The School of Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) at the University of Michigan invites individuals to apply for the position of LEO Lecturer III to teach classes in Sustainable Development in the Fall 2025, Winter 2026, Fall 2026, and Winter 2027 terms. Specific course topics are included in the Job Summary below. Applications are welcome and encouraged regardless of background and identity. 

To apply, please complete the application on the U-M Careers site.  In addition, the following materials must be submitted as one PDF document along with your application on the UM Jobs site.
A cover letter that addresses your specific interest in the position and outlines experience that directly relates to this position. The cover letter may be up to two single-spaced pages.

• A statement of teaching philosophy (1-2 pages).
• Curriculum vitae\
• Names of three individuals that can serve as references.

If considered, you will be contacted and interviewed remotely. The start date for this position is expected to be August 25, 2025.

Please contact Nicole Rutherford, nicolmba@umich.edu, if you have any questions.

This position is subject to the terms of the LEO bargaining agreement. The full LEO contract can be found at https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/academic-human-resources/contracts.
 

The School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) at the University of Michigan seeks applicants for a 59.5% FTE lecturer to teach four classes and perform administrative duties including advising students in the Sustainable Development specialization and supporting SEAS Student Center career and mentoring efforts across multiple specializations for Masters Student. The appointment dates for this position will be 8/25/25-5/24/26 and 8/25/26-5/24/27.

Areas of teaching may include a mix of the following courses:

EAS 501: Sustainable International Development (Full Semester)  Fall 2025 & TBD future terms
This course offers an in-depth examination of sustainable international development, exploring key concepts, policies, and practices that shape the global development agenda. Students will critically analyze development theories, strategies employed by international organizations, and the impact of development interventions on various regions. The course emphasizes understanding the roles of different stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, international organizations, and the private sector in addressing development challenges.

EAS 501: International Agrifood Systems (Full Semester) Winter 2026 and TBD future terms
This course provides a comprehensive overview of international agrifood systems, focusing on the interplay between agricultural practices, policy interventions, and political dynamics that shape the global food landscape. It examines the challenges and opportunities within agrifood systems, including food security, climate resilience, biodiversity, food sovereignty, trade policy, and sustainable development.

EAS 501: International Career Development Landscape (Half Semester) Fall 2025 & TBD future terms
This course reviews the organizational and opportunity landscape for students interested in a career in international development and helps students review their skills and plans to begin engagement with the international development community. Students explore organizations and reflect on their interests and their potential professional growth. They will identify opportunities for further learning and engagement and develop a professional online profile (LinkedIn).

EAS 701: Theme-Based Master's Project, Winter 2026, Fall 2026, Winter 2027
As part of this course series, the instructor will mentor approximately 20 students who will be working on four Master's Projects with external clients (a required capstone experience) over the three semesters. The instructor will have the opportunity to identify and select the four projects/clients of their own and/or to work with SEAS' Asst. Director of Experiential Learning to ensure they will meet student team's interdisciplinary learning needs during Fall 2025. The four projects should fit within a theme of 'Sustainability & Development' to meet SEAS' Sustainability & Development and other specializations' needs. Pending the learning needs of students, the instructor is expected to offer 'just in time' lectures/discussions and/or other suitable pedagogical approaches.  The instructor will be expected to participate in a supportive learning community consisting of all SEAS' Theme-Based Master's Project faculty.

Administrative Service Expectations:
Serve as academic advisor for Sustainable Development masters students. Collaborate with Associate and Assistant Deans as well as Sustainable Development & Environment and other Specialization Coordinators (as appropriate) and students to offer advising/mentoring opportunities for students in the Sustainable Development and other SEAS Specializations as well as in the Next-Gen program.

This is a Lecturer III appointment, which is a non-tenure track position and subject to the terms of the LEO bargaining agreement which can be found at https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/academic-human-resources/contracts.
 

At the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), we are at the forefront of building a more sustainable and just world for all by transforming the impact of higher education and reimagining the future. We are advancing action through innovation, research, education and engagement in society, and developing leaders who are empowered to halt the climate crisis and create an environmentally sound future for generations to come.

SEAS is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable environment that respects diverse experiences, promotes generous listening and communications, and discourages and restoratively responds to acts of discrimination, harassment, or injustice. Our commitment to community, equity and inclusion is deeply rooted in our values for a sustainable and just society.
 

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
•  A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting (Confirm position is eligible)
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Eligibility for benefits is based on your job group, your appointment percentage and the length of your appointment. Learn more about employee benefits and eligibility at https://hr.umich.edu/benefits-wellness/benefits-enrollment/benefits-enrollment-eligibility.

Teach 1.5-two courses each term for a minimum of-9 credit hours per year (4.5 credits per term). All courses are expected to be taught in person on the University of Michigan Ann Arbor campus unless there is a compelling pedagogical reason for remote or hybrid instruction.

The individual will be expected to hold office hours and handle all routine matters related to instruction.  While teaching is expected to take place in-person, office hours can be held remotely.

Serve as primary advisor for a minimum of 15 Sustainable Development master's students and collaborate on advising/mentoring opportunities across multiple SEAS specializations as well as the Next-Gen program. All advising/mentoring activities are expected to average about 4 hours per week.

• A PhD in environmental studies or another sustainability-related discipline or a field in the humanities, OR a Masters Degree with at least five years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience in international sustainable development, ideally with relevant agencies such as the United Nations to inform teaching of case studies, for purposes of guest lecturers and/or career development
   

• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentoring.
• Demonstrated experience in administrative roles in higher education.
• Demonstrated history of maintaining good working relationships and effective channels of communication in academic settings.
• Access to relevant professional networks
   

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.

All application materials must be submitted no later than May 26, 2025. Selected candidates will be contacted and interviewed remotely shortly after the posting closure date. We expect to make an offer of employment no later than June 15, 2025. The anticipated start date for this position is August 25, 2025.

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.
 

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Job openings are posted for a minimum of ten calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.