Position Description

The University of Washington (UW) is proud to be one of the nation's premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of achieving excellence in education, research, and community service.

UW Continuum College expands the reach of the University of Washington by delivering educational programs that meet the needs of learners at all phases of their lives. We're focused on removing obstacles to relevant educational opportunities by addressing geographic, financial, length of commitment, and time constraints, increasing access to knowledge for more people. As a diverse community that values inclusivity and collaboration, we foster a respectful, supportive workplace where innovation comes to life. By looking ahead and experimenting with new approaches, we're creating new educational opportunities to help people thrive in a world of change.

UW Continuum College (UWC2) has a range of outstanding opportunities for part-time instructors in the Professional & Continuing Education (PCE) Certificate in Private Investigation. Applicants will be considered for courses occurring June 2026 through March 2027.

Instructors serve a key role in certificate programs, engaging with students, serving as subject matter experts, presenting learning content, and assessing whether learners have achieved course competencies. PCE students consistently say that the instructor is the single most important element of their course.

The pay range for these instructor positions is $1,600 - $1,800, per CEU* per course, commensurate with experience and qualifications. *Continuing Education Credits (CEU) information for individual courses may be found on our website. Each course in the Private Investigation program is 3 CEUs.

Professional and Continuing Education Instructors...

• Teach to a set curriculum plan with clear learning outcomes and competencies
• Customize course content and lesson slides, while aligning with learning objectives set, for the course they are scheduled to teach; Instructors are encouraged to personalize the curriculum to their teaching style and experience in the Nonprofit Management program
• Prepare a course syllabus in advance of the course start date (templates provided)
• Ensure that lesson plans and presentation materials for the full course are relevant and current
• Teach all class sessions at the scheduled time
• Respond to student inquiries and provide feedback on student assignments in a timely manner
• Coordinate with other instructors and instructional assistants in the certificate program, to ensure curriculum continuity across courses
• Adapt instructional techniques based on feedback from students and the Program Manager, and implement sound pedagogical practices
• Complete instructor onboarding, relevant learning technology training, and other training as required
• Observe FERPA, HIPAA, and other privacy laws and policies.
• Participate in 1-2 instructor meetings and information sessions per year, outside of instructor onboarding and training
• Make efforts to attend social events coordinated by Continuum College for Nonprofit Management students to develop relationships and strengthen alumni community
• Promote the program. to increase awareness and student enrollment

PCE courses are generally 10 weeks in duration and align with the UW academic quarter calendar. The Private Investigations certificate program is delivered entirely online using Zoom. Classes meet in the evenings, 6-9pm PST, once per week. Information on PCE Private Investigations certificate program may be found at https://www.pce.uw.edu/certificates/private-investigation.

UWC2 Extension Lecturers / Instructors are Academic Staff, not faculty. These are part-time, temporary positions.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Legal knowledge: Thorough understanding of Washington PI regulations and applicable law (e.g. RCW 18.165 and WAC 308-17 governing PI practice)
• Practical PI skills: Demonstrated expertise in core investigation tasks (case management, evidence collection, surveillance, interviewing, report writing) in both civil and criminal contexts.
• Communication & online teaching ability: Excellent verbal/written communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex material and engage adult learners in an online classroom
• Ability, and desire, to successfully work with individuals from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Willingness to teach with minimal supervision while maintaining high standards of professionalism, punctuality, and content relevance for diverse adult students.
• Legal authorization to work and receive compensation in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Active Washington State PI license: Hold a current Washington private investigator license (required by state law)
• Investigative experience: At least three years of full-time private investigation experience (consistent with state licensing requirements
• Prior teaching or mentoring experience, particularly with adult learners.
• Advanced education/certification: Bachelor's or advanced degree in criminal justice, law, or related field (or equivalent professional credential). Additional certifications (e.g. Certified PI Trainer status) or specialized training are a plus.

Instructions

To apply to teach in the Private Investigation certificate program, please submit the following:

• Describe your areas of interest and expertise. Of the 3 courses, identify the specific course(s) you are interested in teaching and is best suited to your experience. Applications that do not contain this information, called out clearly at the top of the letter, will not be considered.
• Resume or CV
• Names and contact information of two references. [optional]

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and review of applications will occur intermittently dependent on program needs. Applications received by September 30, 2025, will receive priority consideration.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

Benefits Information

A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs/. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University's Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member's academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).

Privacy Notice

Review the University of Washington Privacy Notice for Demographic Data of Job Applicants and University Personnel to learn how your demographic data are protected, when the data may be used, and your rights.

Disability Services

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.