Emerson College, a renowned institution specializing in communication, performing arts, and liberal arts, offers diverse career opportunities for academics, creatives, and administrators. Located primarily in Boston, Massachusetts, with a vibrant Los Angeles, California campus, jobs at Emerson College attract professionals passionate about media, theatre, writing, and education. The college employs faculty, staff, and executives across undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing innovative teaching and creative production.
Whether seeking tenure-track positions, adjunct roles, or administrative jobs, Emerson provides a dynamic environment. The Los Angeles campus, situated in Hollywood, focuses on film, television, and media entrepreneurship, making it ideal for industry-connected careers. Salaries for professors at Emerson typically range from $80,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience and rank, aligning with national averages for liberal arts colleges.
Founded in 1880 by Charles Wesley Emerson as a school of oratory, Emerson College has evolved into a leader in communication and the arts. It moved to its Boston Common location in 1900 and expanded with the Los Angeles campus in 2003 to tap into the entertainment industry. This growth has created more jobs at Emerson College, particularly in performing arts and media departments.
Key milestones include launching the first graduate program in media studies in the 1970s and establishing the LA center for hands-on film production. Today, with over 4,000 undergraduates and 600 graduates, the college sustains a robust job market for educators and support staff committed to experiential learning.
Emerson College's programs drive its job needs. The School of Communication offers majors in journalism, writing, and media studies. The School of the Arts includes theatre, musical theatre, film, and television. Liberal arts departments cover writing, literature, and publishing.
On the Los Angeles campus, graduate programs like the MFA in Writing for Film and Television and Media Entrepreneurship attract faculty experts. These specialized offerings mean jobs at Emerson College often require expertise in digital storytelling or performance production.
Jobs at Emerson College span faculty, staff, and leadership. Faculty positions include assistant professors, associate professors, and full professors in tenure-track or non-tenure-track roles. Adjunct professors teach part-time courses, ideal for industry professionals. Administrative jobs cover admissions, student affairs, and marketing.
Explore university job types for details on roles like lecturer jobs or professor jobs. Recent openings include Assistant Professor of Screenwriting (LA campus) and Director of Theatre Operations.
To understand jobs at Emerson College, key terms include:
For faculty jobs at Emerson College, a PhD or MFA in the relevant field is typically required. For example, a Professor of Theatre needs a PhD in performance studies or equivalent professional experience. Research assistants may hold a master's degree.
Administrative roles often require a bachelor's plus experience in higher education. The college prioritizes candidates with terminal degrees from accredited institutions.
Emerson values expertise in emerging media, diversity in arts, and interdisciplinary approaches. Faculty research might focus on digital journalism, immersive theatre, or screenwriting for diverse audiences. Publications in journals like Theatre Journal or creative works screened at festivals strengthen applications.
On the LA campus, expertise in Hollywood production processes or media entrepreneurship is essential.
Preferred experience includes 3-5 years of teaching, peer-reviewed publications, or grants from bodies like the National Endowment for the Arts. Skills encompass curriculum development, student mentoring, and proficiency in tools like Adobe Suite for media roles.
Competencies like collaboration and innovation are key for higher ed faculty jobs.
To apply for jobs at Emerson College, visit the official careers page and submit a CV, cover letter, teaching philosophy, and portfolio. Applications are reviewed year-round, with deadlines for tenure-track roles in fall.
Actionable tips:
Follow up professionally. For advice, see how to write a winning academic CV.
Emerson College champions diversity through the Emerson Engagement Initiative and Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Initiatives include faculty hiring pipelines for underrepresented minorities, LGBTQ+ support via the Allies Program, and the Bright Lights Inclusion Fund for diverse student productions.
In 2023, 45% of new hires were from diverse backgrounds. The college partners with organizations like the Thurgood Marshall Fund for inclusive recruitment, fostering an equitable workplace.
Emerson supports work-life balance with flexible scheduling, parental leave, and employee assistance programs. The Boston campus offers urban vibrancy near theatres and museums; the LA campus provides Hollywood networking, beaches, and wellness facilities.
Campus life includes employee events, fitness centers, and tuition benefits for dependents. Average workweek for faculty is 40-50 hours, with summers for creative projects. Proximity to cultural scenes enhances quality of life.
Jobs at Emerson College offer impact in shaping future media leaders, collaborative environments, and professional growth. With strong employer branding, it's a top choice for arts educators.
Ready to apply? Check higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job if recruiting.
