ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Assistant Professor Rhetoric Composition Jobs in Washington, DC

All JobsProfessor Rhetoric Composition JobsAssistant Professor Rhetoric Composition JobsAssistant Professor Rhetoric Composition Jobs in Washington, DC

Assistant Professor Rhetoric Composition information

See Washington, DC salary details

$48.1K

$90.7K

$152.9K

How much do assistant professor rhetoric composition jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant professor rhetoric composition in Washington, DC is $90,672.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $103,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant professor of rhetoric composition?

Assistant Professors of Rhetoric and Composition are entry-level, tenure-track faculty members at colleges or universities who specialize in teaching and researching writing, rhetoric, and composition studies. They often teach undergraduate and graduate courses in academic writing, rhetorical theory, and related subjects, and may also mentor students or oversee writing programs. In addition to teaching, they are expected to conduct scholarly research, publish their findings, and participate in service activities within their department and institution. Their work helps improve students' writing skills and advances scholarship in the field of rhetoric and composition.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant professor of rhetoric composition?

To thrive as an Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and Composition, you typically need a PhD in English, Rhetoric, Composition, or a closely related field, along with a strong record of teaching and research. Familiarity with learning management systems (such as Canvas or Blackboard), digital literacy tools, and experience publishing in scholarly journals are commonly required. Outstanding communication, mentorship, and collaboration skills help foster student engagement and collegiality in academic environments. These skills and qualifications ensure effective teaching, impactful scholarship, and meaningful contributions to departmental and institutional goals.

What are some common challenges assistant professors of rhetoric composition face during their first few years, and how can they address them?

New Assistant Professors in Rhetoric and Composition often encounter challenges such as balancing heavy teaching loads with research expectations and service commitments. Navigating institutional requirements for publication and tenure while developing engaging, student-centered curricula can also be demanding. Building networks with colleagues, seeking mentorship, and setting clear boundaries for their time can help address these challenges. Additionally, being proactive about professional development and regularly reflecting on teaching and research priorities are key strategies for early career success.

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Professor Rhetoric Composition jobs in Washington, DC?

For Assistant Professor Rhetoric Composition jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Professor Rhetoric Composition jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Professor Rhetoric Composition jobs in Washington, DC are:

Assistant Professor Rhetoric Composition jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Professor Rhetoric Composition job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,672 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Professional and Technical Writing

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

George Mason University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 621 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department: Col of Humanities and Soc Science
Classification: 9-month Instructional Faculty
Job Category: Instructional Faculty
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: On Site Required
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience
Criminal Background Check: Yes
About the Department:
The Department of English offers an undergraduate minor and concentration in Writing and Rhetoric, along with an M.A. concentration in Professional and Technical Writing, and a Ph.D. program in Writing and Rhetoric. For more information about the department, visit http://english.gmu.edu/ ; for details on programs in Writing and Rhetoric, see http://writingandrhetoric.gmu.edu/ .
About the Position:
The Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Professional and Technical Writing will bolster the university's national profile in research around professional and technical writing, engaging key issues in the field with a focus on critical AI literacies. The faculty member will design and teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, consult with the Department about effective and ethical engagement of AI, advise graduate and undergraduate students doing projects on AI from a humanistic perspective; and bring a humanities centered perspective to collaborations across the university on programming, coursework, and research in AI. This position would also allow for the development of AI-related policies, research, and curricular initiatives in CHSS and the university.
The 2:2 course load includes undergraduate teaching opportunities in upper-division technical writing and graduate courses in rhetoric and technical communication at both the MA and PhD levels.
Responsibilities:
Research
  • Maintains an active research agenda and publication record at a rate appropriate for eventual tenure and promotion at an R1 university.

Teaching
  • Teaches courses in the English Department; mentors and supervises undergraduate and graduate student researchers.

Service
  • Provides service to the English department, college, and university by participation on faculty committees.

Required Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. in professional writing, rhetoric, technical communication, or a related field; and
  • Research and teaching focus on critical AI literacies and technical communication, workplace studies, and/or rhetorical theory.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Teaching experience or coursework in: research methods, document design, technical communication, editing, visual rhetoric, or usability;
  • Experience with a range of methods and methodologies in technical writing research, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods;
  • Experience advising at the undergraduate, MA, and/or PhD levels;
  • Prior workplace experience in professional and technical writing;
  • Active research program in professional and technical writing, engaging key issues in the field with a focus on critical AI literacies; and
  • Field- and industry-specific knowledge about how to make connections to and prepare students for careers in professional and technical writing.

Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Professional and Technical Writing at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent, CV, Philosophy of Teaching, and a Writing Sample/Portfolio for review.
Applicants who are current graduate students should submit a dissertation chapter, preferably an analysis or introduction chapter.
Posting Open Date: August 14, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: October 15, 2026
Posting Close Date: August 14, 2027
Open Until Filled: Yes
Mason Ad Statement
George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 research university committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia, offering degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level, along with certificates and credentials.
George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment for students, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. We believe in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancing our mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; and we believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity of origin, identity, circumstance, and thought.
Equity Statement
George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Campus Safety Information
Mason's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/

What George Mason University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply