Adjunct Lecturer, Client Communications (Fall 2025 - Spring 2026 Development / Summer 2026 Teaching)

Columbia University School of Professional Studies seeks candidates for the role of part-time Lecturer to teach the 6-week Client Communications portion of the 12-week graduate-level course, Insurance Planning and Client Communications in the school’s Master of Professional Studies degree program in Wealth Management. Scholar-practitioners with relevant academic and industry experience are invited to apply. Insurance Planning and Client Communications is a redesigned 12-week course that integrates two critical areas of advanced wealth management: technical insurance planning and strategic client communication. The 6-week Client Communications segment is designed for experienced advisors seeking to deepen client relationships and navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. This advanced module goes beyond foundational communication skills to tackle high-level scenarios such as recovering from mistakes, managing difficult family or spousal dynamics, and building trust through transparency, empathy, and credibility.In addition to client-facing strategies, this segment will continue to expand advisor self-awareness and counter-transference concerns which were initially addressed in the Financial Psychology course. This section will include additional strategies and practices for how to identify and manage personal biases that may unconsciously influence decision-making, communication, or relationship-building. As artificial intelligence increasingly supports data-driven recommendations, the human role in contextualizing and interpreting those outputs becomes more critical. Advisors will examine how their own perspectives and assumptions shape client interactions, and how these biases can impact trust, service, and outcomes in a tech-enhanced advisory environment.The course also covers the strategic use of communication technology to foster meaningful engagement and deliver scalable, personalized service. Participants will learn how to align communication approaches with business goals, using digital platforms to support both relationship development and operational efficiency.Finally, the Client Communications segment integrates communication with business development and practice management. Topics include advanced sales techniques, lead tracking, funnel management, and measuring the ROI of client-facing efforts. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to lead a modern, human-centric advisory practice that leverages both digital tools and deep interpersonal insight.The ideal candidate will bring both subject matter expertise and real-world experience to prepare students for the complex interpersonal and business challenges of today’s wealth management environment.RolesThis position will involve two components. First, the candidate will be appointed as Academic Program Support (a part-time administrative appointment) to lead in developing the course syllabus, sourcing course materials, and producing content for online modules during a 16-week review cyclefrom September – December 2025, and record the videos and create the online content in the Canvas Learning Management system from January 2026 - May 2026.The candidate will then be appointed as an adjunct Lecturer to teach the course in an online format in a 6-week semester schedule during the second-half of the summer of 2026.The Wealth Management program is online and asynchronous, designed for the convenience of working professionals. This program will allow students to complete the education requirement for the CFP® certification. Students have the flexibility to watch pre-recorded lectures and presentations, stream video content, access virtual libraries, and participate in structured virtual group activities and discussions.Serving as an adjunct Lecturer provides an outstanding opportunity to educate and mentor students in the field of wealth management as well as to form a rewarding professional relationship with Columbia University’s world-class faculty. Candidates should have a demonstrated understanding of applied trends that are driving best practice in the field.ResponsibilitiesPre-record lectures and presentations for students to watchLead preparation of course materials focused on problem-based learning, including overseeing the course Canvas web page (learning management system) and assigning reading and projects designed to meet the learning objectives of the classEnsure that the curriculum incorporates the relevant CFP® required topicsMonitor and respond to student concerns and inquiries; conduct at least 2 hours of weekly office hoursEvaluate and grade student assessments and workParticipate regularly in the bi-monthly lecturer online meetingsAttend the three day in-person residencies (August and December)