Pre-College Instructor, The Business of Sports: Marketing the Game (On-Campus), Summer 2026

Columbia University's Pre-College Programs offer high-achieving high school students the opportunity to engage in exploratory coursework at the college level, studying alongside peers from around the world. This highly selective program is open to students entering grades 9 and through the summer following  their senior year.

Columbia University’s Pre-College Programs for high school students is seeking qualified candidates to develop and teach on-campus courses during Summer ’26. 

Reporting to the Senior Director of Instruction and Curriculum for Pre-College Programs, Pre-College instructors develop and deliver immersive non-credit courses for high-achieving high school students. They guide and supervise students when classes are in session, and write a holistic evaluation of each course participant after classes conclude.

For more information on the program–including course sessions and times–please see here.

Course Description

Today’s sports industry generates billions of dollars each year, with a significant portion coming from marketing strategies that connect teams, brands, and fans. In this dynamic and energetic course, we’ll explore how sports organizations use marketing to drive fan engagement, boost ticket sales, and build lasting brand loyalty. From creating unforgettable advertising campaigns to leveraging digital media and sponsorships, you’ll gain firsthand insight into the strategies that power the business of sports.

Throughout the course, you’ll learn key marketing concepts such as branding, fan engagement, and event promotion, while analyzing real-world campaigns from top teams or athletes. You’ll also have the chance to apply these concepts by designing your own marketing plan for a sports team or event. Whether you dream of working in sports management, digital marketing, or event planning, this course will give you the skills and knowledge to understand how sports marketing shapes the industry and influences fans worldwide. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to create your own sports marketing strategy and appreciate the business side of the game!

Course participants will be required to pay approximately $100 for tickets and trip expenses.

Course Schedule(s)

Session B: July 21 - August 7 -- 11:10am - 1:00pm & 3:10 - 5:00pm

Please note: Course(s) and course availability are subject to change. All times shown are Eastern Time (ET). Dates and class times are tentative and subject to change.

Responsibilities:

• Develop course content, syllabus, lesson plans, and assigned work, in accordance with Pre-College templates and regulations

• Lead and attend all class sessions, including escorting students to and from campus for field trips 

• Establish and maintain a dynamic in-class environment tailored for our high school population

• Evaluate student work and write a holistic evaluation of each participant after the course ends

• Monitor and address student concerns and inquiries (typical class size is 20-24 students)

• Attend and complete all required online trainings

• Graduate degree or equivalent professional or academic background
• Expertise in the pertinent subject matter
• Aptitude for teaching

Hiring Salary Ranges: 

• Session B (Campus, 3 Week): $7,000 - $9,000

Please confirm that you're able to teach the session B course in the Message to Hiring Manager field.  

• Please submit a resume inclusive of teaching experience as well as formal teaching evaluations (if available)

• Applicants must have U.S. work authorization and will need to be in the U.S. while teaching

• Columbia Affiliates: There may be restrictions when hiring individuals who hold a concurrent appointment at Columbia University during the Summer term. Generally, PhD students and Officers of Research are not eligible. Please check with us during the hiring process regarding your eligibility. Please note, Pre-College courses do not count towards the maximum course loads for adjuncts.

• Once hired, applicants are required to submit to a third party background check and complete Protection of Minors training in addition to other training(s) mandated by the University and Pre-College Program

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran