Professor of the Practice in Food Systems

The Environmental Studies Program at Tufts University invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track Professor of the Practice in Food Systems, beginning September 1, 2027. This is a nine-month academic appointment paid over 12 months, with an initial two-year contract and the possibility of renewal thereafter.

We seek a collaborative strategic thinker who brings significant professional experience in food systems work beyond the academy, and who is committed to teaching excellence, outreach and collaboration. We welcome candidates with diverse professional backgrounds and are particularly interested in candidates who can bring meaningful professional opportunities for students to learn through direct engagement with food systems practitioners, organizations, and communities.

The successful candidate will contribute to the educational mission of the program through undergraduate teaching, advising, mentoring, and departmental and university-wide service. The teaching load will be the equivalent of 2 courses per semester, and will include Introduction to Food Systems, Practicing in Food Systems, and other courses and activities (e.g., research methods courses, seminars, supervision of internships, independent projects, and senior theses, etc.) The Environmental Studies Program is committed to supporting the pedagogical development of faculty whose expertise derives primarily from professional practice.

A central component of the position will be connecting students with the professional practice of food systems. The successful candidate will lead existing and new co-curricular programming that fosters collaboration and creates opportunities for experiential learning (including external internships) both inside and outside the classroom. They will also build strategic connections within and beyond the university by engaging external partners, alumni networks, and other Tufts stakeholders.

The successful candidate will be joining a vibrant program. The Environmental Studies Program, established in 1984, is one of the oldest environmental undergraduate programs in the country. Student interest in the program continues to increase and is now one of the largest academic programs at Tufts University. The Environmental Studies Program prepares students to have a deep understanding of the critical issues facing society, essential analytical skills, and the ability to communicate their knowledge to their peers and the general public. We offer two majors and two minors and sponsor a wide range of extracurricular activities, including a weekly lecture series. More information about the program can be found at Go.tufts.edu/ENVS.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of ten years of professional experience in food systems or a closely related field outside of academia.
• Demonstrated professional accomplishment and leadership in one or more areas of food systems practice, such as food production, food business and entrepreneurship, food policy, food security, nutrition, sustainability, regenerative agriculture, food technology, media, advocacy, community development, or international development with a food and nutrition focus.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring, training, advising, supervising, or otherwise supporting the learning and professional development of students, employees, community members, or other learners.
• Demonstrated success developing programs, initiatives, partnerships, or projects that engage diverse stakeholders and achieve measurable goals.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to collaboration, outreach, and inclusive engagement with diverse communities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a field relevant to the position.
• Experience teaching in higher education or in other educational settings, including professional training, extension, executive education, public engagement, or community-based learning.
• Experience creating experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, field-based courses, applied projects, or community-engaged learning programs.
• Established professional networks that could support student learning, mentoring, internships, and career development.
• National or international recognition for contributions to food systems practice.

All applications are submitted via Interfolio, at https://apply.interfolio.com/193133. Please submit the following materials: a) Cover letter describing the main area(s) you would plan to focus on while at Tufts, including what courses you would want to teach, initiatives you would like to develop and how these relate to your own professional interests and experience; b) CV; and c) names and contact information for three references. Review of applications will start on Oct 15^th.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the completion of a background check.

Questions about the position should be emailed to Environmental Studies Program Administrator Sinet Kroch at Sinet.Kroch@tufts.edu.

Tufts University is committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation that reflects each candidate's experience, expertise, responsibilities, and performance. The pay offered within the posted range ($82,000-$164,000) will be determined based on a variety of factors such as (but not limited to) the individual's education and experience, discipline, rank, internal equity, and budgetary considerations. Ranges represent full-time 9- or 12- month base salaries.