Why Florida Atlantic University? A Community of Innovation, Diversity, and Creative Excellence
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) stands as a beacon of academic distinction on the sun‑kissed shores of South Florida. As a designated Hispanic‑Serving Institution and one of the most racially and ethnically diverse universities in the state, FAU celebrates a vibrant tapestry of cultures, ideas, and perspectives. The campus is nestled in Boca Raton, a city renowned for its award‑winning schools, safe neighborhoods, and year‑round subtropical climate that encourages outdoor inspiration. FAU’s Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters nurtures interdisciplinary collaboration, championing programs that intersect literature, peace studies, gender and sexuality, and global comparative studies. Faculty members enjoy a supportive environment that values scholarship, creative practice, and community engagement—all while offering the flexibility of remote work for the right candidate.
Position at a Glance
- Title: Tenure‑Track Assistant Professor of Creative Writing & Poetry
- Start Date: Immediate openings; position begins August 2024
- Location: Primarily remote with occasional on‑campus responsibilities in Boca Raton, FL
- Employment Type: Full‑time, 3/2 teaching load (three semesters of teaching, two semesters of research)
- Compensation: Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package
- Application Deadline: Open until filled (priority review of submissions received by 18 Nov 2023)
About the Role
FAU’s Department of English is expanding its creative writing faculty to enrich its MFA program, undergraduate workshops, and interdisciplinary initiatives. The successful candidate will become an integral voice within a thriving community of poets, writers, translators, and scholars. While a specialization in poetry is essential, the department welcomes expertise in literary translation, publishing/editing, or creative nonfiction, fostering a broad, dynamic curriculum.
Core Responsibilities
- Teaching Excellence: Design and lead graduate and undergraduate workshops in poetry and related creative writing forms; teach literature courses that complement creative practice.
- Mentorship & Advising: Supervise MFA thesis projects, provide individualized mentorship to emerging writers, and offer academic advising for undergraduate majors and minors.
- Research & Creative Production: Maintain an active schedule of literary publication, readings, and creative projects that enhance personal scholarship and elevate FAU’s reputation.
- Service: Contribute to departmental, college, and university committees; support the Center for Peace, Justice, and Human Rights; and participate in community outreach and public literary events.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engage with the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in Comparative Studies, Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and other campus initiatives that intersect with creative writing.
- Curriculum Development: Participate in the continuous renewal of the MFA curriculum, incorporating emerging poetic forms, digital media, and global perspectives.
- Professional Development: Pursue opportunities for grant writing, residencies, and partnerships that expand the department’s creative horizons.
Essential Qualifications
- Education: MFA or Ph.D. in Creative Writing (or a closely related field) completed by the start date.
- Creative Accomplishment: A record of distinguished publications in reputable poetry venues (e.g., journals, chapbooks, full‑length collections).
- Teaching Experience: Demonstrated ability to teach poetry workshops at the university level, with a clear philosophy of fostering student voice and craft.
- Commitment to Diversity: A demonstrated history of supporting students from diverse backgrounds and contributing to inclusive pedagogical practices.
Preferred Qualifications & Desirable Attributes
- Experience in literary translation, publishing, or editing that can enrich coursework and mentorship.
- Active involvement in the broader literary community—such as readings, panels, or editorial work.
- Grant‑writing experience, particularly for fellowships, residencies, or creative projects.
- Knowledge of digital and multimedia poetry, including video, audio, and interactive platforms.
- Evidence of interdisciplinary collaboration, especially with peace studies, gender studies, or comparative literature.
Key Skills & Competencies for Success
- Pedagogical Innovation: Ability to design workshop curricula that balance rigorous critique with supportive mentoring.
- Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills, essential for lecturing, advising, and publishing scholarly work.
- Leadership: Capacity to lead initiatives, serve on committees, and contribute to department‑wide strategic planning.
- Technological Proficiency: Familiarity with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas), virtual classroom tools, and digital publishing platforms.
- Research & Creative Output: Ongoing engagement with your own creative practice, contributing to the cultural vitality of the university.
Career Growth, Learning & Professional Development
FAU is committed to nurturing faculty at every stage of their career. As a tenure‑track assistant professor, you will have access to:
- Mentorship from senior faculty members and a structured tenure review process that emphasizes both scholarship and creative production.
- Funding for conference travel, research residencies, and creative projects through internal grants and external funding bodies.
- Professional development workshops on pedagogy, digital humanities, and grant writing.
- Opportunities to collaborate with interdisciplinary centers, expanding your research network and impact.
- Leadership roles within the MFA program, potentially guiding curricular innovations and new concentration areas.
Work Environment & Culture
FAU’s academic culture blends the energetic pulse of a research‑intensive university with the collaborative spirit of a tight‑knit arts community. Faculty members enjoy:
- Flexibility: A hybrid work model that allows remote teaching and research while fostering on‑campus interaction during key events and student consultations.
- Community Engagement: Regular literary festivals, open mic nights, and public readings that connect faculty and students with the broader Boca Raton arts scene.
- Supportive Infrastructure: State‑of‑the‑art classroom technology, dedicated writing spaces, and a vibrant faculty lounge that encourages interdisciplinary dialogue.
- Diversity & Inclusion: An institutional commitment to equity, with resources such as the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, bias‑free hiring practices, and a campus climate that celebrates multiculturalism.
- Well‑Being Initiatives: Access to wellness programs, counseling services, and a vibrant campus recreation center that promotes work‑life balance.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits (General Overview)
While specific salary figures will be aligned with experience and market standards, successful candidates can expect:
- Competitive base salary with annual cost‑of‑living adjustments.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage for the employee and eligible dependents.
- Retirement savings plan with university matching contributions.
- Generous paid time off, including holidays, sick leave, and a sabbatical‑eligible schedule after five years of service.
- Tuition reduction for personal development courses and enrollment in graduate programs.
- Professional development funds for conference attendance, research, and creative residencies.
- Relocation assistance for candidates moving to the Boca Raton area (subject to budgetary approval).
- Access to campus facilities such as the library, writing centers, and fitness complexes.
Application Process – How to Submit Your Materials
FAU welcomes applicants from all backgrounds to apply electronically through the university’s career portal.
- Visit FAU Jobs and locate the posting for “Assistant Professor – Creative Writing, Poetry.”
- Complete the online Workday application, ensuring all required fields are populated.
- Upload the following documents (maximum of five files; combine additional items into a single PDF if necessary):
- Cover Letter outlining your fit for the position
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with publications, teaching experience, and honors
- Statement of Teaching Philosophy
- Three professional references (name, title, institution, contact information)
- Optional: Samples of creative work (poems, chapbooks, or links to published pieces)
- Pre‑screening interviews will be conducted via Zoom; candidates selected for further consideration will receive a scheduling link.
- Upon a successful offer, the selected candidate must submit official transcripts (and, if applicable, credential evaluation reports) directly to the Provost’s office prior to their start date.
- All new hires will undergo standard background screenings, including criminal, motor‑vehicle, credit, and drug testing, in accordance with state and federal regulations.
Commitment to Accessibility
FAU is an equal‑opportunity employer dedicated to providing a barrier‑free application experience. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 561‑297‑3057.
Join Our Vision – Shape the Future of Poetry and Creative Writing
FAU’s Department of English is at a pivotal moment of growth, seeking a visionary poet‑scholar to inspire the next generation of literary talent. If you are passionate about nurturing creative voices, advancing your own poetic practice, and contributing to a vibrant, inclusive academic community, we invite you to apply today. Let your artistry help define the literary landscape of tomorrow—here at Florida Atlantic University.
Take the Next Step
Submit your application now and become part of a dynamic faculty that celebrates imagination, diversity, and scholarly excellence. We look forward to discovering how your unique perspective will enrich our campus and beyond.
Apply Now