Creative Writing Instructor Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Creative Writing Program in the Department of English in the College of Liberal Arts is accepting applications for lecturers or teaching specialists to teach courses that may occur in Fall 2026 (August 31, 2026 - January 13, 2027); or Spring 2027 (January 14, 2027 - May 30, 2027). The English Department occasionally needs lecturers or teaching specialists to teach courses that cannot be staffed by regular faculty members or graduate students. This does not constitute a posting for vacancies but establishes a pool of instructors if such openings occur during the 2026/27 academic year. Applicants may be selected from this pool on an as-needed basis throughout the academic year. 
Teaching may be for day or evening courses, and primarily will be for in-person instruction. Appointments may or may not be renewable based on need, funding, and performance. Courses are primarily introductory undergraduate courses.
RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Prepare for and teach classes in ways that best help students to learn
• Create Canvas course sites and syllabi that conform to department and University policies
• Stay current regarding the professional body of knowledge in field of practice
• Hold regular office hours that are clearly announced in advance
• Respond to student needs and questions professionally and in a timely manner
• Evaluate student learning and assign grades
• Communicate instructor evaluation process to students
• Respond to department and University emails in a timely manner
• Follow all relevant University policies and procedures and participate in trainings, as required
• Participate in relevant departmental meetings
• Submit annual review materials

LECTURER
Required qualifications: 

• MFA, Ph.D. or related terminal degree

•  A minimum of one year college teaching experience in designated field

Preferred qualifications:

• Two or more years college teaching experience in the course areas to be offered
• Broad familiarity with creative writing and literature

• One published book or book in press

TEACHING SPECIALIST
Required qualifications: 

• Bachelors degree 

• A minimum of one year college teaching experience in designated field

Preferred qualifications: 

• Masters degree in English or a closely related field 
• Two or more years college teaching experience in the course areas to be offered
• Broad familiarity with creative writing and literature
• One published book or book in press

The Department of English serves approximately 400 majors and thousands of University of Minnesota undergraduate students. The teaching, scholarship and other creative work of the English faculty covers a broad range that includes literature, language, creative writing, literacy and rhetorical studies, linguistics and cultural inquiry, as well as the theories and documents that inform and critique these disciplines. For additional information, please see our website at http://english.cla.umn.edu/ . 
About the College of Liberal Arts
Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.
CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpointsso that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA
Working in CLA 

Pay Range: Minimum of $1,750 per credit; depending on education/qualifications/experience 

Lecturers: Minimum of $1,750 per credit, depending on education, qualifications and experience 
Teaching Specialists: Minimum of $1,750 per credit, depending on education, qualifications and experience  

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

Please attach the following three required documents:

1. Cover letter indicating your areas of research, creative activity, and teaching experience.
2. Current curriculum vitae
3. Contact information for three professional references

Applications will not be acknowledged but will be reviewed when such openings occur throughout the academic year.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.