Position Title: Adjunct Faculty/Program Lead, Paralegal Studies
Classification: Faculty
FTE: Varies, course assignment dependent
Schedule: Varies, course assignment dependent
FLSA Status: Overtime Exempt
Teaching Modality: In-person/Hybrid/Online
Job Summary
The Adjunct /Program Lead, Paralegal Studies will teach within the Business, Education, and Law Department beginning fall quarter 2026. Courses may include legal research and writing, civil litigation, contracts, and related paralegal studies coursework across in-person, hybrid, and/or online modalities.
In addition to teaching, this position serves as the Program Lead for Paralegal Studies as defined in the Faculty Negotiated Agreement, providing leadership for the program through course scheduling, adjunct faculty assignment, advisory committee support, program review, and curriculum development. Program Lead compensation is separate from teaching compensation and will be agreed upon with the appropriate administrator.
Reporting Structure/Supervisory Relationship
- This Adjunct Faculty position reports to the Associate Dean for Business, Education, and Law.
ResponsibilitiesEssential Functions
- Develop, prepare, and deliver high quality, evidence-based education and promote the development of qualified students to help prepare them for the future.
- Apply current subject matter expertise and remain up to date in the field to ensure relevant, workforce aligned curriculum.
- Uses student centered, inclusive, and innovative teaching practices to support diverse learners.
- Assess student learning and provide feedback, contributing to a positive learning environment.
- Maintain office hours at times and places convenient for students and respond to student emails and requests in a timely manner.
- Develop and submit annual and quarterly course schedules, including assigning courses to adjunct faculty.
- Develop and revise curriculum in accordance with curriculum committee procedures; review and maintain catalog materials and pathway maps.
- Work with the Department Chair to prepare the annual program budget request and initiate purchases in alignment with approved budget.
- Lead the adjunct faculty hiring process and participate in the initial adjunct review process.
- Provide program-specific orientation for new faculty.
- Lead the Program Improvement Plan (PIP) review process as scheduled.
- Support the program advisory committee.
- Coordinate with marketing and outreach on recruitment efforts, including information sessions and program marketing materials.
- Perform other related work of a similar nature and level.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Experience as a practicing paralegal or comparable legal support professional.
- Knowledge of the academic discipline, including current research, trends, and developments in the field.
- Knowledge of pedagogical theories, instructional design, and relevant standards and higher education regulations.
- Skill in effective teaching, classroom facilitation, and classroom management.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to collaborate with colleagues in team-based, committee, or interdisciplinary settings.
- Ability to engage, motivate, and support diverse student populations through adaptable and inclusive teaching strategies.
- Ability to assess student performance fairly, provide constructive feedback, and manage sensitive or complex student situations with professionalism.
- The ability to actively contribute to a work and learning environment that treats everyone with respect and dignity, while engaging diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences to enhance the College's mission, vision, and promise
- Ability to lead and coordinate adjunct faculty, including hiring, orientation, and performance review.
- Ability to engage with employer partners, advisory committees, and community stakeholders.
- Budget development and resource management skills.
Working Conditions/Environment
Work is completed primarily in the classroom environment. Position will sometimes perform standard office tasks and operate standard office equipment. Position may be required to traverse or travel across campus to other on campus buildings for any applicable meetings or needs.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- An associate's degree in paralegal studies or bachelor's in legal studies, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
- A minimum of 5 years professional experience working as a paralegal or related field in a legal setting such as a law office, court system, or governmental agency.
- Ability to teach in-person and online modalities dependent on departmental needs.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience designing, delivering, and assessing curriculum using evidence-based, student-centered, equity-minded, and culturally responsive teaching practices.
- Experience teaching in higher education, including online instruction and the use of learning management systems (e.g., Canvas).
- Demonstrated ability to teach and support diverse and historically underserved student populations.
- Leadership experience in a professional-technical or workforce program.
- The ability to take action to learn and grow.
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of other.
Licensure, Certification & Other Necessary Requirements
- Employment contingent upon passing a criminal background check and sexual misconduct review.
- Occasional travel to meetings, conferences, and training sessions may be required.
Salary:
- There are opportunities to teach a 5 credit class (salary $6,443.00) as well as 3 credit classes (salary $3866.00) fall quarter 2026. Classes will be assigned based on qualifications and availability.
Benefits:
- Accrues a percentage of 7 hours (equal to the percentage of workload) per month of sick leave (ex. 50% quarterly employment contract x 7 hrs for full-time = 3.5 hrs per month for that quarter.)
Start Date:
- Fall quarter 2026. Quarter begins on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026.
Application Due Date:
- For guaranteed consideration, application packets should be received as soon as possible. Position open until filled.
How To Apply
A completed application consists of an online application and:
- Letter of application detailing relevant experience and how the applicant is prepared to meet the duties of the position.
- Values statement that responds to the following prompt:
Short Reflection (1 page max): One of the core values of this institution is building an inclusive and supportive campus. This core value is reflected in our strategic plan, goals, and the work that we do every day. Please describe your experience in building an inclusive environment that supports a sense of belonging.
- Current resume.
- Unofficial Transcripts for all earned degrees; official transcripts required prior to the official start date.
- List of five recent professional references with contact information.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $2,148.00 per month
Ability to Relocate:
- Bellingham, WA 98226: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
