Subject Matter Experts and Adjunct Faculty – Emergency Management

College of Health Sciences

Position Type: Part-Time / Adjunct / Course Development Opportunities

Location: Alvernia University, Reading, Pennsylvania (Online Instruction)

Position Summary

Alvernia University invites applications from qualified professionals and educators to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and Adjunct Faculty in support of its developing Emergency Management academic programs.

We are seeking individuals with advanced academic preparation, professional expertise, and a passion for educating the next generation of emergency management professionals. Opportunities include curriculum and course development, online instruction, and the integration of contemporary industry practices into academic coursework.

Successful candidates will contribute to the development and delivery of innovative, career-relevant courses that prepare students to address complex challenges in emergency preparedness, disaster response, community resilience, public safety, and emergency management leadership.

Areas of Expertise

Alvernia University is particularly interested in candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Public Health and Emergency Preparedness: Public health emergencies, pandemic preparedness, community health resilience, and interagency coordination.
• Emergency Operations and Planning: Emergency operations plans, incident command systems, continuity of operations, crisis management, and multiagency coordination.
• GIS and Data Analytics for Emergency Management: Geographic information systems, spatial analysis, data visualization, predictive modeling, and technology-supported emergency decision-making.
• Risk, Hazard, and Vulnerability Assessment: Hazard identification, risk analysis, vulnerability assessment, mitigation strategies, and community resilience planning.
• Disaster Response and Recovery: Disaster operations, resource coordination, recovery planning, disaster assistance, and long-term community recovery.
• Public Administration and Emergency Management Leadership: Public policy, government operations, intergovernmental relations, organizational leadership, budgeting, and emergency management administration.

Primary Responsibilities

Depending on qualifications and institutional needs, selected candidates may participate in course development, instruction, or both.

Course Development

• Collaborate with academic leadership and instructional design professionals to develop engaging, high-quality online courses.
• Develop course objectives, instructional materials, assignments, assessments, and applied learning activities aligned with program outcomes.
• Integrate current industry standards, emerging technologies, professional practices, and real-world case studies.
• Ensure course content reflects contemporary emergency management challenges and workforce expectations.

Adjunct Teaching

• Deliver engaging and academically rigorous instruction in an online learning environment.
• Facilitate student learning through discussion, applied projects, case studies, and practical exercises.
• Assess student performance and provide timely, constructive feedback.
• Support student success while maintaining high academic and professional standards.
• Collaborate with program leadership to ensure curriculum relevance and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher from an accredited institution in Emergency Management, Public Health, Public Administration, Homeland Security, Disaster Science, Geographic Information Systems, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated professional or academic expertise in at least one of the identified subject areas.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex disciplinary concepts into meaningful and accessible learning experiences.
• Commitment to academic excellence, student success, and Alvernia University's Franciscan values.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience teaching at the undergraduate or graduate level, particularly in online or asynchronous environments.
• Experience developing online courses or academic curricula.
• Professional experience with emergency management agencies, public health organizations, government entities, healthcare systems, or related industries.
• Relevant certifications or specialized training, including FEMA, Incident Command System (ICS), GIS, or other emergency management credentials.
• Experience collaborating across disciplines and applying emerging technologies to emergency management practice.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

• A current curriculum vitae or résumé.
• A letter of interest identifying specific areas of expertise and interest in course development, adjunct teaching, or both.
• A brief description of relevant professional, teaching, or curriculum development experience.

Applications will be reviewed as opportunities become available.

About Alvernia University

Alvernia University is a Franciscan institution committed to academic excellence, ethical leadership, service, and the preparation of graduates who make meaningful contributions to their professions and communities. Through innovative academic programming and strong connections to professional practice, the University prepares students to respond to evolving workforce needs and serve the greater good.

Alvernia University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from qualified candidates with diverse professional and educational experiences.