Assistant Professor in Creative Writing

Sonoma State University; California (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonoma State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Creative Writing/Poetry starting August 2027. The 30-unit annual load includes undergraduate and graduate workshops, general education, and supervision of M.A. theses.

We seek a poet with a strong commitment to teaching and an active record of publication. Required qualifications include an MFA in poetry with a book publication and significant magazine publication; experience teaching at the university level

Qualifications

• An MFA in poetry with a strong commitment to university teaching.
• A book publication in poetry (minimum one book with a nationally distributed press).
• Significant record of publication in nationally and internationally recognized magazines.
• An additional specialization in a genre outside of poetry, such as screenwriting or multimedia.
• Experience teaching at the university level and supervising graduate work.
• Experience in literary magazine production and editing.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate workshops and general education courses (3-4 unit classes).
• Supervise MA theses and participate in curriculum development.
• Contribute to campus service and outreach through the department’s programs.

Skills

Book publication in Poetry

Publications in magazines (national/in

Specialization beyond poetry/fiction/

University-level teaching experience

Literary magazine production/editing

Teaching undergraduate and graduate

Education

MFA in Poetry

Job description

Department Of English Faculty Employment Opportunity - Tenure Track

Starting August 2027

Assistant Professor in Creative Writing

The University

Sonoma State University’s beautiful 274-acre campus is located in Sonoma County wine country, an hour north of San Francisco. The campus offers the ideal setting for teaching and learning and access to a community of rich cultural, environmental, and recreational opportunities. Founded in 1960, SSU is one of the 22 campuses of the California State University System. As members of the largest public higher education system in the nation, we provide accessible, high-quality education.

The Department

English faculty are committed to undergraduate and graduate teaching. Students who wish to major in English may choose one of three plans, each of which provides a coherent program with a particular emphasis. After a core of required courses, students will follow programs leading to a Bachelor of Arts in English degree with a concentration in English and American Literature, Creative Writing, or English Education (that is, preparation for students entering post-baccalaureate Single Subject in English teacher credentialing programs).The English Department has offered one of Sonoma State University’s most robust graduate programs; after a brief hiatus, the English faculty are currently in the process of reinstituting the M.A. in English, which offers students the choice of an emphasis in literary criticism, creative writing, or rhetoric and English education.

The department has a long history of providing students of diverse backgrounds with the chance to study literature and practice creative writing with a faculty dedicated to quality education and personalized support and instruction. We are committed to serving students from all backgrounds and are proud that the department and Sonoma State provide access to all residents of California (and beyond). Our faculty also are expected to teach in the general education program and to be flexible in terms of meeting the needs of the department. Although we teach some large classes, and some for general education, there are plentiful opportunities for faculty to mentor and teach students in small classroom settings, particularly in our Creative Writing courses.

The English Department’s Creative Writing literary reading series and writers’ festival bring nationally and internationally known writers to campus annually. The department is home to Zaum , the AWP-award winning student magazine.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to see the department’s web page at: english.sonoma.edu

Duties of the Position

The English Department at Sonoma State University seeks candidates for a tenure-track position in Creative Writing/Poetry at the level of Assistant Professor. The successful candidate will have a full-time load of 30 units per year, consisting of 6 units of service and 24 units of instruction in the B.A. and M.A. programs. Teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate and graduate workshops and general education courses, with courses typically ranging from 3 to 4 units each. Other duties include supervising M.A. theses, reading yearly applications to the graduate program, contributing to curriculum development, and actively engaging in campus, community, and professional service, including SSU’s literary reading series, Writers at Sonoma, and the Sonoma Writers’ Festival.

To receive tenure, faculty are expected to publish in their field, participate in conferences, and engage in other creative activities of their specialization. In addition to teaching and scholarship, faculty are expected to engage in regular academic advising, to assist the department with program assessment, administrative and/or committee work, and to serve on campus-wide committees. Sonoma State is committed to the Teacher/Scholar model and places an emphasis on faculty support of undergraduate and graduate research. Faculty are also encouraged to participate in Freshman and Sophomore year programs when available in their schools.

Faculty Responsibilities

In addition to teaching and scholarship, faculty are expected to engage in service to the University, profession, and community.

These responsibilities include: advising students, participation in campus and system-wide communities, maintaining office hours, working collaboratively and productively with colleagues, and participating in traditional academic functions.

Sonoma State is committed to the Teacher/Scholar model and places an emphasis on faculty support of undergraduate research and other professional opportunities for students.

Faculty are also expected to foster our commitment to the CSU Graduation Initiative 2025 through excellent teaching, advising, and mentoring. Potential applicants are encouraged to review the University’s Reappointment, Tenure, and Promotion Policy.

Required Qualifications

• An M.F.A. in poetry or equivalent, with a strong commitment to university teaching


• A book publication in poetry (minimum of one book with a nationally distributed press)


• Significant record of publication in nationally and internationally recognized magazines


• An additional specialization in a genre outside of fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction. These may include screenwriting, multimedia, or gaming, as well as emerging or developing genres, or genres that combine creative writing with visual arts and/or design


• Experience teaching at the university level


• Experience in literary magazine production and editing

Preferred Qualifications

• Two books with nationally distributed presses