Assistant or Associate Professor of the Practice in Journalism

WU Wesleyan University; United States; On-site; USD 74,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Wesleyan University invites applications for an Assistant Professor of the Practice or Associate Professor of the Practice in Journalism, beginning July 1, 2027.

The successful candidate will coordinate the Shapiro Center for Creative Writing and Criticism's journalism program, teach its introductory sequence—“Introduction to Journalism” and “Reporting for Narrative”—and offer two electives on special topics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and five years of experience as a regular contributor to a newspaper or magazine with national (or international) distribution.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the Shapiro Center for Creative Writing and Criticism's journalism program.
• Teach Introduction to Journalism and Reporting for Narrative.
• Offer two electives on special topics (e.g., Investigative Journalism, Profile Writing, Reporting & Disability, Journalism & Human Rights).
• Advise Wesleyan’s student newspaper, The Argus.
• Expand the summer internship program by building relationships with media outlets in Connecticut and New York.
• Organize events with writers and editors to attract new students.
• Maintain a teaching load of two courses per semester with sabbatical eligibility after ten semesters.

Skills

Investigative reporting

Long-form journalism

Teaching experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

The Shapiro Center for Creative Writing and Criticism is seeking an Assistant Professor of the Practice or Associate Professor of the Practice in Journalism, beginning July 1, 2027. The successful candidate will coordinate the Center’s journalism program, teach its introductory journalism sequence—“Introduction to Journalism” and “Reporting for Narrative”—and offer two electives on special topics (e.g., Investigative Journalism, Profile Writing, Reporting & Disability, Journalism & Human Rights).

The new faculty member will also serve as a faculty advisor to Wesleyan’s student newspaper, The Argus, and work with leadership to help to expand the Shapiro Center’s summer internship program, building relationships with media outlets in Connecticut and New York, to help place students in a range of media environments and newsrooms, including local papers, radio stations, and national magazines.

The successful candidate will be expected to organize events with writers and editors to help draw new students to the program.

The teaching load is two courses per semester with sabbatical eligibility after ten semesters of teaching.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record of success in investigative reporting or long‑form narrative journalism, as well as teaching experience at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and five years of experience as a regular contributor to a newspaper or magazine with national (or international) distribution.

Applications submitted by December 15, 2026, will receive full consideration.

The salary range for this position is $74,000–$79,000 at the Assistant Professor of the Practice level, with a higher salary range applicable to appointments at the Associate Professor of the Practice level.

Work Location: On Campus.

All offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre‑employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.

Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non‑position‑related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups.

Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504 or any other non‑discrimination policies should be directed to Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Title IX and ADA/504 Coordinator.

Wesleyan University complies with the Clery Act and maintains records of campus crime statistics and security policies. Copies of Wesleyan University’s Clery Act Report are available on request and online at https://www.wesleyan.edu/publicsafety/clery.html.

Experience is taken into consideration in the determination of salary offers.

Wesleyan offers a broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities, including comprehensive group insurance plans, wellness programs and incentives, generous paid time off and retirement plans, flexible work schedules, and employee and dependent tuition programs. Benefit eligibility varies based on position type, length of appointment, and scheduled work hours. Temporary employees, per‑course visitors, and all other part‑time appointments, including visiting faculty appointments, that are scheduled for less than half‑time work are generally limited to those benefits required by law.

Detailed information on the benefits of working at Wesleyan is located at: https://wesleyan.edu/hr/careers/prospective-resources.html.

At Wesleyan, the work you do contributes to something larger. Our faculty and staff bring their creativity, expertise, curiosity, and diverse perspectives to a community committed to transformative education, discovery, creativity, and meaningful impact. We’re looking for people who want to contribute their ideas, grow professionally, collaborate across disciplines and departments, and help shape an inclusive and dynamic university community. Whether you’re beginning your career or bringing years of experience, Wesleyan offers opportunities to do meaningful work alongside colleagues who value bold thinking, collaboration, and practical idealism.

Explore what it means to work at Wesleyan, discover the benefits, additional resources, and find an opportunity that’s right for you.