity and help effectively serve the global student population accessing virtual programs from various geographic and cultural backgrounds.

Unique Aspects

Two-year application validity period provides long-term consideration for qualified candidates, demonstrating institutional commitment to building relationships with potential faculty members
Focus on virtual synchronous teaching represents cutting-edge approach to online education, requiring real-time interaction skills that distinguish this role from traditional asynchronous online instruction
Emphasis on both undergraduate and graduate level instruction allows for diverse teaching opportunities across different academic levels and student populations
Global program integration suggests international student engagement opportunities and cross-cultural teaching experiences

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs over 3-7 years, with advancement opportunities depending on continued education, research contributions, industry experience, and institutional relationships developed through consistent high-quality instruction and professional development activities.

Potential Next Roles

Full-time faculty positions at regional colleges and universities Department chair or academic coordinator roles Instructional design specialist focusing on online education development Corporate training and development manager positions Educational consultant specializing in virtual learning implementation

Company Overview

Columbia College

Columbia College operates as an established regional institution with a strong focus on accessible higher education, maintaining both traditional campus-based programs and expanding virtual education offerings through Columbia College Global to serve working adults and geographically dispersed student populations.

The institution holds a solid position in the Missouri higher education market as a private, non-profit college with a reputation for practical, career-focused education and flexible learning options that accommodate diverse student needs and professional development goals.
Columbia College maintains significant presence in the Midwest educational market while expanding national reach through virtual programs, positioning itself as a bridge between traditional academic institutions and modern workforce development needs.
The college emphasizes an inclusive, community-oriented environment that values diverse perspectives and promotes open academic discourse, creating a supportive atmosphere for both faculty and students while maintaining high academic standards and professional expectations.
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