ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF CREATIVE WRITING (PROSE GENRES)

The Department of English at Illinois State University, located in Normal, Illinois, invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Creative Writing (Prose Genres), a tenure-track position to begin August 16, 2024. We seek innovative prose writers working in non-fiction, fiction, and/or hybrid forms with interest/specialization in one or more of the following areas: Literary Book and Journal Publishing, Publishing Studies, Literary Translation, Creative Writing Pedagogy, Transformative Justice and Community Engagement, and Digital Storytelling. The successful candidate must show evidence of excellent creative productivity in appropriate publishing venues (with preference given to candidates with a book or equivalent from a notable publisher), as well as evidence of excellence in teaching. We also keenly seek candidates whose creative practices and lived experiences give voice to historically underrepresented communities.

The Department of English and the College of Arts & Sciences are committed to increasing the diversity of the campus community. ISU recognizes that a diverse faculty, staff, and student body enriches the educational experiences of the entire campus and greater community. Candidates who have experience working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students, and who can contribute to the climate of inclusivity are especially welcomed to apply. Women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and people of color are encouraged to apply.

To be considered, applicants will hold a terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in Creative Writing or related field; however, exceptional candidates will also be considered with an expected completion of their terminal degree before August 15, 2024. Candidates must be able to demonstrate oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement for this position, as mandated by state law.

Responsibilities include a consistent trajectory of creative activity/publishing, effective undergraduate and graduate teaching and mentorship, and departmental service. The normal teaching load is fifteen credit hours per academic year. The individual in this position is thus expected to teach a 2/3 load each year in the Department of English.

Salary, Rank and Tenure: The position is a nine-month, tenure track appointment with the possibility of summer teaching. Salary and rank are commensurate with qualifications and experience. The locus of annual evaluation, tenure, and promotion in rank will be in the Department of English. A comprehensive benefits package is included.

The Department of English (ENG) Creative Writing program has built a distinguished national reputation for encouraging alternative and hybrid forms of writing while emphasizing the study of theory and Creative Writing pedagogy. In addition to an undergraduate major sequence in Creative Writing, the department also offers degrees at the master’s and doctoral levels with a focus in Creative Writing. The department is also home to ISU’s Publications Unit, a unique publishing organization that supports a vibrant and diverse group of affiliated literary publications and presses—including the award-winning platform Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora, SRPR (Spoon River Poetry Review), the small press Downstate Legacies, and the teaching chapbook press and workshop, PRESS 254—while creating hands-on, applied learning experiences for students. For more information about our program visit: http://english.illinoisstate.edu. 

Illinois State University: Illinois State University http://www.illinoisstate.edu, founded in 1857, is the oldest public university in Illinois. There are approximately 21,000 students in the seven colleges of Illinois State University. In our most recent strategic plan Educate ∙ Connect ∙ Elevate, we have committed our resources to realizing seven core values: Learning and Scholarship, Diversity and Inclusion, Respect, Collaboration, Individualized Attention, Civic Engagement, and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our University being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. Also visit the University’s metrics of excellence at (http://illinoisstate.edu/pointsofpride/).

Bloomington-Normal Community: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance’s International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric truck manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems and its citizens’ high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. SmartAsset ranked Bloomington IL, in the top 20 of the most livable cities in the U.S. (2022). Zippia named Bloomington, IL, as #1 on their “Happiest Cities” list (2020), and Best Choice Schools listed the area on its “30 Small College Towns with Great Quality of Life” (2020). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis, two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis, and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield; many of these locations are accessible from Bloomington-Normal via the Amtrak located 1 block from ISU’s campus. For more information on our community, please visit (http://visitbn.org/).

Application Procedure:  Review of applications will begin November 13, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit an initial online faculty application referring to posting number 517601. To do this, visit (www.IllinoisState.edu/jobs/) where applicants must submit a complete application packet by uploading the requisite documents, which include: 1) letter of application, 2) teaching philosophy, 3) writing sample (no more than 30 pages), 4) curriculum vitae, and 5) names and contact information for three recommenders (letters will be solicited after an initial review of applications). Applications will be considered incomplete until all required items are uploaded and will not be reviewed until complete. Initial Zoom interviews will be conducted around the middle of December with campus visits to follow in mid-to-late January. If any applicant has questions about the position, please contact Dr. Katherine Ellison, Chair of English (keellis@ilstu.edu) or Search Committee Chair Dr. Brian Rejack (brejack@ilstu.edu).

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.