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Professor Of Practice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Professor Of Practice information

See California salary details

$78.5K

$88.8K

$97.2K

How much do professor of practice jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for professor of practice in California is $88,821.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,900.00 and $93,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Professor of Practice?

A Professor of Practice is an academic title given to individuals with significant professional experience in a specific field, rather than a traditional academic background. These professors often bring real-world expertise and industry knowledge to the classroom, enhancing the practical learning experience for students. They may teach, mentor, and collaborate on research projects, but typically their primary focus is on teaching and bridging the gap between academia and industry. Professors of Practice are commonly found in fields like business, law, engineering, and the arts.

What does a Professor of Practice do?

As a professor of practice, you work with faculty and students to promote the integration of academic scholarship within a specific field of practice. You perform the role of a professor as you teach courses while adding direct information on how to practice within the field. You provide resources as well as offer your individual experience in the area you assist. Your responsibilities include developing curriculum, advising students on future education goals, coordinating outreach activities, providing a syllabus, and encouraging a deeper understanding for students that goes beyond traditional education. You are also required to contribute to college programs with new research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Professor of Practice?

To thrive as a Professor of Practice, you need extensive professional experience in your field, usually complemented by an advanced degree and a proven record of industry accomplishments. Familiarity with digital learning platforms, academic assessment tools, and sometimes specific industry-related certifications is typically required. Exceptional communication, mentorship, and networking skills set individuals apart in this role. These skills are crucial for bridging academic theory with real-world application, enhancing student learning and university-industry collaboration.

How does a Professor of Practice typically balance teaching, industry engagement, and academic responsibilities?

A Professor of Practice often divides their time between teaching applied courses, collaborating with industry partners, and contributing to curriculum development. Unlike traditional research-focused faculty, they bring real-world experience to the classroom and may lead workshops, mentorship programs, or networking events. While their research output may be less than tenure-track professors, they are valued for fostering industry connections and integrating practical skills into academic programs. Teamwork with other faculty and administrative staff is essential to align academic goals with current industry needs.

What is the difference between Professor Of Practice vs Lecturer?

AspectProfessor Of PracticeLecturer
Required CredentialsAdvanced degree (often terminal), professional experienceBachelor's or Master's degree, teaching experience
Work EnvironmentHigher education institutions, industry-focusedUniversities, colleges, primarily teaching roles
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in academia with industry experience emphasisCommon in academia, focus on instruction
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding industry professionals transitioning to academiaAcademic teaching roles, entry to mid-level faculty

The main difference is that a Professor Of Practice typically has extensive industry experience and a terminal degree, focusing on practical knowledge, while a Lecturer usually holds a relevant academic degree and primarily focuses on teaching. Both roles are common in higher education, but the Professor Of Practice emphasizes real-world expertise, whereas the Lecturer emphasizes academic instruction.

What type of professor of practice makes the most money?

Professors of practice with extensive industry experience, advanced certifications, or specialized skills in high-demand fields such as healthcare, engineering, or technology tend to earn higher salaries. Their practical expertise and real-world knowledge often command premium compensation compared to those with primarily academic backgrounds.

What are the most commonly searched types of Professor Of Practice jobs in California?

The most popular types of Professor Of Practice jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Professor Of Practice jobs?

Cities in California with the most Professor Of Practice job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Professor Of Practice jobs in CA?

For Professor Of Practice jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Professor Of Practice job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,821 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

Professor of Practice of Business

Fremont, CA โ€ข On-site

San Francisco Bay University
Education Programs Administrationย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$105K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Professor of Practice of Business
About San Francisco Bay University: San Francisco Bay University (SFBU), a nonprofit, WASC-accredited, university situated in the heart of Silicon Valley in Fremont, California, seeks an innovative and experienced Professor of Practice of Business. SFBU's mission is to offer inclusive, innovative, and inspirational education for lifelong careers and our vision is to set the standard as a national model of higher education in service of the common good.
At SFBU, students come first. We prioritize students' needs by fostering personal engagement among students, faculty, and staff. We are committed to providing affordable quality education with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.
We encourage you to learn more about SFBU by reviewing our strategic plan at https://www.sfbu.edu/strategic-plan.
Position Overview: San Francisco Bay University is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Professor of Practice of Business to deliver key content in SFBU's Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Business Analytics, Graduate Certificate in Business Management, and Bachelor of Science in Business, as well as contribute to our integrated and innovative core curriculum. The successful candidate will be our academic subject matter expert in business, contributing and ensuring an innovative, high-quality, student-centric education in business and the core curriculum, combining academic expertise with real-world, practical experience. This full-time, non-tenure-track faculty position offers an exciting opportunity to help transform higher education.
This position does not offer visa sponsorship. You must be authorized to work in the US.
Teaching is one of the noblest professions, and higher education students deserve instructors and institutions that value teaching as a number one priority. We mean it when we value teaching and professors because we believe students deserve the best.
Responsibilities: The Professor of Practice is an 18-month position, and faculty are expected to teach 9 courses per year. Courses are offered every term (i.e., fall, spring, summer), and teaching schedules will vary between 2 and 4 courses per term. Classes are capped at 20 students per course. This position reports to the Chair of the Business Department.
Teaching Excellence: We seek faculty who prioritize student learning through innovative, engaging, and inclusive teaching methods. At SFBU, teaching goes beyond delivering content; it is about designing meaningful, applied, and student-centered learning experiences. A purely lecture-based approach does not align with our vision; instead, we value instructors who facilitate active, experiential learning, foster critical thinking, and integrate real-world applications. Faculty should demonstrate pedagogical expertise, adaptability to diverse student needs, and a commitment to continuous improvement, creating a dynamic, collaborative classroom that prepares students for success in a rapidly evolving world.
Curriculum Development: Collaborate with colleagues on the development of the core curriculum and assure industry alignment with all business curricula. Incorporate the latest advancements in generative AI and other evolving technologies with disciplinary and community/industry needs and emerging trends, ensuring our students are well-prepared for their academic and professional careers.
Advisement and Mentorship: Support students, fostering their holistic growth, wellness, academic success, and career readiness.
Inclusive Education: Implement innovative and inclusive teaching best practices that reflect our core value of providing access and inclusion to a diverse student body.
Engagement: Foster student engagement through collaboration with practitioners, organizations, and community/industry professionals to help students gain practical experience through internships, student-engaged research projects, and partnerships.
Quality Improvement: Active engagement in course and program-level assessment design, data collection, review, and reporting. The professor of practice must also be committed to their professional development and contribute to the broader educational community through ongoing self-assessment and mentorship.
Professional Learning: Attend teacher training and professional learning activities offered by SFBU's Center for Empowerment & Pedagogical Innovation (CEPI). Participate in student-centered formative and summative assessments of teaching performance. Stay current with emerging developments in business, pedagogy, and related fields by participating in scholarly activities, conferences, and workshops.
Service: Serve on various committees within the academic department and/or at the institutional level. These committees may be related to curriculum development, student affairs, faculty governance, or administrative decision-making.
Required Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. or D.B.A. in Business, Management, Marketing, Finance, Leadership, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated teaching experience and a commitment to excellence in pedagogy.
  • A passion for mentoring and guiding students in their academic and professional growth.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, students, and community partners.
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and practice.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in curriculum development or program coordination.

Salary Range:
Starting salary with some experience: $105,000-$115,000/year, with an 18-month initial contract renewable contingent upon performance review.
Application Materials:
Interested candidates must submit the following application materials:
  • A cover letter detailing your qualifications, teaching philosophy, and alignment with our mission and core values (https://www.sfbu.edu/strategic-plan).
  • Curriculum vitae.
  • Contact information for three professional references.
  • Evidence of teaching effectiveness, including student evaluations and sample syllabi (if available).
  • Applications will be reviewed beginning April 1, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

San Francisco Bay University is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We encourage candidates who will contribute to our mission of fostering a diverse and inclusive educational environment to apply.
Join us in our mission to provide innovative, inclusive, and transformative education and help us shape the future of higher education in the heart of Silicon Valley. We look forward to welcoming a passionate Professor of Practice to our academic community.
This position description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities required by the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.
SFBU is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. SFBU is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. SFBU does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
In accordance with federal and state disability laws, San Francisco Bay University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require assistance during the application or interview process, please contact SFBU Human Resources at hrmgr@sfbu.edu.