Department Of English
Faculty Employment Opportunity - Tenure Track
Starting August 2027
Assistant Professor in Creative Writing
The University
Sonoma State University’s beautiful 274-acre campus is located in Sonoma County wine country, an hour north of San Francisco. The campus offers the ideal setting for teaching and learning and access to a community of rich cultural, environmental, and recreational opportunities. Founded in 1960, SSU is one of the 22 campuses of the California State University System. As members of the largest public higher education system in the nation, we provide accessible, high-quality education.
The Department
English faculty are committed to undergraduate and graduate teaching. Students who wish to major in English may choose one of three plans, each of which provides a coherent program with a particular emphasis. After a core of required courses, students will follow programs leading to a Bachelor of Arts in English degree with a concentration in English and American Literature, Creative Writing, or English Education (that is, preparation for students entering post-baccalaureate Single Subject in English teacher credentialing programs).The English Department has offered one of Sonoma State University’s most robust graduate programs; after a brief hiatus, the English faculty are currently in the process of reinstituting the M.A. in English, which offers students the choice of an emphasis in literary criticism, creative writing, or rhetoric and English education.
The department has a long history of providing students of diverse backgrounds with the chance to study literature and practice creative writing with a faculty dedicated to quality education and personalized support and instruction. We are committed to serving students from all backgrounds and are proud that the department and Sonoma State provide access to all residents of California (and beyond). Our faculty also are expected to teach in the general education program and to be flexible in terms of meeting the needs of the department. Although we teach some large classes, and some for general education, there are plentiful opportunities for faculty to mentor and teach students in small classroom settings, particularly in our Creative Writing courses.
The English Department’s Creative Writing literary reading series and writers’ festival bring nationally and internationally known writers to campus annually. The department is home to Zaum, the AWP-award winning student magazine.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to see the department’s web page at: english.sonoma.edu
Duties of the Position
The English Department at Sonoma State University seeks candidates for a tenure-track position in Creative Writing/Poetry at the level of Assistant Professor. The successful candidate will have a full-time load of 30 units per year, consisting of 6 units of service and 24 units of instruction in the B.A. and M.A. programs. Teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate and graduate workshops and general education courses, with courses typically ranging from 3 to 4 units each. Other duties include supervising M.A. theses, reading yearly applications to the graduate program, contributing to curriculum development, and actively engaging in campus, community, and professional service, including SSU’s literary reading series, Writers at Sonoma, and the Sonoma Writers’ Festival.
To receive tenure, faculty are expected to publish in their field, participate in conferences, and engage in other creative activities of their specialization. In addition to teaching and scholarship, faculty are expected to engage in regular academic advising, to assist the department with program assessment, administrative and/or committee work, and to serve on campus-wide committees. Sonoma State is committed to the Teacher/Scholar model and places an emphasis on faculty support of undergraduate and graduate research. Faculty are also encouraged to participate in Freshman and Sophomore year programs when available in their schools.
Faculty Responsibilities
In addition to teaching and scholarship, faculty are expected to engage in service to the University, profession, and community. These responsibilities include: advising students, participation in campus and system-wide communities, maintaining office hours, working collaboratively and productively with colleagues, and participating in traditional academic functions.
Sonoma State is committed to the Teacher/Scholar model and places an emphasis on faculty support of undergraduate research and other professional opportunities for students.
Faculty are also expected to foster our commitment to the CSU Graduation Initiative 2025 through excellent teaching, advising, and mentoring. Potential applicants are encouraged to review the University’s Reappointment, Tenure, and Promotion Policy. During the first two years of the probationary period the instructional assignment will be reduced by two courses per academic year for probationary faculty members, in order to assist in establishing their programs of research, scholarship, and/or creative activities, and carrying out other activities that would support them in meeting the requirements for retention, tenure, and promotion. All faculty are required to have the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
Required Qualifications
- An M.F.A. in poetry or equivalent, with a strong commitment to university teaching
- A book publication in poetry (minimum of one book with a nationally distributed press)
- Significant record of publication in nationally and internationally recognized magazines
- An additional specialization in a genre outside of fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction. These may include screenwriting, multimedia, or gaming, as well as emerging or developing genres, or genres that combine creative writing with visual arts and/or design
- Experience teaching at the university level
- Experience in literary magazine production and editing
Preferred Qualifications
- Two books with nationally distributed presses
- Experience and interest in teaching contemporary literature, literary editing and publishing, literary event organization, book arts, and digital publishing
Rank and Salary
Service credit depends upon academic preparation and professional experience. The anticipated salary range for this Assistant Professor position is: $75,000 to $84,000.
Required Application Materials
- Cover Letter (2-3 pages maximum)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Teaching Philosophy (no more than two pages)
- Unofficial transcripts (Official transcripts will be required of the selected candidate)
Later in the process, candidates should be ready to provide writing samples, student evaluations, and contact information for three references.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, go to jobs.sonoma.edu and click on the Staff & Faculty Career Opportunities link. Find and select the faculty position you are applying for to view the description and select Apply Now. If you have not previously applied, you will be prompted to create an account. You can use this account to apply to multiple positions. Once you have submitted the application, a confirmation email will be automatically sent to you. Please do not send materials to facultysearch@sonoma.edu. If you encounter difficulties during the application process, please email facultysearch@sonoma.edu.
Application Deadline
First consideration will be given to applications received by November 15, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. Early response is encouraged.
Contact Information
Questions concerning the application process may be directed to: facultysearch@sonoma.edu
Questions concerning this position may be directed to: Stefan Kiesbye - kiesbye@sonoma.edu
707-664-2140
Please refer to the requisition job number on all correspondence and inquiries regarding this position.
The ADA Coordinator is also available (hraccomodations@sonoma.edu) to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation during the hiring process.
Our Commitment
Sonoma State University is a federally-designated Hispanic Serving Institution, as such we are committed to achieving the goals of equal opportunity and we endeavor to employ faculty and staff reflecting the linguistic, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the region and state.
Guided by our core values as a university: diversity, sustainability, community engagement, and adaptability, Sonoma State University (SSU) offers an education that fosters intellectual, social, and personal growth. SSU is a public liberal arts and sciences university. As the only member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges in the state of California, we are committed to preparing students for a life of active citizenship and public service. We have a vibrant campus life characterized by a lively co-curriculum that fosters broad-based intellectual and artistic opportunities in which the campus as a whole is actively engaged.
Sonoma State University is committed to creating a community in which bias and intolerance have no place. It is our expectation that all students, faculty, and staff work together to honor this commitment and hold each other accountable to create an open and inclusive environment.
We are committed to facilitating spaces in which all can grow by building on our students’ assets as they explore new knowledge. These efforts include fostering creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, experimentation, empathy, and communication. The successful candidate will be one who can collaborate with faculty, staff, administration, and students to achieve these goals. We are especially interested in candidates committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Equal Opportunity & Mandated Reporting
The University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. Mandated Reporting: This position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Employment Eligibility & Conditions
CSU Out of State Policy - Sonoma State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current employees who apply for this position.
Sonoma State University hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Due to a recent change in policy, SSU is unable to sponsor new H-1B employment visas at this time. All offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents demonstrating the appointee’s identity and eligibility to work, in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
Education Code 89521
Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
Annual Reports & Safety Information
Sonoma State University's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person by emailing the Clery Compliance and Safety Office at clery@sonoma.edu.
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