Assistant Teaching Professor, Literature and Writing

Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons University has a strong tradition of empowering women and challenging traditional gender roles. Simmons was founded for equality 125 years ago as one of the first higher education institutions dedicated to helping women become leaders. Today, our university continues to grow and evolve and now offers Boston’s only women’s undergraduate program and graduate programs open to all. 

You’re joining our community at an especially exciting time as we continue to innovate for the future. Simmons recently launched a six-school academic structure that leverages our expert faculty and longstanding expertise in professions that make our communities stronger. In addition, we continue to highlight our high-value education proposition that is delivering greater ROI to students and putting them on the fast track to career growth and success. You’ll find that people who work here truly believe in our mission of preparing students to become social justice-oriented leaders who excel in their professions and their communities. This commitment and pride make for a dynamic workplace.

As a university that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices–at all levels, for all positions–ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.

The Department of Literature and Writing
The department includes an undergraduate major in literature and one in writing as well as a minor in literature and writing.  An undergraduate certification in Spanish also falls within this department’s offerings as do graduate degree programs in the study of literature for young people.  As a department, the faculty engage in reflective teaching set within a tradition of relational teaching.

Students engage with the work of important writers as they become familiar with cultural values, ideas, debates, and insights woven into literature. Whether in literature or writing, students sharpen their understanding and execution of language in reading, writing and speaking about literary texts.  Student learning outcomes combine expertise in these skills with disciplinary content, critical and historical awareness, and a deep and wide appreciation for literary production – their own and others’.   Throughout the program, students hone confidence as independent thinkers with critical voices as they discern the complex relationship of issues of power related to race, class, gender, and sexuality.  Reading, analytical, and writing serve as foundational skills for student students to enter a variety of professions including careers in law, publishing, journalism, advertising, business, public service, technology, and education.

Job Summary

The Simmons University Department of Literature and Writing invites applications for a non-tenure track Assistant Teaching Professor to begin in the Fall 2027 semester. The initial contract runs for one year with the possibility of annual renewal.

The department welcomes applications from scholars and professionals in the domain of literature and writing with emphasis on British or American literature, culture, and history.

We seek expertise in teaching composition and close reading across levels – from first-year writing courses to senior seminar and research courses.  Candidates will include those who bring a generalist’s interest and experience to round out the department’s literature, film, and humanities offerings.  The successful candidate has a firm grounding in the study of literary theory and practices along with a strong commitment to teaching and pedagogical work with a diverse body of students. Candidates may have the opportunity to teach courses in creative writing and/or in the graduate programs in children’s and young adult literature.

The successful candidate will be a dynamic and engaged teacher with academic, creative, or relevant professional experience who will support the programs’ implementation of its core curriculum and elective courses. Candidates should demonstrate a record of teaching excellence.

Essential Job Functions

• Carry a 7-course teaching load per academic year (three courses in one semester, four in the other)
• Provide support for students’ learning by way of office hours and other direct work with students
• Advise students
• Attend department meetings, either in person or in a remote format
• Participate in the ongoing work of curricular renewal and revision
• Continued participation in professional development as it relates to the candidate’s teaching and disciplinary expertise

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• MA, MFA or ABD considered, PhD in literature or a related discipline preferred
• Evidence of excellent teaching
• We welcome applications from scholars, authors, and instructors with creative, academic, and/or professional experience

Work Environment, Conditions, and Physical Demands

• This is a contracted, academic year position (generally from August to June) that will require teaching in person on the Boston campus

Required Application Materials

• Please submit a cover letter, C.V., teaching dossier (i.e., list of courses taught in the past) and statement of teaching philosophy, and a list of names and contact information for three references  with your application to the job application portal on Workday. We will begin reviewing applications immediately and continue until the applications close on December 15, 2026.

Compensation range: $67,000 - $70,000

In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws effective October 29, 2025, Simmons University is committed to pay equity, transparency and clear communication throughout the hiring process.

This is a benefits-eligible position.

Actual compensation will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills, equity, and external market benchmarks that help guide compensation decisions. Our compensation philosophy is centered around a comprehensive package that includes pay, health benefits, and retirement savings offerings that can be seen here, as well as work-life balance initiatives such as flexible hours and remote work opportunities. We are committed to offering a package that empowers individuals to thrive in their roles, contribute meaningfully, and lead with confidence.

Instructions to Applicants: Please upload all applicable application materials (e.g. resume/cv, cover letter, writing sample, teaching philosophy, etc.) in the Application Materials box on page 2 ("My Experience") of this application. Documents can be uploaded individually or as a combined document (e.g. PDF).

Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual’s community experience. As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices–at all levels, for all positions–ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.