Job Description
Position Details Position Information
Job Title Adjunct Instructor, Theology & Religious Studies
Department Theology
Division Provost
Terms and Hours Part Time Adjunct Faculty, Semester by Semester Basis
Salary Range Per semester: $1,333.33 per credit hour; $4,000 per 3-credit lecture class
Benefits Part Time, non benefits eligible.
Job Summary The University of Portland
Department of Theology & Religious Studies invites applications for Adjunct Instructors to teach Theology and Religious Studies courses. The Department is broadening its course offerings beginning in the Fall 2025 semester and is seeking adjunct faculty to join the department in offering one or more of the following three new course offerings: Buddhist Thought and Culture, Islamic Thought and Culture, and Engaging East Asian Religions. These expanded offerings will offer thoughtful intercultural and interreligious content to our increasingly diverse and multicultural student body.
This position requires course instruction with three in-person class contact hours per week per section, maintaining regular availability to meet with students, and participation in department orientation and trainings. Adjunct Instructors are hired on a per semester basis and teach assigned Theology and Religious Studies courses, not to exceed six credit hours (or equivalent) per semester.
Core Duties - Teach assigned theology and religious studies courses using evidence-based instruction practices.
- Provide a supportive learning environment and facilitate effective student learning.
- Adhere to course curricula, methods, practices, and lesson plans as developed by the Department of Theology and Religious Studies.
- Adhere to University and College of Arts and Sciences policies and processes related to class instruction, including but not limited to syllabus requirements.
- Conduct regular student assessments and provide timely graded feedback including homework, quizzes, and exams.
- Access the online learning system and other network resources to assign homework, communicate with students, complete grading and other assessment tasks.
- Conduct student meetings by holding regular office hours outside of regularly scheduled class time.
Education & Experience - Required: Master's degree in theology, religious studies, or related field.
- Required: Teaching or instructional experience.
- Preferred: Ph.D. in theology, religious studies, or related field.
- Preferred: Experience teaching undergraduate theology and/or religious studies courses.
Certifications & Licenses Knowledge, Skills & Abilities - Demonstrated effectiveness in inclusive and student-centered teaching.
- Strong orientation towards continued learning and applying learning in the teaching environment.
- Evidence of a commitment to teaching and student mentoring.
- Competence with and commitment to diversity and inclusion; ability to be an effective partner with diverse students, faculty, and staff.
- Demonstrated lived experience, knowledge, skills, and/or success in diversity, equity, and inclusion work within or transferable to higher education.
- Commitment to collegial collaboration both within the department and across the University.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and effectively handle sensitive and personal information with sound judgment, tact, and discretion.
- Effective ability to use and learn computers, technology, software, and applications at level of sophistication required for teaching duties including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), the internet, and learning and course management systems (Moodle and Banner).
Physical Requirements - Frequently: sit, perform desk-based computer tasks; use fine manipulation and grasp; use a telephone; write by hand; sort and file paperwork.
- Frequently: stand and walk; twist; lift, carry, push, and push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
- Frequently: ability to interact and communicate with members of the University and others as necessary.
Working Condition - Hours of employment: sometimes may require working flexible hours when necessitated by projects or class schedules.
- Stress from work-related situations such as those involving challenging, important, urgent, time-sensitive, or multiple matters.
Work Standards - Respect for the University's mission and Catholic identity: demonstrates commitment to learning, respecting, and contributing to the mission of the University, a Catholic and Congregation of Holy Cross institution. The University's mission statement states in relevant part: "we pursue teaching and learning, faith and formation, service and leadership in the classroom, residence halls, and the world."1 The University's Statement of Inclusion states in relevant part: "Our belief in the inherent dignity of each person is founded upon the social teaching of the Catholic Church. At the center of that teaching is the fundamental mandate that every person, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, social or economic class, age, or disability shall be treated with respect and dignity."2
- Promote culture of safety: demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Compliance with laws and policies and procedures: subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University, departmental, and other applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to, the personnel, business, and/or other policies of the University.
- Compliance with driving-related laws and requirements: when conducting university business while driving, must comply with the Oregon Vehicle Code and University of Portland driving requirements.
- Interpersonal skills: demonstrates the ability to work professionally with all University of Portland community members, external organizations, and any other person or organization employee interacts with in his or her University capacity.
1 The full Mission Statement is at: .
2 The full Statement of Inclusion is at: .
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number F053-2023
Estimated Start Date 08/15/2025
Open Date 01/01/2025
Close Date Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions Summary To apply, please complete the
online application . The documents needed to apply include the following:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Names and contact information for three professional references
For full consideration, applications must be received by March 1, 2025. While applications may be accepted after this date, it is not guaranteed that they will be considered. Inquiries about this position can be made to the department chair Dr. David Turnbloom at
[email protected] may be asked to submit additional materials at a later date.
Incomplete applications will not be considered by the search committee. The University of Portland is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. Additional Requirements Upon Hire A background investigation check is required before final hiring procedures can be completed for all faculty and staff positions.
For those requiring a reasonable accommodation to apply: Applicants who have a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation regarding the application or hiring process should contact the University's Human Resources Office at
[email protected] or (503) 943-8484. University of Portland
Job Tags
Part time, Immediate start, Work visa, Flexible hours,