Professor of Creative Writing Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of academia, the role of a Creative Writing Professor has never been more significant.

As the world evolves, so does the demand for skilled individuals who can inspire, guide, and foster creativity in the next generation of writers.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected of a Professor of Creative Writing?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the scope of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the responsibilities and requirements of a creative writing professor,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Professor of Creative Writing job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Professor of Creative Writing Duties and Responsibilities

Professors of Creative Writing have the responsibility of teaching, inspiring, and guiding students in their creative writing journey.

They should have deep knowledge of literature and the creative process to effectively cultivate their students’ writing abilities.

The duties and responsibilities of a Professor of Creative Writing include:

• Teaching creative writing courses to undergraduate and graduate students
• Developing lesson plans, lectures, exercises, and assignments to enhance students’ understanding of the subject
• Guiding and advising students on their writing projects, including short stories, novels, poetry, and non-fiction
• Providing constructive feedback on students’ work to help them improve their writing skills
• Maintaining office hours for students to discuss their work, answer questions, or address concerns
• Engaging in scholarly activities, such as writing and publishing academic papers, articles, books, and attending academic conferences
• Participating in department meetings, curriculum development, and other faculty responsibilities
• Evaluating and grading students’ class work, assignments, and papers
• Staying updated with the latest literary trends and incorporating them into the curriculum

 

Professor of Creative Writing Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic Professor of Creative Writing to join our faculty.

The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching creative writing courses, supervising students’ projects, and contributing to the refinement of our curriculum.

The Professor of Creative Writing should not only be well-versed in a variety of writing genres but also have a deep understanding of the elements that make a story compelling.

Our ideal candidate will inspire students to develop their writing skills and encourage them to find and refine their unique voices.

 

Responsibilities

• Teaching creative writing courses to undergraduate and/or graduate students.
• Guiding students in developing their writing skills and creative expression.
• Providing constructive feedback on students’ work.
• Supervising students’ projects and dissertations.
• Engaging in scholarly research and publishing in reputable journals.
• Assisting in the development and refinement of the creative writing curriculum.
• Participating in departmental meetings and university events.
• Mentoring students and advising them on career opportunities in creative writing.
• Contributing to the broader intellectual and creative life of the university.

 

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Creative Writing or a related field.
• Proven experience as a Professor of Creative Writing or a similar role.
• Published work in reputable literary journals, magazines, or books.
• Strong knowledge of various genres and elements of storytelling.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with academic advising and curriculum development.
• Commitment to encouraging diversity and inclusivity in the classroom.

 

Benefits

• Competitive salary package
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Access to campus amenities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professor of Creative Writing
• Work Environment: University campus with possible remote teaching opportunities.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the Department.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• 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 university. 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, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and teaching philosophy, and samples of your published work to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professor of Creative Writing Do?

A Professor of Creative Writing usually works in a higher education setting such as a university or college.

They might also provide online instruction or work for educational companies that offer creative writing courses.

Their main role is to teach students the art of creative writing.

This might include a variety of genres such as short stories, novels, poetry, scriptwriting, non-fiction, and more.

They guide students in developing their writing skills, enhancing their creativity and understanding of different writing styles and literary elements.

They are responsible for planning and delivering lectures, creating and grading assignments and tests to assess students’ progress.

They also offer constructive feedback and critique on students’ work to help them improve their writing.

In addition to teaching, many Professors of Creative Writing are active writers themselves.

They may publish their own works, attend literary events, and keep up with current literary trends to bring fresh perspectives to their teaching.

Furthermore, they often conduct and publish scholarly research in the field of creative writing, contribute to the development of the curriculum, and participate in departmental and institutional committees and activities.

They are also likely to provide mentorship to students and guide them on career opportunities in the field of creative writing.

 

Professor of Creative Writing Qualifications and Skills

A Professor of Creative Writing must have a mix of professional skills, educational qualifications, and personal traits to successfully guide students in the art of creative writing.

This includes:

• An advanced degree, preferably a PhD or an MFA in Creative Writing, Literature or a related field, to provide a strong academic foundation.
• Significant publication history in reputable literary journals or books, demonstrating subject matter expertise and active involvement in the field.
• Strong command over the English language and a deep understanding of literary elements such as plot, character development, theme, and narrative structure.
• Ability to inspire, motivate and guide students in their creative processes, using exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Experience in teaching creative writing at the university level, including creating course curriculums and assessing student works.
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex literary concepts, provide constructive feedback, and engage in intellectual discourse with students and colleagues.
• A constant desire to learn and stay updated about the latest trends and techniques in creative writing, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
• Strong organizational skills to manage course materials, grading, and other administrative duties related to teaching.

 

Professor of Creative Writing Experience Requirements

Candidates applying for a Professor of Creative Writing position typically need to have a substantial academic background as well as practical experience in writing.

Academically, a candidate should hold a master’s degree at minimum, though many universities prefer candidates with a Ph.D. in English, Creative Writing, or a related field.

This academic journey typically provides years of experience in literary analysis, workshops, and teaching assistant roles.

Practical experience can be gained in many ways.

Some candidates may have had their work published in literary magazines, anthologies, or may have authored books.

Others might have worked in professional settings where creative writing skills were necessary, such as copywriting, editing, or journalism.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience usually have a mix of teaching and professional writing experience.

They might have held adjunct or associate professor roles or worked in other education-related positions.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have an established reputation in the field of creative writing.

They may have published extensively, won awards for their work, and have experience in teaching at a higher education level.

At this stage, they may also be considered for leadership positions within a university’s English or Creative Writing department.

 

Professor of Creative Writing Education and Training Requirements

A Professor of Creative Writing generally has a minimum requirement of a master’s degree in creative writing, English, or a similar field.

However, most universities and colleges prefer candidates with a doctoral degree.

The candidate should have substantial experience in writing, and preferably have published work in recognized literary journals, books, or other media outlets.

Some institutions might require professional writing experience in the specific genre they will be teaching, such as fiction, poetry, or screenwriting.

Additionally, prior teaching experience, particularly at a post-secondary level, is highly desirable.

This could be as a graduate teaching assistant, an adjunct faculty member, or a full-time faculty member at another institution.

Proficiency in use of technology for instruction, such as learning management systems or online course delivery tools, may be required especially for institutions offering online courses.

While not always a requirement, acquiring professional memberships with recognized bodies, such as the Association of Writers & Writing Programs, can indicate a commitment to the field and ongoing professional development.

Finally, the professor should have excellent communication skills, the ability to inspire creativity and critical thinking in students, and the capacity to provide valuable feedback on students’ work.

 

Professor of Creative Writing Salary Expectations

A Professor of Creative Writing earns an average salary of $72,470 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary depending on factors such as academic qualifications, level of experience, the prestige of the institution, and geographical location.

 

Professor of Creative Writing Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Professor of Creative Writing need?

A Professor of Creative Writing typically requires a minimum of a Master’s degree in Creative Writing, English, or a related field.

However, many universities prefer candidates with a Ph.D. Additionally, prior experience in teaching creative writing or a strong portfolio of published works can greatly enhance a candidate’s prospects.

 

What are the daily duties of a Professor of Creative Writing?

A Professor of Creative Writing’s daily duties include preparing lectures, delivering lessons, and facilitating workshops.

They are often responsible for evaluating and grading student work, offering constructive feedback, and mentoring students on their writing projects.

In addition, they may also conduct their own research or work on their writing projects, attend faculty meetings, and participate in curriculum development.

 

What skills does a Professor of Creative Writing need?

A Professor of Creative Writing must have excellent writing and communication skills to convey complex ideas about writing effectively.

They should have a strong knowledge of literature and various writing styles.

As teachers, they need to be patient, empathetic, and be able to inspire and motivate students.

They should also have good organizational skills for lesson planning and grading student work.

 

What does a successful Professor of Creative Writing resume look like?

A successful resume for a Professor of Creative Writing position should highlight a solid academic background in a relevant field, such as a Master’s or Ph.D. in Creative Writing or English.

It should include a comprehensive list of published works if applicable.

Any teaching experience, particularly in creative writing, should be clearly detailed.

Workshops, seminars, or conferences attended or facilitated are also valuable additions.

 

What qualities make a good Professor of Creative Writing?

A good Professor of Creative Writing should be passionate about the art of writing and possess a deep understanding of different literary genres and styles.

They should be able to inspire and motivate students, offering constructive criticism to help them improve their writing skills.

Adaptability and creativity are also essential, as they may need to alter their teaching methods to suit different learning styles.

They should also be committed to continuous learning, staying updated with new literary works and writing techniques.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we have revealed the artistry and craft that goes into being a professor of creative writing.

And guess what?

It’s not just about writing stories.

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

With our comprehensive professor of creative writing job description template and real-world examples, you’re all equipped to take your next step.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating finely-tuned job listings or perfecting your resume to the last detail.

Remember:

Every word you write contributes to a larger narrative.

Let’s shape that future. Together.