Sessional Lecturer, INF2200H - UX Leadership and Influence

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sessional Lecturer, INF2200H - UX Leadership and Influence
Company: University of Toronto
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Job Type: Contract, Temporary
Category: Higher Education / Academic Instruction
Date Posted: May 8, 2026
Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Professional Experience)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Deliver engaging and comprehensive instruction on UX Leadership and Influence to a cohort of approximately 50 students.
• Develop and manage course curriculum, including assignments, examinations, and project-based learning activities, ensuring alignment with course objectives and industry best practices.
• Foster a collaborative learning environment that encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and the application of UX principles in real-world scenarios.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to students through office hours and feedback on their academic work, supporting their professional development in UX.
• Uphold academic standards and administrative duties associated with sessional lecturing, including timely grading and course material preparation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a sessional position, indicating a contract-based appointment for a specific academic term (Winter Term 2027). The focus on "UX Leadership and Influence" suggests a need for practical, real-world application of UX principles beyond theoretical knowledge, requiring instructors with significant professional experience or advanced academic credentials in the field. The mention of "studio-based learning" and "major group design project" points to a hands-on, project-driven pedagogical approach.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver high-quality course content for INF2200H - UX Leadership and Influence, utilizing a mix of lectures, seminars, and studio-based activities.
• Design, develop, and administer course assignments, tests, and examinations that accurately assess student comprehension and application of UX leadership concepts.
• Conduct thorough and timely grading of all student work, providing constructive feedback to facilitate learning and skill development.
• Hold regular office hours to provide academic support, answer student queries, and guide them through course material and projects.
• Integrate and teach core UX methodologies such as design thinking, user research, and agile development, alongside critical personal skills like empathy, influence, storytelling, and persuasion.
• Facilitate discussions on strategies for advocating user-centered design, embedding UX into organizational culture, and driving business value through user needs.
• Guide students in communicating the value of UX to executives and identifying business challenges that can be transformed into UX opportunities.
• Manage administrative tasks related to the course, including curriculum updates, record-keeping, and communication with the department and students.
• Collaborate with Teaching Assistants (TAs), if assigned, to ensure effective support for students and consistent course delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of pedagogical expertise and practical industry knowledge. The expectation to cover both technical UX practices (design thinking, user research, agile) and soft skills (influence, empathy, storytelling) indicates a holistic approach to UX leadership development. The role requires the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable learning experiences for students.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A completed or nearly completed PhD degree in a discipline directly relevant to User Experience (UX), Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Information Science, or a related field.
• Alternatively, a Master's degree in a relevant field, coupled with extensive and demonstrable professional experience in UX leadership and influence.

Experience:

• Significant professional experience (ideally 5-10 years) in UX leadership roles, demonstrating practical application of concepts taught in the course.
• Proven experience in influencing stakeholders, driving user-centered design initiatives, and integrating UX into organizational strategies.
• Experience in design operations, agile methodologies, and managing design delivery processes is highly desirable.
• Teaching experience at the university or college level, particularly in UX, design, or a related technology/information field, is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of User Experience (UX) principles, methodologies, and best practices, including design thinking, user research, and usability testing.
• Expertise in UX leadership and influence, with the ability to articulate strategies for embedding user-centricity within an organization.
• Proficiency in agile development principles and their application within design and product development cycles.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver engaging course content and manage academic assessments.
• Skills in empathy, storytelling, and persuasion for effective stakeholder management and advocacy.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in curriculum development and instructional design for higher education.
• Familiarity with design operations, workflow optimization, and efficient design delivery practices.
• Knowledge of business strategy and how UX can drive commercial success.
• Experience working with executive-level stakeholders.
• Familiarity with the University of Toronto's Faculty of Information academic environment and student body.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications strongly suggest a preference for candidates who can bridge the gap between academic theory and industry practice. The "extensive professional experience" requirement, especially when combined with a Master's degree, highlights the value placed on real-world application and leadership acumen in UX.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While not explicitly a "portfolio" role in the traditional sense of design work, candidates are expected to demonstrate their expertise through their CV and their ability to articulate their experience.
• The application requires a CV that clearly outlines relevant academic credentials, professional UX leadership experience, and any teaching accomplishments.
• Applicants should be prepared to discuss their approach to teaching UX leadership, including their pedagogical strategies and how they would structure the course content.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to have a clear understanding of established UX processes, including:
  • User research methodologies and their strategic application.
  • Design thinking frameworks and their iterative application in problem-solving.
  • Agile development methodologies and how they integrate with UX workflows.
  • Processes for influencing organizational culture and gaining buy-in for user-centered initiatives.
  • Strategies for effective stakeholder communication and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an academic role like this, the "portfolio" is primarily represented by the applicant's curriculum vitae (CV) and their demonstrated ability to teach and lead discussions. The focus is on showcasing their depth of knowledge in UX leadership and their pedagogical approach, rather than a collection of design artifacts.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Sessional Lecturer I: CAD $10,889
• Sessional Lecturer I Long Term: CAD $11,652
• Sessional Lecturer II: CAD $11,652
• Sessional Lecturer II Long Term: CAD $11,924
• Sessional Lecturer III: CAD $11,924
• Sessional Lecturer III Long Term: CAD $12,202

Benefits:

• As this is a sessional position governed by the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement, benefits and employment conditions are outlined within that agreement. Specific details regarding health benefits, pension contributions, and other entitlements would be available through the collective agreement and university HR policies for sessional staff.
• Access to university resources and facilities.
• Opportunity to contribute to the academic development of future UX professionals.

Working Hours:

• The workload is estimated to be equivalent to a standard full-time position for the duration of the sessional appointment (January 1, 2027 - April 30, 2027), encompassing course preparation, delivery (lectures, seminars, labs), assignment development, grading, and office hours.
• Specific class schedule to be determined (TBD). Lecturers are required to be located within geographical proximity to the University of Toronto premises to perform duties on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary figures provided are for the entire sessional appointment period, not an annual salary. The specific classification (SL I, II, III, Long Term) depends on accumulated seniority and prior sessional appointments at the university, as per the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement. The "estimate of TA support" (75 hours for enrollment of 36+) suggests the lecturer will have assistance with administrative and grading tasks, depending on class size.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Information Science and Technology) Company Size: Large (University of Toronto is one of Canada's largest universities) Founded: 1827 (University of Toronto) Faculty of Information (iSchool): The Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto is a leading institution focused on the study of information in all its forms. It offers programs in areas such as Information Systems, Information Management, Archives and Museum Studies, and User Experience. The culture emphasizes research, academic rigor, and preparing students for diverse roles in the information landscape.

Team Structure:

• The Sessional Lecturer will operate within the Faculty of Information, likely reporting to the course coordinator or department chair responsible for INF2200H.
• Collaboration will occur with other faculty members, course instructors, administrative staff (like Nafiseh Yazdian, Administrative Coordinator), and potentially Teaching Assistants (TAs).
• The role requires participation in a broader academic community focused on advancing knowledge and education in information science and UX.

Methodology:

• The course INF2200H emphasizes a studio-based learning approach, integrating theoretical concepts with practical application.
• Pedagogical methods will likely include lectures, interactive discussions, case study analyses, individual assignments, and a significant group design project.
• The course aims to instill a data-driven and user-centered approach to UX leadership, encouraging critical analysis of business challenges and UX opportunities.

Company Website: https://ischool.utoronto.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: The University of Toronto's culture is characterized by academic excellence, research intensity, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Within the Faculty of Information, there is a strong interdisciplinary focus, bringing together students and faculty from various backgrounds to explore the complexities of information.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an academic instructional role, not a typical Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, or GTM role. However, it represents a senior-level contribution in the field of UX education. Reporting Structure: The Sessional Lecturer will report to the administrative and academic leadership within the Faculty of Information responsible for the INF2200H course. Operations Impact: While this role is not directly in "operations" in the business sense, the "UX Leadership and Influence" course is designed to equip future professionals with the skills to positively impact business operations by advocating for and implementing user-centered design. The lecturer's impact is on shaping the next generation of UX leaders who will, in turn, influence how organizations operate and serve their users.

Growth Opportunities:

• Academic Advancement: Successful sessional lecturers may have opportunities for longer-term sessional appointments (Sessional Lecturer II, III) and potentially future teaching roles within the Faculty, subject to collective agreement provisions and university hiring practices.
• Curriculum Development: Opportunity to contribute to the refinement and development of the INF2200H curriculum or related courses.
• Networking: Build professional connections within the University of Toronto's academic and UX communities.
• Knowledge Dissemination: Share practical industry insights and experiences, contributing to the academic discourse in UX leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a direct career path in business operations, this role offers significant growth within academia and the UX education field. The progression through Sessional Lecturer ranks (I to III) is based on seniority and demonstrated teaching effectiveness within the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 collective agreement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: University Faculty/Department setting. The role requires on-site presence for lectures, seminars, and office hours. Office Location(s): University of Toronto, Faculty of Information, 140 St. George Street, Toronto, ON. Workspace Context:

• Lecturers will have access to university teaching facilities, including classrooms and seminar rooms equipped with necessary AV technology.
• Access to faculty and administrative support services within the Faculty of Information.
• The environment is collaborative and intellectually stimulating, fostering interaction with students and fellow academics.
• The role requires being located in geographical proximity to the University premises.

Work Schedule:

• The schedule will be determined based on the Winter 2027 academic timetable. This typically involves a set number of hours per week for lectures/seminars, plus time for preparation, grading, and office hours.
• The sessional appointment period is January 1, 2027, to April 30, 2027.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial, necessitating physical presence within Toronto for the duration of the appointment. This facilitates direct student interaction and engagement with the university's academic infrastructure.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Applicants must submit a CV and a completed CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form in a single PDF file.
• Review: Applications will be reviewed by a hiring committee within the Faculty of Information. Preference is given to qualified individuals advanced to Sessional Lecturer II and III ranks, as per the collective agreement.
• Interview/Meeting: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview or a meeting to discuss their qualifications, teaching philosophy, and approach to the course content. This may involve a presentation or discussion of their experience in UX leadership and influence.
• Decision: Final selection based on qualifications, experience, and suitability for teaching the specific course.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• CV Focus: Ensure your CV clearly highlights extensive professional experience in UX leadership and influence, along with any teaching credentials or experience. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Application Form: Complete the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form accurately and thoroughly.
• Demonstrate Expertise: Be prepared to articulate your understanding of UX leadership, design thinking, user research, agile methodologies, and the soft skills required for influence and persuasion.
• Teaching Philosophy: Clearly outline your pedagogical approach for teaching UX leadership concepts, emphasizing practical application and student engagement. If you have a teaching philosophy statement, it can be referenced or summarized.
• Case Study Preparation: While not explicitly requested, be ready to discuss examples from your professional experience that illustrate effective UX leadership, stakeholder influence, or the successful integration of UX into business processes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Course Content: Thoroughly review the course description for INF2200H. Understand the key topics, learning objectives, and the blend of technical and soft skills required.
• Pedagogy: Consider how you would structure the course, design engaging activities (studio-based, group projects), and assess student learning effectively.
• University Context: Familiarize yourself with the University of Toronto's Faculty of Information and its academic standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is formal and governed by the collective agreement. Highlighting relevant professional experience and a clear teaching philosophy will be critical for advancing in the selection process. The preference for senior lecturers (II and III) means that candidates new to the university may face stronger competition from those with established seniority.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote for lecture delivery.
• Learning Management System (LMS): Likely Quercus (University of Toronto's LMS, based on Canvas) for course materials, assignments, and communication.
• Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with tools used in UX and product development, such as:
  • Design and Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD.
  • Project Management: Jira, Asana, Trello.
  • Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams.
• Video Conferencing: Zoom, Microsoft Teams for potential online office hours or hybrid components.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct data analytics role, understanding how to interpret user research data and UX metrics is essential.
• Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Hotjar) may be beneficial for demonstrating the impact of UX initiatives.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the lecturer role, but understanding how UX impacts customer journeys managed through CRMs could be relevant context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on leveraging standard academic teaching tools and demonstrating familiarity with the professional tools used in the UX industry that students will encounter in their careers. Proficiency with the university's LMS is a practical necessity.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values: (Applied to the academic context of UX Leadership)

• User-Centricity: A core value in UX, emphasizing the importance of understanding and advocating for user needs in all aspects of design and business strategy.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing evidence-based approaches, informed by user research and analytics, to guide design and influence organizational direction.
• Collaboration & Influence: Promoting teamwork and effective communication skills to drive consensus and integrate UX principles across different departments and stakeholder groups.
• Continuous Improvement: Encouraging a mindset of iterative design and learning, adapting to new technologies and user behaviors.
• Ethical Design: Upholding principles of responsible design, privacy, and accessibility.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The course emphasizes how UX leaders must collaborate with product owners, engineers, managers, and other specialists.
• Feedback Exchange: A culture of constructive feedback is essential, both from the instructor to students and among students in group projects.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging an environment where students share insights from their professional experiences and academic learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values align with those expected in a professional UX environment, translated into an educational context. The lecturer is expected to model these values and instill them in students.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Theory and Practice: Effectively translating complex UX leadership concepts and professional experiences into digestible and actionable lessons for students.
• Diverse Student Backgrounds: Catering to a class of approximately 50 students with potentially varied levels of prior UX knowledge and professional experience.
• Group Project Management: Facilitating and managing a major group design project, ensuring equitable contribution and successful outcomes.
• Keeping Pace with Industry: Ensuring course content reflects the latest trends, tools, and challenges in UX leadership and influence.
• Administrative Load: Managing grading, office hours, and other administrative duties alongside course delivery.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Pedagogical Skill Enhancement: Gaining experience in university-level teaching and curriculum delivery.
• Academic Networking: Connecting with faculty and researchers at the University of Toronto.
• Curriculum Contribution: Potential to influence and update course content based on industry trends and student feedback.
• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor and guide aspiring UX professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to academic instruction blended with professional expertise. The growth opportunities focus on developing teaching skills and contributing to the academic landscape of UX education.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to teaching UX leadership and influence. How would you structure the INF2200H course to maximize student engagement and learning outcomes?"
• "How do you balance theoretical concepts with practical application in a course like this? Provide specific examples of how you would demonstrate UX leadership in action."
• "What are the key challenges in influencing organizational culture to adopt user-centered design, and how would you equip students to overcome these challenges?"
• "How would you manage a major group design project to ensure collaboration, equitable contribution, and a successful final deliverable?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about the University of Toronto's Faculty of Information and its approach to UX education?"
• "How do you see this role contributing to the Faculty's mission of advancing information studies?"
• "How would you foster a collaborative and inclusive learning environment for a diverse group of students?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• CV Walkthrough: Be prepared to walk through your CV, highlighting key professional achievements in UX leadership, influence, and relevant project experience.
• Teaching Philosophy: Articulate your teaching philosophy clearly, connecting it to the course objectives and your professional background.
• Course Structure Example: Outline how you might structure a week or a module of the course, including potential activities and learning objectives.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would address common student challenges or complex scenarios related to UX leadership and influence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both deep subject matter expertise in UX leadership and a strong pedagogical approach suitable for higher education. Highlighting practical experience and the ability to translate that into teaching is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this sessional lecturer position:

• Submit Application Package: Ensure your application includes a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and the completed CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form, submitted as a single PDF file.
• Targeted CV: Tailor your CV to prominently feature your professional experience in UX leadership, influence, design operations, and any prior teaching roles. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Application Form Accuracy: Complete the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form diligently, providing all requested information accurately.
• Review Course Description: Thoroughly understand the INF2200H course description and its learning objectives to align your application and potential interview responses.
• Research University of Toronto: Familiarize yourself with the Faculty of Information's programs, faculty, and academic culture to demonstrate your fit and interest.
• Prepare for Potential Interview: Anticipate questions about your teaching philosophy, subject matter expertise, and how you would manage the course and its students.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description provides insights and context based on industry standards and the provided information. Applicants should always refer to the official job posting and consult the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement for definitive details regarding salary, benefits, and application procedures. All information should be verified directly with the University of Toronto's Faculty of Information.