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

Columbia University has been a leader in higher education in the nation and around the world for more than 250 years. At the core of our wide range of academic inquiry is the commitment to attract and engage the best minds in pursuit of greater human understanding, pioneering new discoveries, and service to society.

The School of Professional Studies at Columbia University offers innovative and rigorous programs that integrate knowledge across disciplinary boundaries, combine theory with practice, leverage the expertise of our students and faculty, and connect global constituencies. Through eighteen professional master's degrees, courses for advancement and graduate school preparation, certificate programs, summer courses, high school programs, and a program for learning English as a second language, the School of Professional Studies transforms knowledge and understanding in service of the greater good.

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.

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.

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

• 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

Salary - The salary is $11,145.82 for the semester.

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

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.