Adjunct Instructor of Communication, Artificial ...

Adjunct Instructor of Communication - Artificial Intelligence Craft for Communicators The Master of Communication Management (MCM) program at the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California, is seeking a qualified Adjunct Lecturer to enhance the instruction provided by our full-time faculty. Specifically, this position will involve teaching CMGT 599: Artificial Intelligence Craft for Communicators. This course will teach communication professionals the core, programming-language-agnostic skills surrounding software development u2014 skills such as problem decomposition, systems thinking, algorithmic reasoning, and data modeling u2014 so students can build real applications with emerging AI tools. This u201cagentic engineeringu201d (previously u201cvibe codingu201d) approach means expressing intent in natural language and iterating with AI-assisted environments that scaffold code, user interfaces, databases, and deployments. Students will learn to turn communication needsu2014audience segmentation, content ops, social listening, crisis workflows, internal communications bots, analytics dashboardsu2014into robust, testable micro-apps. The course emphasizes conceptual reasoning, data structuring, quality evaluation, and safe deployment. Topics include (but not limited to): + Framing problems like a developeru2014break a communication task into inputs, transformations, state, and outputs; define success metrics and constraints. + Applying algorithmic thinkingu2014choose appropriate control flow, basic algorithms, and evaluate trade-offs. + Modeling data effectivelyu2014design simple schemas, choose appropriate storage, and enforce validation. + Designing modular systemsu2014define clear boundaries, sketch architectures, and plan for change. + Using AI development tools productivelyu2014prompt, critique, and refine generated code. + Debugging and testing AI-generated appsu2014reproduce issues, add sanity checks, and prevent regressions. + Working with APIs and integrationsu2014authenticate safely, call services, and handle errors. + Building for reliability and performanceu2014apply caching, pagination, and observability. + Shipping with confidenceu2014use version control, manage environments, and deploy iteratively. + Honoring security, privacy, and ethicsu2014protect secrets, handle PII responsibly, and ensure transparency. + Communicating technical intentu2014write concise specs and README docs. + Delivering a working capstoneu2014launch a communications-relevant app (e.g., newsroom assistant, analytics tool, or stakeholder Q&A bot) and measure impact. Ideal candidates will possess significant professional experience in internet, software, artificial intelligence and media sectors; expertise in strategy consulting, especially in new technology (automation, social, mobile, artificial intelligence) implementation and transformation in organizational processes and systems across multiple industries. Experience in partner-, chief-level officer, and/or founder roles preferred. Prior teaching or proven coaching or advisory experience is also preferred. Applicants In order to be considered for this position, all candidates must apply via the USC Careers Services website. Submission materials should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae and contact information for three recommendations. The cover letter should be addressed to: School of Communication Faculty Search Committee (attention Nancy Ruiz) Annenberg School of Communication University of Southern California 3502 Watt Way, Suite 305, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0281. Applicants may direct questions to Nancy Ruiz, . Materials submitted by regular mail will not be accepted. Minimum Qualifications Minimum Education: A Bacheloru2019s in Communication, Liberal Arts, Data Analytics, Marketing, Business Management, Computer Science or related fields. Minimum Experience: 15 years of professional experience Preferred Qualifications: Preferred Education: A Masteru2019s in Communication, Communication, Liberal Arts, Data Analytics, Marketing, Business Management, Computer Science or related fields. Preferred Experience: Significant professional experience in internet, software, artificial intelligence and media sectors; expertise in strategy consulting, especially in new technology (automation, social, mobile, artificial intelligence) implementation and transformation in organizational processes and systems across multiple industries. Experience in partner-, chief-level officer, and/or founder roles preferred. Prior teaching or proven coaching or advisory experience is also preferred. The hourly range for this position is $37.87 u2013 $46.96. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidateu2019s work experience, education/training, key skills, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, as well as external market and organizational considerations. USC reserves the u201cAdjunctu201d appointment for faculty teaching less than full-time at USC, who are employed full-time in a primary profession or career elsewhere. Adjunct faculty typically teach only one course per year, but in exceptional cases, may teach one course per semester, if approved by the dean. USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law.

Created: 2026-04-24