Creative Writing Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this age of storytelling, the spotlight on creative writing professors has never been brighter.

As culture evolves and narratives shape our world, the demand for skilled educators who can cultivate, inspire, and guide our creative voices intensifies.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a creative writing professor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of creative writing education,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we unveil a customizable creative writing professor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Creative Writing Professor Duties and Responsibilities

A Creative Writing Professor educates students on various aspects of creative writing, such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and playwriting.

They often work at universities or colleges, encouraging students to enhance their writing skills and express their ideas creatively and effectively.

Their responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering creative writing lessons and workshops
• Providing constructive feedback on students’ work and guiding them to improve their writing skills
• Assigning homework, projects, and writing assignments to students
• Grading students’ assignments and providing detailed feedback
• Guiding students in the creation of a portfolio of creative work
• Keeping up-to-date with current literature, writing trends, and pedagogical methods
• Participating in faculty meetings, curriculum development, and other administrative tasks
• Mentoring students on potential career paths in creative writing
• Conducting research and publishing scholarly papers and books in the field of creative writing
• Organizing events such as readings and workshops to engage students in the wider literary community

 

Creative Writing Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Creative Writing Professor to join our faculty team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching a variety of creative writing courses to students, guiding students in developing their writing skills, and assisting them in the creation of short stories, poems, and other forms of creative writing.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement creative writing curriculum
• Teach creative writing courses to undergraduate and/or graduate students
• Provide constructive feedback to students and guide them in their creative writing projects
• Stay current on advancements in the field of creative writing
• Conduct scholarly research and publish in academic journals
• Participate in faculty meetings and serve on academic or administrative committees

 

Qualifications

• PhD in Creative Writing, English, Literature, or a related field
• Proven experience as a Creative Writing Professor or similar role
• Publication record in recognized literary magazines or journals
• Excellent teaching and mentoring skills
• Strong knowledge of creative writing techniques
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

 

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Generous paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development and research opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Creative Writing Professor
• Work Environment: University campus. Some off-site work for conferences and research may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the English Department.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a sample of your published work to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Creative Writing Professor Do?

Creative Writing Professors typically work in higher education institutions such as colleges and universities.

Some may work as freelance tutors or consultants.

They teach students the principles of creative writing, including the use of narrative, character development, style, and voice.

They may teach various genres, including poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and scriptwriting.

Creative Writing Professors develop and implement course syllabi, assignments, and assessments to evaluate students’ understanding and progress.

They may also provide individual instruction and feedback to students to help them improve their writing skills.

In addition to teaching, they often conduct their own research or creative work, which may include publishing their own writings in journals, magazines, or books.

They might also organize writing workshops, lectures, and readings, and mentor students who are interested in pursuing a career in writing.

Creative Writing Professors often collaborate with other faculty members to develop new courses, programs, or initiatives related to creative writing.

They may also serve on academic committees and participate in faculty meetings.

Furthermore, they are expected to stay updated with the latest trends and developments in creative writing by attending academic conferences, workshops, and seminars.

They may also be involved in editing and reviewing literary journals and publications.

 

Creative Writing Professor Qualifications and Skills

A competent Creative Writing Professor should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job requirements, such as:

• A strong command over the English language, including grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary, to effectively teach the principles of creative writing.
• Experience and knowledge in various genres of creative writing such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, and screenwriting.
• Ability to develop and deliver comprehensive lesson plans that educate students about the structure, style, and techniques of creative writing.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly explain complex concepts, provide constructive feedback and engage students in class discussions.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build productive relationships with students, fellow faculty members, and administrative staff.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and address issues related to student performance, curriculum development, and classroom management.
• Patience and empathy to understand and cater to the learning needs of diverse students.
• A passion for literature and writing, and the ability to instill that passion in students.
• Qualifications typically include an MFA or PhD in Creative Writing or a related field, and a substantial publication record.

 

Creative Writing Professor Experience Requirements

Creative Writing Professors are generally expected to have a Master’s degree or PhD in Creative Writing or a closely related field.

This ensures they possess a high level of knowledge in their discipline, along with considerable experience in the craft of writing.

Prior teaching experience is also essential, often obtained through teaching assistantships during their graduate studies, or through part-time teaching roles.

This provides the practical experience of teaching, curriculum planning, and student evaluation.

Furthermore, several years of professional writing experience is a common requirement.

This could include published works in reputable literary journals, books or other forms of creative expression such as screenplays or poetry.

This professional experience provides the professor with a deeper understanding of the writing industry and the publishing process, which can then be imparted to students.

In addition, Creative Writing Professors with more than 5 years of teaching experience may often have some administrative or leadership experience, such as serving as the head of a department or program.

These roles require advanced skills in management, strategic planning, and academic leadership.

Overall, a combination of advanced education, teaching experience, and professional writing experience is needed to excel as a Creative Writing Professor.

 

Creative Writing Professor Education and Training Requirements

Creative Writing Professors typically hold a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing, although many institutions require a doctoral degree in English, Literature, or a related field.

The MFA program offers intensive training in the writing of fiction, poetry, playwriting, and nonfiction, which is essential for teaching the craft of creative writing.

Doctoral programs typically focus more on literary criticism and theory, but may also include creative writing components.

These programs often require the completion of a dissertation, which can be a substantial creative work or a piece of literary criticism.

In addition to their academic qualifications, Creative Writing Professors are often expected to be published authors in their field.

This can range from poetry and short stories, to novels and plays.

Teaching experience is also important, with many starting their careers as teaching assistants during graduate school.

They might also participate in writing workshops, seminars, and conferences to keep up with the latest trends and developments in creative writing.

Furthermore, some Creative Writing Professors may pursue professional certification in teaching, such as the National Board Certification for Professional Teaching Standards.

This certification, although not required, can enhance a professor’s skills and credibility, and demonstrate a commitment to the profession.

 

Creative Writing Professor Salary Expectations

A Creative Writing Professor earns an average salary of $73,210 (USD) per year.

The actual compensation can vary depending on factors such as the level of experience, the academic institution, and the geographical location.

 

Creative Writing Professor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Creative Writing Professor need?

A Creative Writing Professor needs to possess excellent writing and communication skills to articulate writing concepts clearly.

They must have a thorough understanding of various forms of writing, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, and more.

In addition, they should be able to provide constructive criticism and have the ability to inspire and motivate students.

Organizational and planning skills are also essential to design course curriculum and lesson plans.

 

Does a Creative Writing Professor need a degree?

Yes, to become a Creative Writing Professor, one typically needs to have a Master’s degree in Creative Writing, English, or a related field.

However, most universities prefer candidates with a doctoral degree.

In addition, some institutions may require a proven track record of published works.

 

What should you look for in a Creative Writing Professor’s resume?

A Creative Writing Professor’s resume should highlight their educational qualifications, teaching experience, and any published works.

It is also important to look for examples of their ability to inspire students and foster a creative and stimulating learning environment.

Experience with curriculum planning and development is also a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Creative Writing Professor?

A good Creative Writing Professor is passionate about literature and writing and has the ability to convey this enthusiasm to their students.

They should be patient and empathetic, as writing can be a personal and sometimes difficult process for students.

Excellent communication and feedback skills are essential, as is a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

 

How important is it for a Creative Writing Professor to be published?

While not always a strict requirement, being published is generally seen as an asset for a Creative Writing Professor.

It not only validates their skills as a writer but also gives them practical experience of the publishing process, which can be valuable when guiding students with their own writing ambitions.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the essence of what it means to be a creative writing professor.

And guess what?

It’s not just about crafting stories.

It’s about shaping the literary future, one word at a time.

With our detailed creative writing professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to make your mark.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards creating compelling job listings or fine-tuning your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Every word penned is part of a greater narrative.

Let’s write that future. Together.

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