Online Adjunct Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of remote learning, the importance of online adjunct professors has never been greater.

As education evolves into digital spaces, the demand for knowledgeable, engaging professionals who can navigate and excel in the virtual classroom increases significantly.

But what exactly is expected from an online adjunct professor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply interested in the dynamics of online education,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we are presenting a customizable online adjunct professor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Online Adjunct Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Online Adjunct Professors have a unique set of responsibilities that revolve around teaching, course development, student interaction, and occasionally research.

They work within online education platforms to deliver high-quality instruction to students who may be located anywhere in the world.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Prepare course syllabus and outlines according to curriculum guidelines
• Develop online instructional materials and content for course delivery
• Teach courses in a specific field of expertise using an online platform
• Engage with students regularly through forums, email, and virtual office hours
• Monitor student progress and provide timely feedback
• Administer and grade assignments and exams
• Participate in departmental meetings and professional development activities remotely
• Assist students in academic advising and career guidance
• Adhere to the institution’s policies, procedures, and academic standards
• Maintain records of student attendance, grades, and other required documentation
• Stay updated with the latest industry trends and advancements in online education

 

Online Adjunct Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Online Adjunct Professor to join our learning institution.

The Online Adjunct Professor will be responsible for teaching and mentoring students in the assigned subject area, developing curriculum, and implementing engaging, effective online teaching strategies.

The ideal candidate will be an expert in their field, have a passion for teaching, and have a strong understanding of digital learning technologies and platforms.

 

Responsibilities

• Teach and deliver course content in an engaging and compelling manner through an online platform.
• Develop curriculum and learning materials that align with the course objectives and desired learning outcomes.
• Participate in departmental meetings and contribute to the improvement of online learning practices.
• Assess student progress and provide constructive feedback.
• Hold virtual office hours and provide assistance to students as needed.
• Stay updated with the latest trends and developments in the field of study.
• Adhere to the institution’s policies and procedures.

 

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in the related field of study.
• Previous experience as an online adjunct professor or in a similar role in education.
• Strong working knowledge of online teaching platforms and learning management systems (LMS).
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in the subject area.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive educational environment.

 

Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Professional development opportunities
• Access to University resources and library
• Virtual work environment

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Online Adjunct Professor
• Work Environment: Fully remote, online
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Head or Course Coordinator
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: Remote
• Employment Type: Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and any other supporting documents to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Online Adjunct Professor Do?

Online Adjunct Professors work for colleges and universities but are not full-time employees.

They are often experts in their field and bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to the classroom.

Their main role is to provide instruction to students in a designated subject area, typically via a virtual classroom environment.

They develop and implement a comprehensive lesson plan and ensure it aligns with the curriculum set by the institution.

Online Adjunct Professors also evaluate student performance, provide feedback, and assign grades.

They monitor student progress and adapt lesson plans as necessary to ensure students understand the material.

They may also provide additional tutoring or assistance outside of class hours.

They participate in faculty meetings and workshops, and may also contribute to the development and revision of the institution’s curriculum.

Online Adjunct Professors are also responsible for staying up-to-date with developments in their field, continuously updating their knowledge and adjusting their instruction accordingly.

Despite working remotely, they foster a positive and engaging learning environment, fostering open communication with students and providing guidance and support as needed.

 

Online Adjunct Professor Qualifications and Skills

An effective Online Adjunct Professor should have the qualifications and skills that align with your job description, such as:

• Expertise in their chosen subject area, with an advanced degree (usually a PhD) in the field they will be teaching.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly and effectively convey complex information to students in an online environment.
• Strong technological skills to effectively use online learning platforms, video conferencing software, and other digital tools necessary for remote instruction.
• Ability to design and implement engaging online coursework that facilitates student learning and mastery of the subject.
• Time management skills to balance teaching responsibilities, grading, and providing timely feedback to students.
• Interpersonal skills to connect with students, understand their learning needs and provide supportive instruction.
• Commitment to continuing education and staying updated with the latest advancements in their field and in online teaching methodologies.
• Problem-solving skills to address any technical issues or obstacles to learning that may arise in the online format.

 

Online Adjunct Professor Experience Requirements

Online Adjunct Professors typically have a minimum of a Master’s degree, with many institutions requiring a Doctorate in the field they are teaching.

They must have significant knowledge and expertise in their subject matter, often gained through years of work in the field or through research and publications.

For entry-level positions, universities may require a minimum of 2-3 years of teaching experience, which could be obtained through teaching assistant positions, guest lecturing, or other educational roles during graduate studies.

Adjunct professors with more than 5 years of teaching experience often have developed their teaching methodology, curriculum design skills and have a solid understanding of online teaching platforms and student engagement strategies.

Those with over 10 years of teaching experience, including substantial experience in online education, may be considered for more senior roles or leadership positions within the academic department.

Experience in professional development, curriculum development, and academic advising may also be required.

As an online role, familiarity with online teaching tools, learning management systems, and other educational technology is essential.

In addition to teaching experience, universities often value professors who remain active in their field through research, publications, or involvement in professional organizations.

This ensures the professor stays current with industry trends and can bring real-world examples into the online classroom.

 

Online Adjunct Professor Education and Training Requirements

Online Adjunct Professors typically hold a doctoral degree in their field of expertise, which may be in various disciplines such as humanities, sciences, business, or arts.

In most cases, they are also expected to have a master’s degree in a related field.

In addition to their academic qualifications, they should have a record of professional experience in the subject they plan to teach.

Online Adjunct Professors should have a good understanding of online teaching tools and platforms, as well as the ability to effectively communicate and engage students in a virtual environment.

Some institutions may require Online Adjunct Professors to complete a certain number of hours in online teaching training or certification.

Continuing education to stay updated on the latest teaching techniques and developments in their subject area is also beneficial.

Although not required, experience in academic research and publications in their field can enhance an Online Adjunct Professor’s qualifications.

Due to the nature of their work, they should also have excellent organizational skills, the ability to manage their time effectively, and the flexibility to adapt to the online learning environment.

 

Online Adjunct Professor Salary Expectations

An Online Adjunct Professor can expect to earn an average salary of $36,000 – $40,000 (USD) annually.

The salary can vary depending on factors such as the subject taught, the professor’s qualifications, the educational institution, and geographic location.

 

Online Adjunct Professor Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Online Adjunct Professor need?

Online Adjunct Professors need excellent communication and teaching skills.

They should be comfortable using online platforms for teaching and be adept at creating engaging, interactive online coursework.

A deep understanding of their subject area is crucial.

They should also have strong organizational skills, as they will be managing multiple online classes and students simultaneously.

 

Do Online Adjunct Professors need a degree?

Yes, an Online Adjunct Professor generally needs at least a master’s degree in their subject area.

However, many institutions prefer hiring candidates with a doctoral degree.

In addition, they may require teaching experience, often specifically within an online environment.

 

What should you look for in an Online Adjunct Professor’s resume?

An Online Adjunct Professor’s resume should demonstrate solid knowledge in their subject area, supported by the appropriate academic qualifications.

Look for previous teaching experience, preferably online, and any evidence of curriculum development or course design skills.

Also, check for technological proficiency, as this is crucial for managing online teaching platforms.

 

What qualities make a good Online Adjunct Professor?

A good Online Adjunct Professor is enthusiastic about their subject and able to convey complex ideas in an accessible and engaging way.

They should have strong technical skills and be comfortable using a variety of online teaching tools.

They need to be flexible, as online teaching can often be more fluid than traditional classroom teaching, and empathetic to accommodate students in different time zones or with varying levels of technical proficiency.

 

What are the daily duties of an Online Adjunct Professor?

On a daily basis, an Online Adjunct Professor may conduct live online lectures or discussions, grade assignments, respond to student queries via email or online platforms, and develop or update course content.

They may also attend virtual meetings with other faculty members or administrators, and keep track of student progress.

They need to constantly update their teaching methods and materials to stay current in their field.

 

Is it difficult to hire Online Adjunct Professors?

Hiring Online Adjunct Professors can be challenging due to the specific skill set required.

Candidates must be proficient in both their subject area and in using online teaching platforms.

However, the rise of online education has increased the pool of experienced candidates.

To attract top candidates, institutions need to offer competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and demonstrate a commitment to providing quality online education.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being an online adjunct professor.

And guess what?

It’s not just about lecturing online.

It’s about shaping the academic future, one virtual class at a time.

With our streamlined online adjunct professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re now equipped to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your crucial next step for creating laser-focused job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every online class is a part of a larger educational journey.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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