Edelstein-Keller Endowed Visiting Writer Chairship

Job Overview
The Creative Writing Program in the Department of English at the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities campus) invites applications for the Edelstein-Keller Endowed Visiting Writer Chairship. The appointment will be a visiting creative writer-in-residence. A university of Minnesota employee currently in a tenure-track or tenured position is ineligible for this Chairship.

Job Responsibilities
The successful applicant will be in residence on the Minneapolis campus for four semesters. The Visiting Writer Chair is expected, during the appointment, to teach two creative writing courses (one graduate and one undergraduate) each academic year and will participate in creative writing events and committees, including admissions and graduate thesis committees. The Chairship is a temporary, fixed-term, academic professional, 9‑month, 100% time appointment, serving two years. A third year extension is possible if approved by the Creative Writing Program faculty and Director of Creative Writing.

The Visiting Writer Chair will consult closely with, and work under the direction of, the Director and Assistant Director of Creative Writing on annual programming. The programming includes: three featured visiting writer full‑day events, individual classroom visiting writer support and scheduling, brown‑bag visiting writer programming support, emerging visiting writers support fund, Association of Writers and Writing Program membership, representation of the MFA program in Creative Writing, and discretionary visiting writer event funds.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

Master’s degree, MFA, or PhD in Creative Writing, English (PhD), or related field, with degree in hand by 8/25/2025

A minimum of one volume of work published by a national press in literary nonfiction (a book under contract is acceptable, provided the publication date is prior to the position start date)

College‑ or university-level teaching experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Evidence of potential for continued success as a published writer

Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion

About the Department
Housed in the Department of English, the Creative Writing Program boasts a highly selective three‑year MFA program and a high‑enrollment undergraduate introductory course; an undergraduate minor was added in 2017. The three‑year MFA program has three primary tracks (poetry, fiction, and literary nonfiction) culminating in a thesis manuscript, defense, and MFA essay. The graduate program accepts 7‑9 students per year, supporting all with teaching assistantships and offering the opportunity to work on the literary journal Great River Review.

Pay and Benefits
Pay Range:

$50,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment:

100% Appointment

Position Type:

Faculty and P&A Staff

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off

Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program

Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts

University HSA contributions

Disability and employer‑paid life insurance

Employee wellbeing program

Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity

Financial counseling services

Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

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