Lecturer in CCS Writing & Literature

University of California - Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 86,000; Part time

Job summary

The Writing & Literature program at UCSB invites applications for a part-time (50%) temporary lecturer to teach fiction and creative writing during the 2026-27 academic year. Fall Quarter 2026 or later start; in-person teaching on the UCSB campus.

This is a non-tenure track, non-ladder position with potential future renewal depending on funding and performance. Duties include teaching fiction and creative writing, advising undergraduates, assisting with admissions review, and supporting CCS

Qualifications

• MFA in creative writing, fiction, or a closely related field.
• Significant achievement as a practicing literary artist with publications.
• One year or more of college/university teaching experience.
• Experience designing interdisciplinary courses connecting narrative with other arts.
• Commitment to inclusive teaching and supporting diverse student populations.

Responsibilities

• Teach fiction and creative writing courses.
• Advise undergraduates and assist admissions review.
• Support CCS program administration as assigned.

Skills

Teaching

Cross-genre teaching

Interdisciplinary approach

Mentoring writers

Public-facing communication

Education

MFA in creative writing

Job description

Position overview

Position title: Non-senite, Unit-18 Pre-Six Lecturer

Salary range: A reasonable estimate that the University expects to pay for this position is based on a 100% time annual salary rate of $73,817 - $85,576 (salary point 1-6). See Table 15 for the salary range for this title.

Percent time: 50%

Anticipated start: Fall Quarter 2026 or later

Position duration: One year, with the possibility of renewal.

Application Window

Open date: August 26, 2026

Next review date: Wednesday, Sep 9, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Final date: Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Writing & Literature major in the College of Creative Studies (CCS) at the University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for a part-time (50%) temporary lecturer to teach creative writing and related courses, with an emphasis on fiction, during the 2026-27 academic year. For a fall quarter appointment, the service period is anticipated to begin Fall Quarter 2026 or later. Work will be in person on the UCSB campus.

This is a non-tenure track, non-ladder, non-academic senate position. The possibility of reappointment in future years is dependent upon program needs, availability of funding, and job performance. Salary is based on UC's salary scales and depends upon qualifications. Eligibility for benefits such as health insurance is dependent upon the percentage and length of appointment.

The lecturer will teach courses in fiction and creative writing, and may contribute to instruction in areas such as narrative studies, interdisciplinary writing, literary publishing, and public communication. In addition to teaching duties, the lecturer may be assigned to advise undergraduates, contribute to admissions review, and support the administration of the Writing & Literature program as assigned by the CCS Dean's Office.

CCS is a small undergraduate college designed for self-directed students in the sciences, arts, engineering, and humanities within a world-class research university. It provides a rigorous, accelerated program that leads students through the production of a body of creative work supported by scholarly research and analysis, and offers a Bachelor of Art in Writing & Literature.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship. Also, please note that the College cannot reimburse travel or moving expenses for relocating.

Unit: https://www.ccs.ucsb.edu

Basic qualifications

MFA degree in creative writing, fiction, or a closely related field.

Preferred qualifications

• Significant achievement as a practicing literary artist, including publication of book-length work or substantial publication in distinguished literary journals.
• One year or more of teaching experience at the college or university level.
• Graduate-level training or substantial study in comparative literature, world literature, translation, or another field that situates creative practice within a broad intellectual and cultural context.
• Demonstrated ability to teach writing across genres, purposes, and student populations.
• Experience designing interdisciplinary courses that connect written narrative with other artistic practices.
• Professional experience in editing, publishing, or public-facing communication.
• The capacity to connect artistic practice with professional application.
• Experience mentoring writers at different stages of development.
• An active understanding of the contemporary literary and publishing landscape.
• Experience fostering inclusive and supportive creative writing environments that engage students from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Please submit an up-to-date CV including teaching experience. A term-by-term listing of teaching that conveys the length of your experience is preferred.
• Cover Letter - Cover letter should include a brief description of your interest in the position and confirmation of your availability to start Fall 2026 if selected.
• Statement of Teaching Experience/Philosophy - Describe your approach to teaching in creative writing and related courses, including any experience with interdisciplinary or cross-genre instruction. This is also an opportunity to describe your professional practice across creative writing, editing/publishing, and any public-facing communication work that would inform your teaching and mentoring.
• Syllabus sample(s) - Provide one or more syllabus sample(s) from relevant courses. (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 2-3 required (contact information only)

Applicants are to provide the names and contact information for 2-3 references. References will be contacted for the top candidate post interview.

Help contact

[e-mail]

About UC Santa Barbara

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties
• APM - 035: Affectionary Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Job location

Santa Barbara, CA (work will be onsite)