Science Adjunct Faculty & Subject Matter Expert

About the LE3 Program

The Learn and Earn in 3 (LE3) program is a bold reimagining of the undergraduate experience for full-time working adults. In this new model, students complete a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Development in just 2.5-3 years while working full-time. LE3 faculty are more than instructors-they are partners in student success. All LE3 courses are virtual, combining asynchronous coursework and discussion with intentional synchronous class time. Instructors who teach in the LE3 program help students not just understand course content, but also help students develop and apply their overall leadership skills immediately. The best fit for this program are professionals with experience in their field who are ready to share their knowledge with emerging leaders.

Position Overview

We are seeking a candidate that can design and teach one or both of the following interdisciplinary science courses, which connect scientific understanding to leadership, organizational development, and systems thinking. These are not traditional laboratory science courses; they are designed for working adult learners who are exploring how the principles of the natural world can inform human and organizational behavior, strategy, and resilience.

LE3 Science Courses

SCI 250 - Nature's Blueprint for Leadership: Adaptation and Resilience (5 QH) This course explores the principles of natural systems: how ecosystems function, how organisms adapt, and how interdependence sustains balance. Students examine how natural processes such as feedback, resilience, and evolution mirror effective leadership and organizational practices. By analyzing patterns in nature, learners discover how adaptability, collaboration, and systems awareness can strengthen their leadership capacity in dynamic environments.

SCI 255 - Climate & Strategy: Leading with the Planet in Mind (5 QH) This course positions climate change as both a scientific reality and a leadership challenge. Students explore the relationship between ecosystems and organizations, emphasizing how environmental health and sustainable practices impact long-term strategic success. Through case studies and reflective projects, learners design sustainability-focused strategies that align organizational goals with ecological responsibility and innovation.

Time Commitment

~20 hours/week, including course facilitation, 1 synchronous/virtual class per week, and grading.

• Caseloads and assignments may vary based on program needs.

• Will require evening, weekend, or non-standard hours

Instructional (at least 4 weeks per quarter)

• Facilitate at least one (and potentially two) 4-week virtual courses using a provided asynchronous curriculum, detailed rubrics, and durable skills assignments.

• Lead one live virtual class session per week (typically evenings) to foster community, clarify concepts, and engage students in active learning.

• Engage students through discussion boards, personalized outreach, and timely, constructive feedback.

• Assess student work consistently using provided rubrics and grading tools.

Subject Matter Expert (SME)

• Demonstrated experience designing both lab and non-lab science courses for non-science majors.

• Ability to connect scientific concepts to real-world applications in business and public policy decision-making.

• Strong understanding of how science principles intersect with organizational leadership.

• Expertise in developing courses that make science relevant, accessible, and applicable to diverse professional contexts.

• Collaborative mindset and willingness to contribute to an SME advisory board while working closely with other subject matter experts and the LE3 curriculum team to ensure alignment, innovation, and consistency across courses.

Collaborative & Administrative

• Reflect on student trends and share insights to support continuous improvement across the program.

• Monitor and track student progress using D2L and Slack to ensure timely communication and support.

• Collaborate with colleagues to provide a seamless, high-touch student experience throughout the program.

• Communicate with LE3 Coaches and the Administration Team when students show signs of struggle (e.g., missed assignments, attendance concerns, or other engagement issues).

• Master's degree or higher in Science, Environmental Science, Biology, Climate Science or a closely related field
• 3+ years of professional experience in leadership, facilitation, workforce development, or adult learning.
• Proven ability to make scientific principles accessible and relevant to personal or organizational leadership contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse, working adult learners.
• Comfort with digital tools (Zoom, D2L, Slack, etc.)

• Postsecondary teaching experience, particularly in online or hybrid formats.
• Familiarity with work-integrated learning or experiential education models.
• Has workplace experience outside of academia.

• Be part of a movement redefining college for working adults.
• Join a collaborative, future-focused faculty team.
• Support students to thrive: academically, professionally, and personally.
• Engage in meaningful work that blends teaching and mentorship.
• Contribute to a pioneering model of higher education that integrates learning, earning, and leadership development.

NLU Inclusion Statement:

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.

At National Louis University, we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. Our institution values Adjunct Faculty's role in advancing our teaching mission and preparing our students for successful careers. Adjunct Faculty have access to training resources for professional development, access to shared governance as a part of our Adjunct Council, retirement plans, educational opportunities, and paid time off. A more complete list of Adjunct Faculty Benefits can be found here.

Adjunct Faculty are paid by course or assignment each term. These rates vary by college and number of credit hours for the course/assignment. While the specific amount will be indicated in an electronic contract that is issued to the Adjunct Faculty member when the course is assigned, an overview of standard rate structure is available below:

2025 Adjunct Faculty Rate Structure