University of Minnesota
Adjunct Media Law Lecturer
University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, 55199
Position Overview
The Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication (HSJMC) in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota occasionally needs part-time instructors to teach courses that cannot be staffed by regular faculty who teach courses in media law and ethics. These courses may include topics related to media law and ethics. These positions are temporary (one semester) and part-time (one course per semester).
The school is particularly interested in recruiting a diverse and inclusive pool of working professionals whose daily professional activities lend themselves to expertise relevant to curricula in media law and ethics. The School is seeking applications from individuals with teaching experience and/or professional legal experience in media law, First Amendment freedoms, the Freedom of Information Act, legal case law as it relates to freedom of the press, libel law, shield laws, copyright, speech and expression online, technology policy and the law, and related issues.
Appointments are made at the ranks of teaching specialist or lecturer, consistent with University policy and depending on qualifications and experience. Appointments may be renewed subject to satisfactory performance, curricular need, and availability of funding. This posting does not constitute a posting for specific vacancies but establishes a pool of applicants should openings occur for spring semester 2026.
Openings for part-time teaching specialists and lecturers typically occur for day or evening semester courses during the academic year. Appointment dates for spring semester 2026 are: 01/8/2026 to 05/24/2026.
Job duties include
providing instruction, grading, and holding office hours.
Compensation Compensation is based on experience and number of courses taught. Pay range is $7,000-$16,000.
Qualifications Required Qualifications:
A J.D. or Ph.D. in Mass Communication or a related field, or other appropriate terminal degree.
At least two (2) years practicing law in a relevant area and/or practical experience in the media industry managing legal issues/policy or closely related area.
Experience, or potential, for teaching legal concepts to non-law students.
Preferred Qualifications:
A Master’s degree in journalism, mass communication or related field.
At least five (5) years practicing law in a relevant area and/or practical experience in the media industry or closely related area.
Previous teaching experience in higher education or engagement with professional training.
Ability to use technology effectively for teaching and communication.
Current knowledge of First Amendment law as related to current and emerging technology.
Equivalency Statement
Substantial demonstrated and successful professional experience may be demonstrated by both of the following: (A) Ten (10) or more years of demonstrated and successful professional experience in practicing media law; (B) evaluation by a faculty committee that the professional achievement of the candidates constitutes equivalency with the required qualifications.
Consistent with University policy, candidates with the B.A. degree (or equivalency) or the M.A. degree will be appointed at the rank of teaching specialist; candidates with a terminal professional degree, M.B.A, Ph.D., J.D., or equivalent will be appointed at the rank of lecturer.
Candidates will be evaluated according to (A) extent of professional experience relevant to the course instructional need; (B) overall quality of professional experience in the legal, journalism, mass communication, strategic communication field; (C) evidence of potential or ability to teach the course to meet Hubbard School professional standards and perform the assigned professional advising duties relevant to the position. References may be requested as additional evaluative information.
About the Department About Hubbard School
The Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota is part of the College of Liberal Arts and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Journalism and Mass Communication. The Hubbard School offers majors in Strategic Communication – Advertising and Public Relations, Professional Journalism, and Media and Information; and minors in Media and Information and Digital Media Studies. The Hubbard School offers an academic M.A. and Ph.D. and a Professional M.A. in Strategic Communication.
Housed in Murphy Hall, a state‑of‑the‑art facility for teaching and research of journalism, strategic communication, and emerging media studies, the Hubbard School is home to the Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law, the Minnesota Journalism Center, the Hubbard Digital Studios, and the Digital Information Research Center/Sevareid Library. Hubbard facilities also include the Murphy Hall conference center, multimedia classrooms, and psychophysiological communication research labs, and a focus group room, which is used to support graduate‑level experimental research. For further information, please visit the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication website at https://cla.umn.edu/hsjmc.
University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts (CLA) information: Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, CLA is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all‑funds budget of $290 million.
CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under‑resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints-so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA: Working in CLA.
Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $7,000–$16,000, depending on education/qualifications/experience.
Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor‑Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.
While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.
How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
This is a pooled position and will remain open until the start of spring semester 2026.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e‑mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624‑8647.
Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the U of M The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The school is particularly interested in recruiting a diverse and inclusive pool of working professionals whose daily professional activities lend themselves to expertise relevant to curricula in media law and ethics. The School is seeking applications from individuals with teaching experience and/or professional legal experience in media law, First Amendment freedoms, the Freedom of Information Act, legal case law as it relates to freedom of the press, libel law, shield laws, copyright, speech and expression online, technology policy and the law, and related issues.
Appointments are made at the ranks of teaching specialist or lecturer, consistent with University policy and depending on qualifications and experience. Appointments may be renewed subject to satisfactory performance, curricular need, and availability of funding. This posting does not constitute a posting for specific vacancies but establishes a pool of applicants should openings occur for spring semester 2026.
Openings for part-time teaching specialists and lecturers typically occur for day or evening semester courses during the academic year. Appointment dates for spring semester 2026 are: 01/8/2026 to 05/24/2026.
Job duties include
providing instruction, grading, and holding office hours.
Compensation Compensation is based on experience and number of courses taught. Pay range is $7,000-$16,000.
Qualifications Required Qualifications:
A J.D. or Ph.D. in Mass Communication or a related field, or other appropriate terminal degree.
At least two (2) years practicing law in a relevant area and/or practical experience in the media industry managing legal issues/policy or closely related area.
Experience, or potential, for teaching legal concepts to non-law students.
Preferred Qualifications:
A Master’s degree in journalism, mass communication or related field.
At least five (5) years practicing law in a relevant area and/or practical experience in the media industry or closely related area.
Previous teaching experience in higher education or engagement with professional training.
Ability to use technology effectively for teaching and communication.
Current knowledge of First Amendment law as related to current and emerging technology.
Equivalency Statement
Substantial demonstrated and successful professional experience may be demonstrated by both of the following: (A) Ten (10) or more years of demonstrated and successful professional experience in practicing media law; (B) evaluation by a faculty committee that the professional achievement of the candidates constitutes equivalency with the required qualifications.
Consistent with University policy, candidates with the B.A. degree (or equivalency) or the M.A. degree will be appointed at the rank of teaching specialist; candidates with a terminal professional degree, M.B.A, Ph.D., J.D., or equivalent will be appointed at the rank of lecturer.
Candidates will be evaluated according to (A) extent of professional experience relevant to the course instructional need; (B) overall quality of professional experience in the legal, journalism, mass communication, strategic communication field; (C) evidence of potential or ability to teach the course to meet Hubbard School professional standards and perform the assigned professional advising duties relevant to the position. References may be requested as additional evaluative information.
About the Department About Hubbard School
The Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota is part of the College of Liberal Arts and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Journalism and Mass Communication. The Hubbard School offers majors in Strategic Communication – Advertising and Public Relations, Professional Journalism, and Media and Information; and minors in Media and Information and Digital Media Studies. The Hubbard School offers an academic M.A. and Ph.D. and a Professional M.A. in Strategic Communication.
Housed in Murphy Hall, a state‑of‑the‑art facility for teaching and research of journalism, strategic communication, and emerging media studies, the Hubbard School is home to the Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law, the Minnesota Journalism Center, the Hubbard Digital Studios, and the Digital Information Research Center/Sevareid Library. Hubbard facilities also include the Murphy Hall conference center, multimedia classrooms, and psychophysiological communication research labs, and a focus group room, which is used to support graduate‑level experimental research. For further information, please visit the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication website at https://cla.umn.edu/hsjmc.
University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts (CLA) information: Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, CLA is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all‑funds budget of $290 million.
CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under‑resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints-so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA: Working in CLA.
Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $7,000–$16,000, depending on education/qualifications/experience.
Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor‑Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.
While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.
How To Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
This is a pooled position and will remain open until the start of spring semester 2026.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e‑mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624‑8647.
Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the U of M The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
#J-18808-Ljbffr