Assistant Professor in Creative Writing – Sonoma State University

Faculty Opportunity: Assistant Professor in Creative Writing – Sonoma State University

• Institution: Sonoma State University

• Academic Unit / Department: Department of English

• Job Number: 562340

• Appointment Type: Full-Time, Tenure-Track Faculty

• Academic Rank / Level: Assistant Professor

• Specialization: Creative Writing – Poetry

• Work Mode: On-Site

• Salary / Remuneration: Approximately INR 71.82 lakh – INR 80.44 lakh annually

• Location: Sonoma County, California, United States

• Application Deadline: November 15, 2026 – First Consideration Date

• Position Status: Open until filled

• Expected Start Date: August 2027

Overview of Role

The Department of English at Sonoma State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Creative Writing, with specialization in Poetry.

The position includes undergraduate and graduate teaching, creative and scholarly activity, student advising, curriculum development, service, and participation in the department’s literary and creative-writing initiatives.

Key Responsibilities & Teaching Scope

• Teach undergraduate and graduate Creative Writing workshops.

• Teach General Education courses.

• Contribute to the B.A. and M.A. programs in English.

• Supervise M.A. theses.

• Participate in graduate-program admissions.

• Contribute to curriculum development.

• Participate in:

  • Writers at Sonoma

  • Sonoma Writers’ Festival

  • Departmental literary initiatives

• Maintain an active publication and creative-work record.

• Participate in conferences and other professional creative activities.

• Advise students and support undergraduate and graduate research.

• Contribute to department, university, and professional service.

Teaching Load

The full-time faculty workload is 30 units annually, including:

• 24 units of instruction

• 6 units of service

During the first two probationary years, the instructional assignment is reduced by two courses per academic year to support research, scholarship, and creative activity.

Qualifications & Candidate Profile

Required Qualifications:

• M.F.A. in Poetry or equivalent.

• Strong commitment to university-level teaching.

• At least one published poetry book with a nationally distributed press.

• Significant publication record in nationally and internationally recognized magazines.

• Additional specialization outside fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction, such as:

  • Screenwriting

  • Multimedia

  • Gaming

  • Emerging or hybrid genres

  • Creative writing integrated with visual arts or design

• University-level teaching experience.

• Experience in literary-magazine production and editing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two published books with nationally distributed presses.

• Experience or interest in:

  • Contemporary Literature

  • Literary Editing and Publishing

  • Literary Event Organization

  • Book Arts

  • Digital Publishing

Application Checklist

Applicants should submit:

1. Cover Letter – maximum 2–3 pages

2. Curriculum Vitae

3. Teaching Philosophy – maximum 2 pages

4. Unofficial Transcripts

Applicants advancing in the process should be prepared to provide:

• Writing Samples

• Student Evaluations

• Contact Information for Three References

Application Process

• Application Link: https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/873/gateway/default.aspx?c=apply&lJobID=562340&lJobSourceTypeID=849&sLanguage=en-us

• First Consideration Date: November 15, 2026

• The position will remain open until filled.

• Position Contact: Stefan Kiesbye

• Email: kiesbye@sonoma.edu

• Phone: 707-664-2140

• Application Process Enquiries: facultysearch@sonoma.edu

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Sonoma State University states that it is currently unable to sponsor new H-1B employment visas.

Official Careers Website: https://employment.sonoma.edu/