Part-time Faculty - Leadership and Organizational Studies, Academic Year 2026 - 2027

The University of Southern Maine’s Leadership and Organizational Studies Department is seeking applicants for part-time instructors for our 2026 – 2027 Academic Year.   Courses will be taught asynchronously online. 

We are seeking a student-focused instructor who will be responsible for the full delivery and grading of the course. Responsibilities include developing the course, teaching, assessing student performance, and meeting with students as needed. The instructor will be provided with the course learning objectives, program competencies, and suggested topical outline and will be given a previous course syllabus available for reference.

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

Leading Organization Development (LOS 502/702), Fall 2026: Students in this course will explore theories and research of leading effective holistic systems change with a focus on organizational development frameworks, strategies, and processes. An emphasis will be placed on processes for leading organizational change and related emerging leadership theories and research. Case studies are used to examine the intended and unintended consequences of organizational development efforts.

Leadership Education: Assessment & Evaluation (LOS 626), Fall 2026: Students in this course will develop knowledge and skill in assessing and evaluating leadership programs that provide or support learning for individuals and groups in curricular and co-curricular higher education contexts.  This includes formative and summative assessment and evaluation at the individual, course/program, and institutional levels, focusing on decision-making related to learning goals, program delivery, curriculum, and content of leadership education programs. 

Organizational Budgeting and Finance (LOS 304), Spring 2027: This course contributes to future leaders’ capacity to meaningfully develop, monitor, and interpret budgets as they relate to organizations’ and individual financial wellbeing. Students are introduced to budgeting, budget analysis, cost-benefit analysis, decision making in organizations, and an overview of basic accounting principles. They learn to effectively communicate matters of budget and financing to their respective constituency and stakeholders. Assignments use Excel for analysis and presentation of fiscal and budget data. Students will learn to present budget information to knowledgeable but non-technical audiences using tables and graphs.

USM’s Leadership Studies Program promotes the best leadership knowledge and practice, teaching students the vital tools and best practices for excelling in complex environments.  Our graduates leave with skills to lead change, drive innovation, and enhance diversity in organizations and communities — regionally, nationally, and internationally.

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. Eligible part-time faculty members may elect certain benefits provided by the University of Maine System.  In addition, 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. 

The University of Southern Maine 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. 

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. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in leadership studies, organizational leadership, organizational psychology, organizational behavior, business administration, public administration, higher education and/or student affairs, or a related field.
• Prior college teaching experience in the traditional classroom or online (please include a list of courses taught and delivery mode, i.e., online, in person, or blended, in your cover letter).
• The successful candidate will be well versed in leadership theory, deliberate creative processes, and how leadership may be used to enhance and successfully implement innovation in organizations. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree in leadership studies, organizational leadership, organizational psychology, organizational behavior, business administration, public administration, higher education and/or student affairs, or a related field.
• Experience teaching graduate-level leadership or education courses in an online environment.

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below or visit our USM Careers Page and submit the following:

• Cover letter describing qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae or resume 
• Finalist candidates will be asked for contact information for three professional references.

We will begin reviewing applications on an ongoing basis. 

This position will remain open until filled.

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator.

Clery Act:

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. View the University’s Annual Security Report (PDF). If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.