Assistant Professor, Marriage & Family Therapy

SMU Division of Student Affairs

. Teach assigned graduate-level MFT courses in face-to-face, hybrid, or online formats .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeSacramento • California • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $96,000 - $107,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Teach assigned graduate-level MFT courses in face-to-face, hybrid, or online formats
Develop and maintain syllabi, course content, assignments, and evaluation methods
Facilitate discussions and experiential learning integrating systemic theory, clinical application, research, ethics, and culturally responsive practice
Evaluate student learning and clinical competencies and provide feedback
Maintain student records, grades, attendance, and progress using the learning management system and instructional technologies
Maintain office hours and provide academic advising, mentoring, and professional guidance
Participate in student progress reviews and address academic or professional development concerns
Collaborate on curriculum development, course sequencing, outcomes assessment, and teaching improvements
Provide relational and systemic supervision in assigned practicum, internship, or clinical courses
Support students’ clinical judgment, ethical decision-making, cultural humility, and relational-systemic competence
Collaborate with the Program Director, clinical supervisors, and placement sites regarding student learning and clinical progress
Maintain supervision and evaluation documentation and protect confidentiality
Develop and maintain an active MFT-related research agenda
Design and conduct research, including literature review, study development, data collection, analysis, and interpretation
Disseminate scholarly work through peer-reviewed publications, professional presentations, and other scholarly products
Collaborate on research projects and contribute to a supportive research environment
Mentor students in research literacy, scholarly writing, and research projects
Pursue research support, grant proposals, and collaborative funding opportunities
Obtain research approvals and follow research ethics, participant protection, data security, and responsible conduct policies
Develop research goals and document scholarly progress through faculty review processes
Participate in faculty meetings, program planning, and committees
Contribute to accreditation documentation, outcomes assessment, program review, and continuous improvement
Participate in admissions interviews, recruitment, orientation, and other program activities
Provide service to the MFT profession and community
Maintain credentials and engage in professional development
Demonstrate ethical practice, cultural humility, diversity, equity, and inclusion

Requirements

What you’ll need

Doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from a regionally accredited institution, or a doctoral degree in a closely related field with a demonstrated professional identity as a marriage and family therapist
AAMFT Approved Supervisor designation or documented participation in training toward the designation as an AAMFT supervisor candidate
Experience teaching graduate-level MFT courses
Experience conducting research and contributing to scholarly publications, with evidence of research skills and the ability to develop an active research agenda
Current licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or eligibility for LMFT licensure in the state where the position is based
Clinical experience applying relational and systemic approaches in marriage and family therapy
Strong knowledge of MFT theories, clinical interventions, relational and systemic practice, and contemporary issues in the profession
Ability to connect research, theory, and practice in graduate teaching and clinical education
Ability to design and conduct research, critically evaluate scholarly literature, and communicate findings through clear scholarly writing and presentations
Ability to evaluate student learning and professional development fairly and provide constructive, actionable feedback
Clear, professional written and verbal communication across classroom, virtual, and collaborative settings
Ability to work independently and collaboratively and manage teaching, research, and service priorities within the assigned workload
Strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills, including accurate documentation and timely follow-through
Ability to engage and support students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds and create an inclusive learning environment
Sound professional judgment, respect for confidentiality, and commitment to ethical practice consistent with the AAMFT Code of Ethics and institutional policies
Commitment to the institution’s mission, vision, and values

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Mental health and wellness resources
Education reimbursement
Employee discounts through Marketplace
Paid vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
Nine paid holidays, plus a paid holiday break between Christmas and New Year’s Day
Two floating holidays
One paid Volunteer Work Day
Five Education Leave Days