Job Description

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. 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) Private Investigation certificate program. Applicants will be considered for courses occurring April 2027 through June 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 $1,800 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 certificate 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 Private Investigation 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 Private Investigation 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 Investigation certificate program is delivered entirely online using Zoom. Classes meet in the evenings, 6-9pm PST, once per week. Information on PCE Private Investigation 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

• Professional experience in civil investigations
• Minimum 5+ years of experience as an attorney, private investigator, or closely related role involving civil cases, litigation support, or fact development.
• Direct experience working with or supervising private investigators in civil matters
• As an attorney: experience retaining, directing, reviewing, and relying on PI work
• As a PI: experience working under attorney direction in civil cases
• Demonstrated knowledge of civil procedure and evidentiary requirements
• Understanding of how investigations fit into pleadings, discovery, depositions, motions, and trial preparation.
• Practical understanding of core investigative functions in civil cases
• Witness location and interviewing
• Investigation documentation and reports
• Surveillance (legal and ethical considerations)
• Preparation for sworn testimony
• (Instructor need not personally perform all tasks, but must be able to evaluate and teach best practices)
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability and desire to successfully work with individuals from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Willingness to teach with minimal supervision while maintaining high standards of professionalism, punctuality, and content relevance for adult students from different backgrounds.
• Legal authorization to work and receive compensation in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior teaching or mentoring experience, particularly with adult learners.
• Prior experience teaching/presenting in an online environment.
• Licensed attorney with civil litigation experience
• Especially in areas that regularly use private investigators (e.g., personal injury, insurance defense, employment, family law, complex civil litigation).
• Experience testifying, examining witnesses, or preparing investigative testimony
• Depositions, declarations, affidavits, or trial testimony involving investigative work.
• Familiarity with investigative methods from a supervisory or evaluative perspective
• Reviewing PI reports
• Assessing credibility, documentation quality, and evidentiary usefulness
• Identifying investigative gaps and risks

Application Instructions

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

• Describe your areas of interest and expertise related to this course. Applications that do not contain this information 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 November 30, 2026, will receive priority consideration.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Equal Opportunity

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

Benefits Information

The University is committed to providing excellent benefits to our faculty. For a summary of available benefits, please see UWHR benefits information.

Privacy Notice

Your application materials may be used for employment consideration and shared in accordance with UW’s Privacy Policy.

Disability Services

The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.