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How to Apply

In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must apply to this posting through this website (the materials must be uploaded as one document).  Please send an application letter of introduction explaining your qualifications, a teaching philosophy, a current CV, and two names you would recommend to serve as a reference - we do not need their contact information at this time. We may request other items such as evidence of teaching excellence, and a proposed syllabus at a later date. 

Job Summary

The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, and the Department of Curriculum Support at the University of Michigan invite applications for one Lecturer 1 position at 33.33% effort for one section of ALA 257 in the Winter Term 2026.  These appointments are scheduled to begin on January 1, 2026 and end on April 30, 2026.

Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

Course Description

Course Title(s): Social Impact by Design

Course Objectives: 

Develop Human-Centered Design Expertise
Equip students with the skills to apply human-centered design principles, including empathy mapping, user personas, and journey mapping, to create innovative and inclusive solutions for complex social challenges.Foster Systems and Behavioral Thinking
Enable students to analyze systemic barriers, identify leverage points, and apply behavioral design insights to understand and address the root causes of societal issues effectively.Cultivate Collaborative and Equity-Centered Problem-Solving
Teach students to engage meaningfully with stakeholders and communities, centering the voices of historically marginalized groups in the co-design process to ensure equitable and sustainable outcomes.Strengthen Prototyping and Iteration Skills
Provide hands-on experience in ideating, prototyping, testing, and refining solutions using lean startup methods and iterative processes, guided by real-world feedback and evidence-based decision-making.Enhance Storytelling and Impact Measurement Abilities
Develop students' capacity to craft compelling narratives, communicate their ideas effectively to diverse audiences, and create metrics to evaluate and demonstrate the social impact of their innovations.Responsibilities*

Duties of this Lecturer 1 position are expected to include teaching, developing course materials, evaluating and grading students, and holding regularly scheduled office hours. A typical full-time (100% effort) load for a Lecturer 1 in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts is three courses per semester.  

optiMize is the College of Literature, Science and the Arts' signature program in social innovation and entrepreneurship. optiMize is a student-led, staff supported social innovation incubator that offers workshops, mentorship, and funding for students to work on self-directed projects that make the world more just and sustainable. In addition to co-curricular programs, optiMize also works collaboratively with the College to offer courses in social innovation that support the Entrepreneurship Minor for undergraduate students across all disciplines at UM and has established a unique model for pairing social innovation education with disciplines in the liberal arts. We are seeking faculty who are passionate about their areas of expertise who are curious to explore new ways of engaging students in problem exploration and ideation. This position will work closely with the Director for Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship in the College of LSA. 

Required Qualifications*

A Master's degree. College level teaching experience, including lesson planning, grading, and classroom facilitation. Curricular experience, designing and structuring individual courses, including determining course objectives, creating assignments, and modes of student evaluation. Candidates should have experience in community engagement, product/program development and assessment, or theoretical knowledge on social impact.

The selection criteria used for this search is based on how the applicant's education and experience meets the required minimum qualifications for the position.  Excellence in teaching and instruction will be the principal criteria used to select the successful candidate.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Union Affiliation

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Contact Information

Questions about applying for this position can be emailed to: Jeni Olney ([email protected]).

Application Deadline

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  Deadline for applications is October 5th, 2025.  The anticipated date by which an offer will be made is no later than December 19, 2025. The appointment opportunity described in this posting is subject to final approval by the academic unit.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.