Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program Mentor

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.

The Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program serves African American, Latina, Asian, and Native American (ALANA) students in the nursing programs at Simmons University. Through mentorship, leadership training, volunteerism, and career counseling, the program has empowered ALANA and first-generation nursing students for over a decade, investing in their success as learners, healthcare professionals, and leaders. The Dotson program is designed to address the social and academic barriers faced by many first-generation and ALANA nursing students, as well as to prepare them for the workplace through the mentoring relationship.

Based on their program of study, Dotson scholars are matched to a mentor (a nurse in the community, Simmons nursing graduate and/or faculty member) who meets with them weekly. Scholars in the traditional four year program do not receive a mentor until the second year, while Direct Entry and Accelerated scholars are assigned a mentor when they begin the program.

Responsibilities

• Mentors up to three Scholars each semester for up to three hours per week

• Documents mentoring meetings in the program’s database

• Attends two hour monthly mentor meetings in the evening

• Participates in the Dotson Scholars/Mentors open house in September of each year

• Participates in the Mentors yearly assessment/evaluation process

• Is available on a limited basis for other activities throughout the year

• Maintains confidentiality

• Willing and committed to assisting in the developmental growth of the mentee

• Helps mentee acclimate to academic and professional settings

• Supports the mentee’s progress through the program

• Helps to guide the development of criteria for the mentorships with feedback from the mentee

• Creates warm and accepting environment

• Seeks experiences that will benefit the mentee’s development

• Provides insights to the mentee that would otherwise be gained through trial and error

• Exhibits enthusiasm for nursing and the profession

• Facilitates exploration of an identified situation through questioning

• Challenges the mentee’s thinking

• Refers to additional resources when necessary

Qualifications

• Must have a BSN, though MSN is preferred

• Mentors who work with Scholars in our FNP program must be an NP and be comfortable tutoring in Pathophysiology

Term of Service

Dotson mentors are considered adjunct faculty and are compensated based on the number of mentors assigned and anticipated time commitment. Mentors working with our undergraduate Nursing students are expected to be available for face-to-face meetings on campus or in the Boston area. Mentors working with our online NP students will meet with their scholars virtually.

Application Instructions

Please submit a current resume and cover letter.

Compensation: $43/hour

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.