Part-Time Instructor: Fundraising Fundamentals

Part-time instructor positions are on a course-by-course contracted basis within the Division of Continuing Education (DCE), a self-supporting unit at the University of California, Irvine. This recruitment is for teaching positions in the Fundraising Fundamentals program, available for classroom, online, and hybrid formats.

About the Role

We are seeking passionate and experienced instructors with current, real-world expertise in fundraising and philanthropy. Qualified candidates will bring knowledge in gift management, capital and comprehensive campaign strategy, donor identification, solicitation, stewardship, advancement operations, and data management. Additional experience in starting and building fundraising operations, nonprofit advancement, annual giving program design, and alumni and constituent relations is preferred.

Classes are offered on-ground, online, and in hybrid formats. This is an ongoing recruitment; applications are accepted year-round, and referrals to the pool of candidates occur when a need arises. Assignments are part-time, temporary, and made on an as-needed basis with no guarantee of continual involvement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and/or update course syllabi in consultation with the UCI Division of Continuing Education Academic Director using the approved syllabus template.
• Prepare and deliver course materials and learning assessments in the assigned format.
• Communicate teaching objectives, specific learning outcomes, and grading policies clearly to students.
• Evaluate student achievement of learning outcomes and assign grades.
• Post final student grades by set deadlines.
• Respond to student questions and learning needs in a timely manner.
• Stay current with the professional body of knowledge in the field of practice.
• Participate in required orientations and complete mandatory training programs by established deadlines.
• Complete administrative tasks promptly, including hiring paperwork, syllabus updates, course handouts, instructor contracts, textbook orders, and communication of AV/classroom needs.
• Employ culturally competent teaching methodologies, inclusive of international student populations.
• Leverage subject-matter expertise to enhance the curriculum (e.g., arranging guest speakers or off-site tours).
• Design interactive and motivational classroom and online activities to engage participants and reinforce learning.
• Update materials periodically and monitor course evaluations to make adjustments and improvements.

Requirements

• Advanced degree from an accredited institution (required at time of application).
• Extensive background and current work experience in fundraising and philanthropy (required at time of application).
• Local and available to teach on-ground and online (required at time of application).
• Current knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in the subject area (required at time of start).
• Commitment to the highest level of academic standards and integrity.
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey conceptual and complex ideas.
• Highly effective interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in (or willingness to learn) instructional technology and online teaching tools.
• Current participation in professional associations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing/revising curriculum and measuring student performance.
• College-level teaching experience (or the corporate equivalent).

Pay

A reasonable estimate for this position is $2,500–$3,500, based on the number of courses assigned and enrollment numbers.

Application window: Open date August 20, 2026. Next review date September 4, 2026. Applications will be accepted until December 31, 2026.