Adjunct Lecturer, Leading Collaboration (Fall ‘26 - In-Person)

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 twenty 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.

Due to programmatic need, the School of Professional Studies’ M.S. in Information & Knowledge Strategy (IKNS) program is seeking an adjunct lecturer to teach an additional section of Leading Collaboration in person during the Fall 2026 term. Scholar-practitioners with relevant academic and industry experience are invited to apply.

A high-level overview of the course’s syllabus can be found here, however instructors will be encouraged to bring to their teaching additional case studies and reading materials of their own.    

Serving as an adjunct lecturer provides a unique opportunity to educate and mentor students, as well as build a rewarding professional relationship with Columbia University’s world-class faculty. Candidates should have a demonstrated understanding of academic and applied trends that are driving best practices in the field.

Responsibilities

• Deliver all in-person class sessions (the class meets one evening per week for approximately 110 minutes) and manage classroom activities. 
• Prepare course materials, including oversight of the course Canvas site (learning management system), weekly presentations, curation of class readings and related materials.
• Monitor student inquiries and concerns; hold office hours. 
• Evaluate and grade student assignments (teaching assistants will be provided).

Minimum Degree Required

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., organizational leadership, management, public administration, social sciences, or related discipline). 
• Doctoral degree preferred.

Schedule

• The course will meet in-person once per week (110 minutes) during the Fall 2026 semester (September–December). 
• The weekday and exact time when the class will meet has yet to be decided and will be based on student needs and instructor availability.

Requirements

• Previous experience in teaching semester-long courses at the graduate level. 
• Demonstrated expertise in leading or facilitating cross-functional and/or cross-organizational collaboration. 
• Familiarity with frameworks related to collaboration, networks, systems thinking, or large-scale organizational coordination. 
• Strong ability to translate complex concepts into accessible, applied learning experiences. 

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• First-hand experience leading large-scale or multi-stakeholder initiatives (e.g., partnerships, coalitions, ecosystems). 
• Experience working across sectors (e.g., private, nonprofit, public). 
• Evidence of thought leadership, research, or applied work in collaboration, leadership, or organizational design.

Compensation

$15,500 - $17,500 (for the semester).

Application Process

• Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
• Applicants should provide:
  • Resume/CV, inclusive of university teaching experience at the graduate level.
  • A cover letter.
  • If available, please submit any evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., student evaluations of teaching, teaching observation summaries, etc.).

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran