Assistant Professor of Practice in Archives Management, School of Library & Information Science

ABOUT SIMMONS

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.

Simmons University’s School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) seeks a dedicated teacher to fill a 12-month contract position as an Assistant Professor of Practice to start teaching in Fall 2026. Applicants should be able to teach in our Archives Management and Cultural Heritage Informatics (CHI) concentrations online and on campus in Boston.

The School of Library and Information Science is one of the oldest programs at Simmons University, having opened in 1902. Today, the MS in Library and Information Science has over 800 students on two campuses and online and additional students in our PhD program. The MS degree program is top-ranked in U.S. News & World Reports—graduates of our program hail from every state in the United States and over 80 countries. SLIS prepares students for inspired service, advocacy, and leadership in library and information science, archives, school libraries, and children’s services. Simmons SLIS is dedicated to hiring diverse faculty members who will join a community committed to developing principles of equity, inclusion, and social justice in our students and thoroughly preparing our graduates to work effectively in the global environment. We value candidates who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to our community to enhance diversity through their research, teaching, and service.

Job Summary: This 12-month contract faculty position includes teaching on-ground and online courses in the Archives Management CHI concentrations, contributing to student advising and curriculum development, and participating in service activities that support the mission and governance of SLIS and the University. The position also requires ongoing professional engagement and a commitment to inclusive teaching, student success, and maintaining current knowledge and practice within the discipline.

Primary Responsibilities: The faculty member will teach a standard seven-course annual load, including on-ground and online core and elective courses in the Archives Management and CHI concentrations, while demonstrating a strong commitment to student learning, inclusive pedagogy, and continuous improvement in teaching effectiveness. Responsibilities include supporting students through advising, office hours, and mentorship; contributing to curriculum development and assessment to ensure program and course objectives are achieved; and actively participating in the mission and vision of the School of Library and Information Science (SLIS). The position also requires engagement in service activities at the program, school, and university levels through committee work, faculty governance, and participation in institutional initiatives and meetings. In addition, the faculty member is expected to maintain professional currency in the field through ongoing professional development, active participation in relevant academic and professional communities, and maintenance of certifications or licensure where applicable.

Qualifications: Qualified candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MS LIS) and have a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, a commitment to student engagement and success, and the ability to work effectively with students and colleagues from a wide range of social, cultural, and personal backgrounds and perspectives. Experience in teaching, collaboration, and professional involvement in archives, cultural heritage, or related information fields is preferred.

Application Instructions: Interested candidates should submit the following electronically with their application: a letter of application (addressing teaching experiences, teaching philosophy and course interests) and a curriculum vitae. Additional supporting materials to document excellence in teaching, such as course evaluations and syllabi of courses taught, are optional and welcomed.

The review of applications will start immediately with at target hire date of August 1, 2026.

For further information, please email Dr. Kathy Wisser (wisser@simmons.edu).

Salary range: $69,652 - $85,130

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.