Part-Time Faculty - Communication & Media Studies, Academic Year 2026 - 2027

University of Maine System • Portland, ME

1d

About The Position

The University of Southern Maine’s Communication and Media Studies
Department invites applications for part-time faculty. 

We are seeking student-focused instructors who will be responsible for the full
delivery and grading of the course. Position responsibilities include course
preparation and teaching either a traditional in-person or online asynchronous
course section of media writing courses in print and multimedia journalism
during the regular fall and spring terms.  The instructor is responsible for
responding to student course inquiries through electronic mail, phone call, or
in-person, and posting final grades in a timely manner. The course sections and
modalities will be determined by the department chair.  

Courses to be taught may include but are not limited to: 

Writing for Popular Print Media (CMS 202) - This introduction to magazine
writing provides students with an opportunity to conceive, craft, and publish
original work in different genres for different markets.  There is a strong
emphasis on the utility of writing as a means of organizing and communicating
information, as in reporting and also as a medium for more expressive and
entertaining content.

Topics in Media Writing I (CMS 205) & Topics in Media Writing II (CMS 300) - A
selection of courses varying in content from term to term. Students should
consult their media studies advisor for detailed descriptions.

Journalism Reporting and Writing (CMS 215) - This course cultivates
journalistic/public affairs research and writing. Students learn how to find and
develop human and textual primary sources. Likewise, they learn and practice
journalistic form and concise, accessible written expression. And students learn
to appreciate and model the liberal ideals of public dialogue, debate, and
democratic engagement.

Writing the Feature Story (CMS 302) - Students generate story ideas according to
their own interests and target them for publication in specific markets. Class
time focuses on perfecting writing and editorial skills, developing style and a
field of interest, building an accomplished portfolio, and examining the
practical and philosophical challenges of writing professionally. There is a
strong emphasis on taking the initiative and working independently.

Writing Opinion: Editorials and Columns (CMS 305) - This is a writing-intensive
course that provides students with the basic skills for writing editorials,
columns, and journalistic essays.  The emphasis is on economical, persuasive,
and strongly argumentative styles of writing. Students will read, analyze, and
discuss throughout the semester the work of leading U.S. essayist/columnists.

The Communication & Media Studies Department
[https://usm.maine.edu/communication-media-studies-department/] integrates
scholarly theory with real-world practice, offering students twin pathways:
a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a BA in Media Studies. Rooted in liberal
arts and social science traditions, the department explores a broad spectrum of
topics—gender and intercultural communication, ethics, health communication,
multimedia, media policy, and more.

Part-time faculty members are paid on a credit hour basis based on prior
teaching experience, as determined by the Part-Time Faculty Association of Maine
(PATFA), an affiliate of the national American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
union. To view the Credit Hour Rates for AY 2026, please refer to the PATFA
Contract
[https://www.maine.edu/human-resources/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/03/PATFA-2023-2026-CBA-accessible.docx]. Eligible
part-time faculty members may elect certain benefits
[https://usm.maine.edu/campus-human-resource-services/wp-content/uploads/sites/235/2022/07/Single-Page-Benefits-PATFA.pdf]
provided by the University of Maine System.  In addition, The Center for
Academic Innovation [https://usmdl.org/] provides learning design consulting and
faculty development opportunities to help faculty to create engaging programs,
courses and lesson plans grounded in evidence-based best practices for every
modality. 

The University of Southern Maine [https://usm.maine.edu/] is a vibrant academic
community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in
Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine
System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs,
emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary
collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM
is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and
civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond.  USM is
committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates
economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse
society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University
[https://usm.maine.edu/about-our-university/]. 

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus
environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing
teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement.  We
welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication
to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.

We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a
team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect
& Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness.

Requirements

• M.A. or M.S. in Communication, Mass Communication, or equivalent degree.
• Professional work experience in media writing, print, online or multimedia journalism.
• 1 to 3 years experience teaching in post-secondary institutions.

Responsibilities

• course preparation
• teaching either a traditional in-person or online asynchronous course section of media writing courses in print and multimedia journalism during the regular fall and spring terms
• responding to student course inquiries through electronic mail, phone call, or in-person
• posting final grades in a timely manner

Benefits

• Eligible part-time faculty members may elect certain benefits provided by the University of Maine System.
• The Center for Academic Innovation provides learning design consulting and faculty development opportunities to help faculty to create engaging programs, courses and lesson plans grounded in evidence-based best practices for every modality.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees