Adjunct Faculty, School of Library and Information Science (SLIS)

Job Description

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.

Adjunct Instructors are responsible for the academic success of students enrolled in a course at SLIS in accordance with program and course objectives and course syllabi. Adjunct Instructors should be highly knowledgeable about the subject matter for their assigned course and maintain expertise in the subject area. They are expected to actively monitor and track individual student progress and provide support and direction as needed, both during the class and outside of class as needed and appropriate.

Adjunct Instructors use their experience and knowledge to help students meet the course objectives. SLIS course syllabi are approved by the SLIS Curriculum Committee, and all faculty are expected to execute the competencies and practice behaviors that each course claims in stated course objectives. Simmons values the disciplinary competency faculty bring to the course and to students through feedback and insight provided. Any proposed course modifications must be discussed with the SLIS Associate Director who presents them to the SLIS Curriculum Committee for approval. SLIS courses are taught in a variety of modalities (in person at Boston and at Greenfield Community College; online - both asynchronous and synchronous).

It is expected that each Adjunct Instructor will spend approximately 6-8 hours per week facilitating instruction, providing support to students, evaluating required assignments and other activities such as monitoring online discussion forums.

Specific duties include:

• Teach material from approved curriculum in accordance with the syllabus and course design;
• Assume responsibility for the academic supervision and teaching of enrolled students;
• Attendance at any scheduled class meetings;
• Maintain and evaluate records of student's academic performance within the grading systems provided in the syllabus and SLIS Student Handbook;
• Provide meaningful and timely feedback on assignments;
• Maintain communication with SLIS Associate Director on regular basis regarding course and student-related performance, problems and concerns;
• Respond in a clear and well-expressed manner to student questions;
• Foster and encourage a culture of learning that values professionalism, accountability, empathy, life-long learning, respect for diversity, and ethically-minded practice, as well as personal and professional development.

General Qualifications:

• Advance graduate degree required, MS LIS recommended;
• PhD in LIS or at least 3+ years relevant work experience required;
• Graduate level teaching experience preferred;
• Online teaching exposure/experience preferred.

Compensation: $6,598 (per course)

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 non-benefits eligible position.

Compensation for adjunct faculty is established at a set rate per course and does not vary based on experience, education, or other factors. Our compensation philosophy is centered around a comprehensive package that includes pay, retirement savings, and other 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.