Boston University is hiring: Professor Creative Writing Program College of Arts

Overview

The Boston University Creative Writing Program (CWP) seeks a fiction writer of national/international stature to teach in its renowned MFA Program, including recruitment and mentoring of MFA fiction writers, occasionally teach undergraduates, and direct the CWP. The successful candidate will be considered for appointment to the Andrew W. Mellon Professorship in the Humanities, at the rank of Full Professor, with tenure. The Andrew W. Mellon Professorship in the Humanities was established in 1973 by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation as a way to help strengthen the influence of the humanities in educational programs.

Primary expertise and significant publications in fiction (ideally short fiction and the novel) in English is required; publication and teaching expertise in a second genre (e.g. Creative Nonfiction) would be a plus, as would publication and teaching experience in Literary Translation. We are looking for a colleague who will help administer and build our Creative Writing Program, and administrative experience is necessary for the directorship of the CWP. The starting salary for this position will be $150,000 to $220,000.

Since its founding in 1839, Boston University has embraced a mission of openness and access, becoming one of the first universities in the nation to welcome all students of ability regardless of race, gender, or creed. That tradition shapes our enduring commitment to academic freedom, free inquiry, and the robust exchange of ideas.

Responsibilities

• Teach and mentor MFA fiction writers in the Creative Writing Program.
• Occasionally teach undergraduate courses.
• Recruit, mentor, and supervise students in the MFA program.
• Direct and administer the entire Creative Writing Program.
• Participate in faculty governance and university life.

Qualifications

• Secondary expertise in fiction, with significant publications (short fiction and novel) in English.
• Authoring experience in a second genre (e.g., Creative Nonfiction) or literary translation is desirable.
• Demonstrated teaching experience and academic publication record.
• Administrative experience necessary for program directorship.
• Strong commitment to scholarly innovation, engaged teaching, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Compensation

The starting salary for this position will be $150,000 to $220,000.

Application Deadline

February 2, 2026

How to Apply

Send cover letter, CV, writing sample (max 20 pages), teaching statement, creative statement, and three letters of reference by February 2, 2026 to ensearch@bu.edu.

EEO Statement

Boston University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, age, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Retaliation is prohibited. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Background Check and Sexual Harassment Policy

Boston University, consistent with the AAU’s Principles on Preventing Sexual Harassment, conducts background checks for final candidates. Final candidates must complete and sign an “Authorization to Release Information” form after receiving an offer.

Application Notice

Do not apply through the Boston University HR website.