Adjunct Lecturer, Ethical Decision-Making for Communicators (Fall '25)

Job Description

The School of Professional Studies at Columbia University seeks a part-time lecturer to teach a graduate-level course in Ethical Decision-Making for Communicators, in the school’s Master of Science degree program in Strategic Communication.

This required course addresses the growing need for ethical leadership among communications and marketing professionals—not only to protect an organization’s reputation, but also to attract desirable customers and employees, and build trust among increasingly socially conscious stakeholders. Through case studies, class discussions, and assignments, students learn how to identify ethical dilemmas, analyze potential risks and opportunities by applying ethical reasoning, and to formulate persuasive arguments for winning support for their positions from within and outside their organizations. The course focuses on current events involving issues specific to communications professionals, including the ethical and unethical application of persuasion.

The course will be taught on our Morningside Heights campus during the fall '25 semester: from September 2nd (first day of classes) to December 19th (last day for final exams).

Responsibilities

• Based on an approved syllabus, lead class lectures, instructional activities, and classroom discussion

• Evaluate and grade student assignments

• Monitor and address student questions and concerns

• Hold office hours

• Attend program faculty meetings and coordinate with the Deputy Program Director

• Participate in relevant training as recommended by the Deputy Program Director

Class Schedule

• Monday 10:10am - 12:00pm EST

-OR-

• Monday 2:10pm - 4:00pm EST

Qualifications

• Graduate degree, with a preference for Ph.D. in communication, ethics, or related field

• Familiarity with a variety of ethical perspectives and pedagogies

• 10+ years of professional experience in strategic communication

• Availability for daytime in-person classes

Preferred Skills/Experience

• 2+ years of graduate teaching experience

Additional Information

All applicants must provide the following:

• CV and cover letter describing why you want to teach this course and your potential contribution to the program

• Contact information for three professional colleagues to serve as references

• Candidates who advance to the second round will be asked to deliver a 20-minute teaching demo and provide prior teaching evaluations for three semester-length courses, if available

• All applications must be made via this link: https://smrtr.io/rNb4Y

Must reside the New York metropolitan area and be eligible to work in the United States.

All interested should apply as soon as possible as applications will be reviewed upon receipt.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.