Job Description Summary
Bentley University invites applications for the Bartlett Chair of Free Speech and Free Enterprise. This is an endowed position at the full professor level (or in exceptional circumstances at the associate professor level) starting in July 2026. Funded by a generous contribution from Bruce and Patricia Bartlett the purpose of this new professorship is to affirm Bentleys commitment to providing students with an educational experience that both nurtures the free expression and constructive exchange of diverse viewpoints and encourages them to study differing schools of thought.Working with the Dean of Arts & Sciences and the Dean of Business the selected candidate will finalize the details of the role of the Bartlett Professor. The responsibilities of this position may/will include the following activities among others:
Teaching
Offer undergraduate courses on freedom of speech and/or free enterprise and related issues.
Establish a Free Speech Seminar for the Falcon Discovery Seminar (Bentleys seminar for First Year students).
Scholarship
Publish on free speech and/or free enterprise related issues in scholarly journals as well as non-scholarly venues in the popular press such as op-eds.
Give talks and serve on panels at national and international conferences.
Foster engagement with relevant academic communities and organizations such as The Academic Freedom Alliance; Heterodox Academy; FIRE; as well as the AAUP and ACLU.
Campus engagement and community outreach
Speak to incoming students at orientation about the role of freedom of speech and free enterprise in a liberal education.
Speak to new faculty at orientation about the role of free speech and academic freedom including issues of faculty rights and responsibilities both as scholars and as instructors.
Continue the Bartlett Free Speech and Free Enterprise Speaker Series inviting experts in the field to give talks at Bentley once a semester.
Host regular faculty discussion sessions.
Consult with Bentley administrators on issues and policies pertaining to academic freedom and free speech generally.
Bentley is committed to the teacher-scholar model where teaching scholarship service and community engagement are expected and valued. We seek qualified faculty who represent diverse backgrounds interests and talents and share a commitment to high ethical standards and a willingness to embrace challenge and change.
Bentley University located in suburban Boston is an AACSB and NECHE accredited institution that enrolls approximately 5500 students at the undergraduate graduate and doctoral levels. Bentley is ranked at or near the top in several categories by US News & World Report including Best Regional Universities North and Most Innovative Schools with Bloomberg ranking Bentley in the top 20 undergraduate business programs. Bentleys high graduation and retention rates and top-ranked Pulsifer Career Center reflects a commitment to student success and inclusiveness. With a strong faculty of teacher-scholars Bentley strives to be a Force for Good through the integration of business with the arts and sciences and a strong emphasis on ethics and social responsibility. Providing a stimulating academic community for faculty staff and students Bentley supports its faculty as they pursue cutting-edge research and bring their expertise and real world understanding into the classroom.
Minimum Qualifications:
A qualified candidate should have an outstanding record of accomplishments in both research and teaching appropriate for the candidates level of experience; an ongoing and high-quality research program; and a doctorate in one of the following disciplines: Economics History Law or Philosophy or a related discipline. An ideal candidate will be able to cross over to teach in one of the other disciplines and pursue interdisciplinary teaching and research initiatives.
Particular consideration will be given to candidates with a research record that reflects a robust commitment to the principles of free speech and/or free enterprise. The Bartlett Professor will be expected to advance both causes as part of this professorship.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration candidates must submit the following as part of the application:
An up-to-date curriculum vitae
A letter of interest which should clearly explain how the candidate embodies the theme of Free Speech and Free Enterprise
A teaching statement which should include a description of how the faculty member has demonstrated or intends to create and support an inclusive classroom environment
A portfolio that includes sample syllabi and student/peer evaluations.
A list of up to five papers that the candidate wishes the committee to focus on when reviewing the candidates scholarship.
A list of three references (names and contact information). Bentley will contact these confidential references for those candidates moving forward in the process.
For best consideration please submit your application electronically on the Bentley Universitys Careers webpage by January 20 2026; however applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the completion of the search process / until the position is filled.
For confidential inquiries expressions of interest or nominations please contact Mystica M. Alexander recruiting committee chair at:
Pay Transparency
At Bentley we offer a total rewards package designed to attract motivate retain and reward our employees. This includes competitive compensation robust benefits career development and opportunities generous paid time off workplace flexibility and a positive engaging employee alignment with the Massachusetts Pay Transparency Act and our commitment to equity and transparency were sharing the salary grade range for this role. The grade range is based on market data and the scope of responsibilities. Final pay will depend on your experience education home department and other relevant qualifications.
Professor Rank Range: $98745 - $241760
Associate Professor Rank Range: $85088 - $172580
If you have questions about the salary grade range or need additional information please contact us at
Bentley University requires references checks and may conduct other pre-employment screening.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Bentley University strives to create a campus community that welcomes the exchange of ideas and fosters a culture that values differences and views them as a strength in our community.
Bentley University is an Equal Opportunity Employer building strength through diversity. The University is committed to building a community of talented students faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of global business. We strongly encourage applications from persons from underrepresented groups individuals with disabilities covered veterans and those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.
Required Experience:
IC
A degree from Bentley University will prepare you to lead and succeed no matter what you want to do. Your education is built around business and designed by you.