Contract Poetry Teaching Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Department

Job Description
The Department of Language and Literature at LSU New Orleans invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Creative Writing with an expertise in Poetry (at least one book published or under contact). A secondary expertise in Creative Non-Fiction is also highly desirable. This position is responsible for 12 academic units per semester (4/4). The typical teaching load is 9 units per semester (3/3), with the expectation of service (with Bayou magazine), research, and thesis mentoring to fulfill the remaining 3 units.

Responsibilities include teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in poetry, as well as other courses offered by the Department of Language and Literature based on need. This position will be heavily involved with the Creative Writing Workshop, the nationally renowned MFA program at LSU New Orleans, which offers both resident and online MFA programs. The successful candidate should be adept at teaching in both in-person and asynchronous modalities and have a deep investment in mentoring students through thesis projects. An ability to work with our literary magazine Bayou, as well as an eagerness to participate in the community and service of the Department of Language and Literature and the Creative Writing Workshop is also highly desirable.
How to Apply
Please submit:

(1) a curriculum vitae

(2) a letter of interest in the position, noting achievements in publishing, teaching, and service to literary communities

(3) a copy of one published (or contracted) book in .pdf format

(4) a one-page teaching philosophy, and

(5) the names and contact information for three references.

Application review will begin on October 1, 2026 and the review will continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, all required materials should be submitted in the University's application portal, Attn: Chair for Language and Literature, Prof. Justin Maxwell., by 11:59 PM on September 30, 2026.

Required Qualifications

• At least one published (or under contract) book in poetry

• MFA or PhD in Creative Writing in hand by date of hire (January 1, 2027)

• Evidence of teaching excellence

Desired Qualifications

• Single-authored book of poetry with distinguished press and review coverage

• Publication record in both Poetry and Creative Non-Fiction

• Experience teaching and advising graduate students

• Commitment to fostering supportive literary communities

Salary Information: Expected salary is approximately $59,983. The position is dependent on budgetary approval.
About the Creative Writing Workshop at LSU-New Orleans, established in 1991, is a nationally renowned MFA program in creative writing, offering degrees in fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction and playwriting. A 3 year studio/research program, it emphasizes community and mentorship, offering training in teaching, publishing, literature, and creative writing. Its alums have published well over 150 books with national presses and have recently garnered such awards as the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry, the Dylan Thomas Prize in Fiction, and have been listed for numerous other honors, including the National Book Award.

Applications that do not include the required uploaded documents may not be considered.

Note to Applicant:

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications in their cover letter. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.

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