Stanford University is hiring: Associate Director of Creative Writing, Stanford

Overview

The Creative Writing Program (CWP) at Stanford University seeks an Associate Director (AD) who will have broad administrative and educational responsibilities, with a particular focus on our large and vibrant undergraduate program.

Stanford’s Creative Writing Program is one of the oldest and most prominent in the country, with a faculty deeply committed to graduate and undergraduate teaching. Each year we offer ten Stegner Fellowships to selected applicants; the two-year, graduate-level fellowship has produced many celebrated writers since 1946.

Creative Writing also plays a significant role in the undergraduate experience, with more than 1,000 students taking a creative writing workshop each year. The program is housed within the English Department, and students may pursue an English major with a Creative Writing emphasis or a minor in Creative Writing, currently the most popular minor at Stanford.

The majority of undergraduate teaching is conducted by Jones Lecturers (about 20 former Stegner Fellows on one-year appointments, with potential renewal up to five years). Lecturers teach a variety of undergraduate courses, including courses of their own design, while continuing to write and publish creative work. Through its community of working artists, intensive workshops, and interactions with visiting authors, the program models a dedicated writing practice and provides mentorship to undergraduates, Stegner Fellows, and Jones Lecturers.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, evaluate, and support the Jones Lecturers, including new entrants each year and those nearing the end of their term as they prepare for the academic job market.
• Lead creative writing courses as needed (load determined by program needs).
• Evaluate, refine, and expand the undergraduate curriculum in collaboration with faculty and the broader program.
• Contribute to ongoing teaching and keep active as a published creative writer.

Qualifications

• Terminal degree in the field (Ph.D. or MFA) with experience in Creative Writing program administration.
• Published at least one book of fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction; at least one additional book-length project underway.
• Extensive experience teaching creative writing at the undergraduate level; graduate teaching is welcome but not required.

Appointment

Appointment is as Associate Director and Lecturer in Creative Writing, beginning at the start of the 2026-27 academic year. Initial appointment is two years, with potential renewal and review for promotion to Senior Lecturer, allowing for five-year appointments and ongoing renewal. This is an in-person position based on the Stanford campus, with some telecommuting possible subject to program needs.

Application

If you believe this opportunity matches your knowledge, skills, and experience, apply online using the link below. Upload a CV; a brief cover letter; a 2-page statement of teaching philosophy; and a PDF of at least one published book. Provide contact information for three letters of reference.

Deadline for application: November 14, 2025 at 11:59 pm PST.

Expected pay range: $108,150 – $123,600 per annum. Stanford provides pay information representing its good faith estimate; final compensation will be determined based on qualifications, budget availability, and internal equity.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions.