Founded in 1863, Saint Mary's is a residential campus nestled 20 miles east of San Francisco in the picturesque Moraga Valley. Based in the Catholic, Lasallian and Liberal Arts traditions, Saint Mary's currently enrolls more than 4,000 students from diverse backgrounds in undergraduate and graduate programs. The De La Salle Christian Brothers, the largest teaching order of the Roman Catholic Church, guide the spiritual and academic character of the College.
As a comprehensive and independent institution, Saint Mary's offers undergraduate and graduate programs integrating liberal and professional education. Saint Mary's reputation for excellence, innovation and responsiveness in education stems from its vibrant heritage as a Catholic, Lasallian and Liberal Arts institution. An outstanding, committed faculty and staff that value shared inquiry, integrative learning and student interaction bring these traditions to life in the 21st century. The College is committed to the educational benefits of diversity.
Saint Mary’s College seeks to hire a per-course adjunct faculty member to teach
TRS 281, “Christian Foundations" in the traditional undergraduate program in Fall 2026 (August 31 to December 20, 2026)
There are three sections available:
1) Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:45 to 6:00 PM
2) Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:40 AM to 12:55 PM
3) Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30-2:45 PM
This course will be taught in person on the Moraga campus.
Course Description:
“Christian Foundations” introduces students to foundational ideas and texts of the Catholic Christian tradition, with particular attention to the Bible and its interpretation. Students approach the tradition both from within its own theological horizon and through the historical, literary, and other critical methods employed in academic theology and religious studies. The course does not presume a particular faith commitment on the part of students.
Because every reading of Scripture involves interpretive assumptions, students learn to identify the historical, theological, cultural, and social lenses through which Christian communities have interpreted the Bible, both throughout history and today. They also practice scholarly methods of biblical interpretation that develop careful reading, critical thinking, and reasoned argument, skills applicable across many areas of study.
Integral to this exploration of Christian foundations and the Bible, students examine the Catholic principles of the dignity of the human person and the common good, and how these principles call forth the virtue of solidarity and a preferential option for the poorest of our sisters and brothers.
Although each instructor brings distinct scholarly and pedagogical strengths to the course, those teaching “Christian Foundations” work collaboratively across sections, sharing common learning outcomes and engaging in ongoing conversation about readings, assignments, and effective teaching practices.
Candidates must possess one of the following:
an earned doctorate in biblical studies or a closely related field;
an earned doctorate in theology or religious studies, together with substantial graduate preparation or scholarly specialization in biblical studies; or
current and active ABD status in one of these doctoral fields, with all required doctoral coursework and qualifying or comprehensive examinations completed, and with demonstrated progress toward completion of the dissertation.
Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate one or more of the following:
substantial familiarity with Catholic approaches to Scripture and theological exegesis, including the relationship of Scripture and the Church’s living Tradition;
evidence of effective undergraduate teaching, particularly in introductory or general-education courses;
expertise in interpretive approaches attentive to race, gender, culture, and social location;
experience teaching within a coordinated, multi-section course, including collaboration around shared learning outcomes, readings, or assignments.
Candidates must reside in California.
The salary range for this position is $7,447 -$10,308 dependent on qualifications. The salary range for this position is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the College and SEIU, Local 1021, available here
Include a cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications and are prepared to support the mission of the college. Please also include:
In applying for a position, candidates sign a consent authorizing a broader inquiry which may include reference checks, a motor vehicle check, and a third-party background check.
Applicants to all available course sections who are members of the Saint Mary’s College bargaining unit or agency fee payers covered by the agreement with SEIU 1021, who have previously taught the course, or TRS 097, or who have been determined qualified through the process outlined in Article 10, have only the following application requirements:
- Indicate interest via application to the posting
- Complete the SMC Per Course Adjunct Faculty Questionnaire to identify as a Saint Mary’s College bargaining unit faculty member or agency fee payers covered by the agreement with SEIU 1021
Saint Mary's is an equal employment opportunity employer. We support inclusive excellence and are committed to creating a safe and welcoming community for all.
College policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, gender stereotyping, and gender identity, taking a protected leave (e.g. family medical or pregnancy leave), or on any other basis protected by applicable laws.
Saint Mary's College annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Saint Mary's College Report, please go to the Public Safety website at http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/public-safety/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report-0 To request a paper copy please call Public Safety at (925) 631-4284. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.
