Core Faculty, Expressive Therapies PhD Program (Open Rank)

The Opportunity

Lesley University invites applications for a faculty position in the Expressive Therapies Department, with primary responsibilities in the PhD in Expressive Therapies program and additional teaching in the Master’s Art Therapy specialization.

The Core Faculty member will teach doctoral courses, advise PhD students, supervise dissertation research, and contribute to the ongoing development of the PhD curriculum. Additional responsibilities include teaching in the Master’s Art Therapy specialization and supporting program initiatives that strengthen the integration of theory, research, and creative practice across the department.

About the Program

Founded in 1973, Lesley University’s Expressive Therapies program was one of the first graduate programs in the United States dedicated to training professionals in this emerging, creative, and vital field. More than 50 years later, the program continues to push the boundaries of expressive therapies knowledge, practice, and pedagogy. Our extraordinary faculty of artist‑practitioner‑scholars guide students in developing their identities as both artists and researchers, fostering a learning environment where creativity, inquiry, and therapeutic practice are deeply interconnected.

Primary Responsibilities

• Teach doctoral courses in expressive therapies theory and research.
• Mentor PhD students, supervise dissertation research, and serve on dissertation committees.
• Teach master’s‑level courses in Art Therapy courses and contribute to specialization‑specific initiatives.
• Support curriculum development, program assessment, student recruitment and retention, and other departmental initiatives.
• Participate in faculty governance, departmental and university service, and collaborative work across programs.
• Maintain an active scholarly, creative, and clinical practice  appropriate to the role.
• Active in relevant professional organizations
• Contribute to a learning environment grounded in equity, inclusion, cultural responsiveness, and student success.
• Participate in departmental governance, faculty meetings, and university service.
• Contribute to curriculum development, program innovation, and long-term strategic planning.

Qualities and Capabilities

A successful candidate will have:

• Terminal degree (PhD, EdD, or equivalent) in Art Therapy (preferred) or Expressive Therapies (art, dance, drama, expressive arts, music therapy), Counseling, Psychology, or a closely related field (required)
• Experience with research methods and doctoral-level teaching and/or dissertation advising (required)
• Demonstrated expertise in expressive therapies research (required)
• Demonstrated expertise in expressive therapies clinical application (preferred)
• Professional expertise and graduate-level preparation in Art Therapy (preferred)
• Art Therapy credential (ATR/ATR-BC) and relevant clinical licensure (preferred)
• Demonstrated record of scholarship, research, and creative inquiry. (required)
• Commitment to collaborative and inclusive teaching and mentoring. (required)
• Required to teach across multiple formats, such as in-person classroom teaching and distance learning

Why Lesley

Located in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lesley University is highly regarded for its graduate and undergraduate programs in the human arts of education, the arts, and applied social sciences. Lesley fosters a highly creative environment in which innovative ideas thrive, theory is integrated with practice and its 6,400 students and 90,000 alumni are empowered to improve and enrich communities.

We offer a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance. In addition, we offer significant paid time off, a generous retirement plan, and tuition programs that enable employees and their dependents to expand their knowledge and skills.

Lesley is committed to the ongoing pursuit of strategic diversity initiatives that help to position diversity, equity, and inclusion as fundamental to institutional and academic excellence at Lesley. In doing so, Lesley strives for a campus culture and community that fosters a true sense of belonging for all, provides opportunity for everyone to participate equally and fully in the Lesley experience, and helps to develop each individual's capacity to confidently and competently engage within and across difference. Given an evolving national context and the rapid change in the demographic profile of our country, the University has made a significant commitment to addressing and enhancing its campus climate and diversity capabilities as an institution.

Expressing Interest

A letter of interest, CV/resume, and a statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion through teaching, professional activity, and/or service must be included for full consideration.

At Lesley University we strive for a supportive and equitable environment where people -- regardless of race, ethnicity, color, sex, physical ability, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in uniformed services, and all other categories protected by applicable state and federal laws -- can participate equally and fully as their true selves in all aspects of university life. Accordingly, the University prohibits discrimination based on these protected categories in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and in employment. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the fabric of our institution. Individuals may submit concerns or questions related to discrimination to the University's Director of Equal Opportunity. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity'swebpagefor the University's entire notice of nondiscrimination and for additional information.

Lesley University Core Faculty positions are governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). To view our compensation targets for this position, please visitthis link.