Public Administration Lecturer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Details
University of Colorado | Denver
Faculty Level/Title: Lecturer
Working Title: Lecturer
FTE: Part-Time
Salary Range: $5,124.01 per 3-credit hour course for Fall 2026. Beginning January 2027, SPA will apply annual merit pool increases consistent with campus guidelines. This position is part of an ongoing pooled posting; rates may differ for Senior Lecturers who are retired or Emeritus SPA faculty. To inquire about the current rate for any appointment type, please contact SPA.HR@ucdenver.edu.
Position #00825852- Requisition #40601

About the University of Colorado Denver
Millions of moments start at CU Denver, a place where innovation, research, and learning meet in the heart of a global city. We're the state's premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top-ranked bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs. We partner with diverse learners-at any stage of their life and career-for transformative educational experiences. Across seven schools and colleges, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges and produce impactful creative work. As part of the state's largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $665 million. To learn more about how CU Denver helps learners meet their moment, visit ucdenver.edu.  

Job Description
* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *
The University of Colorado Denver Campus seeks individuals with demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment.  We value the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds.
This posting will establish and maintain a pool of candidates to fill temporary, non-tenure track Lecturer positions for the School of Public Affairs. Candidates hired from this pool may teach undergraduate courses in the Bachelor of Public Administration (BAPA) or Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BACJ) programs, or graduate level courses in the school's Master of Public Administration program (MPA), the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program, or Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) program. If selected, this would be a part-time, semester-by-semester appointment, with the possibility of renewal. This pool will remain active until May 31, 2027, at which point all applicants will be cleared from the pool. Applicants are encouraged to apply to future recruitment pools after that date. 
US News & World Report places CU Denver's School of Public Affairs as a whole at number 25 nationally, tied with Duke University, Georgetown University and several other prominent institutions. Four of SPA's academic focus areas-now offered as graduate certificates-are ranked among the top 25 programs nationally. 
- 10th in environmental policy and management
- 13th in nonprofit management
- 22nd in public management & leadership
- 25th in public policy management
Degrees offered include the Ph.D. in Public Affairs, the Master of Public Administration, the Master of Public Policy, the Master of Criminal Justice, the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, and the Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration. Please visit https:// publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/ for further details.

Lecturer
What you will do:
Lecturers in the School of Public Affairs (SPA) contribute to the teaching mission across the School's undergraduate and graduate programs in public administration, public policy, and criminal justice. Teaching assignments may include in-person, hybrid, or online formats depending on program need and instructor expertise. Lecturers may teach no more than two courses per semester or term across all CU campuses. If you are teaching in any unit outside SPA, please make sure to note that in your application.
As a lecturer, you will:
    Teach one or two courses per term that align with SPA's curriculum and learning outcomes.
    Develop and deliver high-quality, inclusive instruction that reflects SPA's mission to Lead. Solve. Change.
    Foster an engaging, equitable learning environment for a diverse student population of working professionals, traditional students, and community partners.
    Design course content and assessments consistent with SPA's learning outcomes and assessment philosophy emphasizing applied, evidence-based learning and equity-minded reflection.
    Communicate regularly with students and provide timely, constructive feedback consistent with SPA's teaching guidelines.
    Collaborate with program faculty and the program manager in the syllabus collection and review process, ensuring syllabi reflect current objectives and university policies.
    Participate in instructor communication and onboarding processes and maintain compliance with required training and campus policies.

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Candidates must have completed a terminal degree. For most courses, this requires an MPA, MCJ, or Ph.D. in public administration, public policy, criminal justice, or a related field. Candidates must also show strong accomplishment in teaching. 
    For undergraduate courses: the instructor should possess a relevant graduate degree at least one level above the course taught; if the instructor's graduate degree is in a non-relevant field, the instructor must have completed at least 18 hours in a graduate program in a relevant field
    For master's level courses: the instructor should possess a terminal degree relevant to the discipline and a record of research, scholarship, or achievement appropriate to the program
    For doctoral courses: the instructor should possess a terminal degree relevant to the discipline and a record of scholarship and preparation to teach at the doctoral level
    For dual credit courses (e.g., CU Succeed): the instructor should possess the same qualifications as required for undergraduate courses

Preferred Qualification to possess (Preferred Qualifications)
    Teaching experience in higher education, particularly with adult learners or hybrid/online delivery.
    Demonstrated professional experience in public service, nonprofit management, policy analysis, or the criminal justice system.
    Experience using Canvas or comparable learning management systems and applying inclusive, high-impact teaching practices.
    Evidence of commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in teaching or professional work.
    Ability to connect academic theory with real-world application in public affairs practice.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
    Knowledge of public administration, public policy, or criminal justice frameworks and their contemporary applications.
    Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple course demands.
    Cultural competency and awareness of the role of equity and justice in public service education.
    Facility with applied learning techniques such as case studies, simulations, community-based projects, and data-driven assignments.
    Ability to engage students through accessible course design and learner-centered pedagogy.
    Proficiency with online systems as used in course coordination.

Conditions of Employment
    Occasional work during the evening and/or weekends may be required.
    This position follows a hybrid work structure where employees can work remotely or from the office, as needed, based on demands of specific tasks or personal work preferences.

Mental, Physical, and/or Environmental Requirements 
    Ability to sustain periods of focused work and communication in online or in-person instructional settings.
    Capacity to adapt to varying class modalities (in-person, hybrid, online).
    Regular use of computer and learning technology systems.
    Commitment to maintaining a respectful, collaborative, and inclusive environment consistent with SPA and CU Denver values.
    Occasional evening or weekend work may be required depending on course schedules.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
The University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu .

Employment Sponsorship
Please be advised that this position is not eligible now or in the future for visa sponsorship.

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $5,124.01 per 3-credit hour course for Fall 2026. Beginning January 2027, SPA will apply annual merit pool increases consistent with campus guidelines. This position is part of an ongoing pooled posting; rates may differ for Senior Lecturers who are retired or Emeritus SPA faculty. To inquire about the current rate for any appointment type, please contact SPA.HR@ucdenver.edu.The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Benefits statement to include in all benefits-eligible positions. See Eligibility Matrix.
Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits
Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Application Deadline
This is a pooled posting. Applications are reviewed by each Program Director quarterly. If a vacant teaching need is identified, applicants that fit the qualifications and experience for a particular course may be contacted. Please direct questions to SPA.HR@ucdenver.edu. Thank you!

Required Application Materials:
To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:
1.    A letter of application which specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications
2.    A current Resume/CV
3.    Proof of degree (unofficial transcript or diploma is acceptable)
4.    The names, addresses, daytime telephone numbers and e-mail addresses for 3-5 professional references, either attached to your resume/CV or uploaded as a separate document
5.    Lecturers may teach no more than two courses per semester or term across all CU campuses. If you are teaching in any unit outside SPA, please make sure to note that in your application.

Please be advised that the University does check references as part of the employment process.
Please do not submit any of your application material (via email) to the job posting contact.

Background Check Policy
The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.