Distinguished Professor of Creative Writing

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a Distinguished Professor of Creative Writing with a focus on teaching and writing fiction. The successful candidate will teach a 2-2 undergraduate fiction load and contribute to curriculum development and scholarly activities.

We seek candidates with a strong publication record, leadership potential, and commitment to mentoring students in an undergraduate-only program.

Qualifications

• An MFA (or PhD) in Creative Writing or related degree, plus a minimum of 5 years of experience teaching fiction at the university level.
• Publish at least 3 critically acclaimed fiction books with a nationally recognized press.

Responsibilities

• Teach a 2-2 load of undergraduate fiction courses across intro to advanced and senior honors levels.
• Contribute to both undergraduate and graduate curricula; mentor students.
• Engage in scholarly research and participate in select administrative activities.
• Provide leadership and mentorship within the program and department.

Skills

Teaching

Mentoring

Leadership

Research

Curriculum development

Education

MFA in Creative Writing

PhD in Creative Writing or related field

Job description

Department:

English and Comp Literature - 311500

Posting Open Date:

10/29/2026

Application Deadline:

12/21/2026

Open Until Filled:

No

Position Type:

Permanent Faculty

Working Title:

Distinguished Professor of Creative Writing

Appointment Type:

Tenured/Tenure Track

Vacancy ID:

FAC0006189

Full-time/Part-time:

Full-Time Permanent

Hours per week:

40

FTE:

1

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range:

Dependent on Experience and/or Qualifications

Proposed Start Date:

01/01/2028

Be a Tar Heel!

The Department of English and Comparative Literature at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is recruiting a Distinguished Professorship of Creative Writing with specialization in teaching and writing fiction.
We especially welcome candidates whose work engages a wide aesthetic range and champions under-represented communities, as well as an outstanding record of teaching/mentoring. A potential for leadership is highly desirable, as is an eagerness to nurture the talent of young writers, as we are an undergraduate-only program, and to assist with the myriad activities of our program. Administrative and leadership experience is desirable.
The successful candidate’s duties will include teaching, research, and service. The candidate should be prepared to teach a 2-2 load of undergraduate fiction courses at the introductory, intermediate, advanced, and senior honors level, as well as one of the many fiction electives we offer. The candidate will also contribute to both undergraduate and graduate curricula; mentor students; participate in select administrative activities; and engage in ongoing scholarly research.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The Department of English and Comparative Literature is committed to hiring an exceptional teacher/scholar who brings energy and a fresh perspective to their research, pedagogy, and service. We seek candidates who can contribute to UNC’s academic mission as a public institution, especially through commitment to diversity of perspective, intercultural understanding, and engagement with local resources and communities. We encourage candidates to consult our website to learn about the Department’s curriculum, values, and mission. Candidates working across disciplines are encouraged to apply.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the flagship institution of a strong state university system comprising 17 campuses across North Carolina; neighbor institutions within 25 miles include Duke University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University, and Meredith College. Chapel Hill is a vibrant college town near the Research Triangle economic hub and 20 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Position Summary

The Department of English and Comparative Literature at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is recruiting a Distinguished Professor of Creative Writing with specialization in teaching and writing fiction.
The successful candidate’s duties will include teaching, research, and service. The candidate should be prepared to teach a 2-2 load of undergraduate fiction courses at the introductory, intermediate, advanced, and senior honors level, as well as one of the many fiction electives we offer. The candidate will also contribute to both undergraduate and graduate curricula; mentor students; participate in select administrative activities; and engage in ongoing scholarly research.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

An MFA (or PhD) in Creative Writing or related degree, plus a minimum of 5 years of experience teaching fiction at the university level, are required. Applicants should also have published at least 3 critically acclaimed books, primarily fiction, with a nationally recognized press.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

We especially welcome candidates whose work engages a wide aesthetic range and champions under-represented communities, as well as an outstanding record of teaching/mentoring. A potential for leadership is highly desirable, as is an eagerness to nurture the talent of young writers, as we are an undergraduate-only program, and to assist with the myriad activities of our program. Administrative and leadership experience is desirable.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

N/A

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.