Assistant Professor Composition Jobs in California

Posting #: 5668

Position Status: Faculty, Full-time regular

Location: San Diego

Position Type: Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences

The Department of English at the University of San Diego, housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, is a multidisciplinary Department that features courses in domestic and global literatures, literary cultures and theories, and creative writing. The Department also houses the University’s First Year Writing Program.

The College of Arts and Sciences is at the heart of the University of San Diego. Our philosophy is built on the enduring values of the Catholic intellectual tradition, immersing students in the concepts of free inquiry, ethical conduct and compassionate service. The College aims to establish an academic foundation for students to thrive and gain a comprehensive education, which spans the sciences, arts and social sciences. Through our exemplary liberal arts education and rigorous scholarship, we aspire to not only educate the mind but also develop the whole person.

The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges.

The Department of English at the University of San Diego invites applications for the position of Director of the University Writing Program to begin in Fall of 2027. We seek applicants at the level of advanced assistant, associate, or full professor of English. The teaching assignment is four courses per year.

Teaching responsibilities include writing and literature courses at all levels. Administrative responsibilities include collaboration with faculty and administration in overseeing USD’s Writing Program; supervision of first-year writing courses; contributing to personnel decisions (in consultation with English department chair); incoming student assessment and competency exams; coordinating all upper division, cross-curricular writing courses, including training faculty, reviewing Core Advanced Writing-course applications and syllabi; offering training workshops for all Writing Program faculty; Writing Program assessment; oversight of English for Speakers of Other Languages student assessment and support programming.

Job Requirements: The successful candidate will be a writing specialist with a PhD in English, Rhetoric and Composition, or a related field, with meaningful preparation in English literature preferred, and an interest in Creative Writing welcome. Substantial experience in Writing Program leadership administration, background in working with Writing Across the Curriculum and Writing in the Disciplines; Writing Program assessment; Writing Centers; and English for Speakers of Other Languages programs also required. Significant record of publication and research in the field expected.

Background check: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.

$6,931.25-$11,666.67 monthly: Excellent Benefits

The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including:

• medical
• dental
• vision
• a retirement contribution given to you by the University
• access to on-campus Fitness Centers

Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer. USD: Human Resources: Benefits

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Advertised: July 31, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time

Applications close: Open until filled

Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at www.sandiego.edu/safety/documents/annualreport.pdf. This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response stands and protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. To request a paper copy, please contact the Clery Act Compliance Manager via email at clery@sandiego.edu, by calling (619) 260-4768, or in-person in the Hughes Administration Center, room 150.