James Madison University is hiring: Assistant Professor of English: Creative Wri

Overview

• Working Title: Assistant Professor of English: Creative Writing Poetry
• State Role Title: N/A
• Position Type: Instructional / Teaching Faculty
• Position Status: Full-Time
• FLSA Status: Exempt: Not Eligible for Overtime
• College/Division: College of Arts and Letters
• Department: 100020 - English Department
• Pay Rate: Commensurate with Experience
• Specify Range or Amount:
• Is this a JMU only position? No
• Is this a grant-funded position? No
• Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No
• Beginning Review Date: 10/19/2025

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to teach introductory and advanced Creative Writing Poetry courses as well as special topics courses in the General Education curriculum. English faculty members do not teach freshman composition. This position carries a 3/2 teaching load and will come with one course release and a service exemption in the first year of appointment.

Qualifications

Required:

• An MFA or PhD in Creative Writing, specializing in Poetry, in hand by August 2026
• Excellence in publishing poetry and/or scholarship on poetry
• Expertise or potential for excellence and innovation in teaching creative writing in poetry and literature in other genres
• Expertise and potentially significant contributions to the fields of poetry, creative writing, and literary study

Additional Considerations:

• Some research and/or teaching expertise in global and diasporic studies, transatlantic and/or transnational studies, women's and gender studies, queer studies, medical humanities, disability studies, religious studies, digital humanities and/or poetics, docupoetry, or bookmaking

Additional Posting Information

Applicants will complete a faculty profile and submit the following:

• A cover letter summarizing the candidate's writing, research, and teaching interests
• A curriculum vitae
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness (as Other Document #1). This may include course syllabi, assignments, and summaries of course evaluations, if available.
• A sample of the candidate's poetry, 20-30 pages in length (Professional Writing Sample)
• Contact information for three references

Conditions of Employment

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.