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 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 . 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:
- 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.
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
- Contact information for three professional references.
- Copies of student course evaluations of teaching effectiveness from post-secondary institutions.
- Experience and commitment to working with students from diverse populations and interest in innovative teaching practices.
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.
