Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice, Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing

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.

This is a full-time, 10-month, contract faculty position within the well-established School of Nursing & Physical Therapy’s (SON) pre-licensure programs.

Teaching Responsibilities

Teaching is a primary responsibility of this position. An annual seven-course teaching load is standard for contract faculty. This role involves teaching courses in the pre-licensure nursing program.  Potential courses include, but are not limited to:

• Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing
• Fundamentals of Nursing
• Purpose, Leadership and ActioN (PLAN) course(s), as applicable

The faculty’s responsibilities also include:

• Demonstrating commitment to continuous improvement in teaching skills, pedagogy, and attention to inclusion and belonging in the classroom.
• Providing support, through office hours and other means, to ensure every student is involved in a positive educational experience through learning, teaching, and intellectual engagement.
• Eliciting, supporting, and implementing curricula to ensure course and program objectives are achieved.
• Evaluating student achievement of expected student learning outcomes.

Service Responsibilities

The faculty member is expected to serve the University and contribute to the University’s pursuit of its mission.  These responsibilities include:

• Advising students at the pre-licensure level
• Participating as a team member in curriculum development and maintenance
• Participating in program, department, college, and university meetings, committees, and activities
• Participating in faculty governance and program evaluation
• Membership on SON and University committees
• Mentoring junior faculty in academic and practice-related matters

Professional Engagement Responsibilities

All contract faculty are expected to maintain currency in their discipline and licensure as required to carry out their duties at the University, including:

• Participating in professional development to remain relevant in the discipline.
• Maintaining certifications and licensure, if applicable, to remain current in the field.
• Maintaining involvement in the broader academic and professional community in accordance with disciplinary/professional standards.

Qualifications/Skills

• Master’s degree in nursing required
• Doctoral degree in nursing preferred
• At least 5 years of relevant nursing experience is required for the Assistant Professor rank; at least 10 years for Associate Professor rank
• Demonstrated commitment to clinical and academic excellence
• Previous teaching at the college level is preferable
• As a condition of your employment at Simmons, you are required to hold and maintain a current and unrestricted Registered Nurse License in Massachusetts
• Demonstrated ability to work with students across a broad range of social and personal identities and perspectives
• Creative problem solver
• Strong and effective communicator

Terms of Service:  This is a Boston-based 10-month contract non-tenure role that reports to the Pre-Licensure Nursing Program Administrator.  Consistent with the Faculty Policy Manual (FPM), contract faculty are expected to teach seven courses per year or the equivalent as approved by the Dean, and will receive an annual evaluation. Faculty are expected to adhere to all applicable Simmons policies. 

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit the following electronically with their application: (1) a letter of application addressing teaching experiences; (2) teaching philosophy, course or content interests, and clinical/professional interests and expertise; and (3) curriculum vitae.  Additional supporting materials to document excellence in teaching, such as course evaluations and syllabi of courses taught, are optional and welcome. Target hire date for initial start is January 1, 2027. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and until the position is filled.

Salary Range:  $77,505 to $98,068

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.