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Creative Writing Professor Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

About this Opportunity Reporting to the Professor, the Research Coordinator 3 serves as a senior ... Strong written and verbal communication, organizational, and time-management skills. * Detail ...

Creative Writing Professor information

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$48.4K

$91.1K

$153.6K

How much do creative writing professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative writing professor in Seattle, WA is $91,107.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,300.00 and $104,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a creative writing professor?

Creative Writing Professors are educators who teach courses on creative writing, including fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and other literary forms, at colleges or universities. They help students develop their writing skills, provide feedback on creative work, and often advise on publication opportunities. Creative Writing Professors may also conduct their own research or publish their creative works, contributing to the literary community. Their role involves both teaching and mentoring students as well as participating in academic and creative activities within their institution.

What does a creative writing professor do?

As a creative writing professor, you teach college students how to write creative prose and poetry. The university for whom you teach may also require you to write articles, content, or stories for academic or literary publications. Your duties as a professor include creating a syllabus for each course and helping students develop their writing skills. You may advise students on the structure of a story or poem and offer commentary on a draft of their work. You might teach a general creative writing course or offer classes on specific topics, such as short fiction, creative nonfiction, or novels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a creative writing professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Creative Writing Professor, you need an advanced degree in creative writing or a related field, a strong portfolio of published works, and experience in teaching or mentoring writers. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), workshop facilitation tools, and contemporary literary platforms is typically required. Outstanding communication, constructive feedback, and the ability to inspire creativity are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities foster an engaging learning environment that supports student growth, critical thinking, and creative expression.

What are some common challenges creative writing professors face in fostering student engagement and creativity?

Creative Writing Professors often encounter the challenge of encouraging students to take creative risks while also providing constructive feedback that nurtures their confidence. Balancing the diverse skill levels and backgrounds of students can require flexible teaching approaches and tailored assignments. Additionally, professors must create an inclusive, respectful environment that supports open sharing and critique, which is essential for students' growth as writers. Collaborating with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects or literary events can also help foster a dynamic learning atmosphere.

What is the difference between Creative Writing Professor vs Writing Instructor?

AspectCreative Writing ProfessorWriting Instructor
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Creative Writing, English, or related fieldVaries; often bachelor's degree, teaching certification, or specialized training
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, academic settingsCommunity colleges, adult education, workshops, online platforms
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, universitiesEducational institutions, community programs, online education
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding academic roles, qualifications, and career pathsLearning to teach writing, certification, or part-time teaching

While both roles involve teaching writing skills, a Creative Writing Professor typically works in higher education with advanced degrees and focuses on academic research and curriculum development. A Writing Instructor may work in various educational settings, often with different certification requirements, and may focus more on teaching practical writing skills in community or online environments.

What are popular job titles related to Creative Writing Professor jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Creative Writing Professor jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Creative Writing Professor jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Creative Writing Professor jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Creative Writing Professor jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Creative Writing Professor job openings:

Infographic showing various Creative Writing Professor job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,107 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Assistant Professor (Teaching Track) - Writing Studies

Tacoma, WA • On-site


University of Washington
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

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$8.4K - $9.0K/mo

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description
The University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) invites applications for a teaching faculty position at the rank of Assistant Teaching Professor of Writing Studies, to join the Department of Culture, Arts, and Communication (CAC) in the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences (SIAS). We seek applicants who demonstrate commitment to excellence in teaching and service in a diverse and inclusive academic community.
This is a full-time (100% FTE) position with a 9-month service period (starting September 16 and ending June 15, each year) with an expected start date of September 16, 2027. The initial appointment will be for a three-year term, eligible for reappointment after successful academic review.
The base salary range for this position will be $8,444 to $9,000 per month ($76,000 to $81,000 per 9-month academic year), commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.
The successful candidate will be expected to perform highly effective and inclusive teaching, using a variety of pedagogical techniques and technologies, in an urban-serving campus environment. Faculty at UWT are expected to teach in multiple modalities, including in-person, online, and hybrid courses.
The expected teaching load for this position is set at a level equivalent to seven (7) standard courses per academic year. The successful candidate will be expected to teach lower-division rhetoric and composition courses such as the following: TCORE 101: Introduction to Academic Writing and TWRT 100-200 level courses such as the stretch model TWRT 120/121: Academic Writing I & II and TWRT 211: Argument and Research in Writing. Other courses may be assigned based on departmental needs. For descriptions of the composition and writing courses, see: http://www.washington.edu/students/crscatt/twrt.html.
The successful candidate will be expected to engage in scholarly and professional activities that support and enhance their teaching, including the development of a pedagogical agenda that demonstrates leadership in writing studies, rhetoric, and/or composition. This may include scholarship of teaching and learning, curriculum development as well as publication and/or presentation of pedagogically-focused work.
Service expectations include participating in school and campus committees, contributing to major and division governance, and supporting unit-specific activities.
The successful candidate will be expected to work with students with varying backgrounds, perspectives, and experience. The succesful candidate will also be expected to support the Department's commitment to mentoring and student engagement, and offer support for students and student organizations, who are eager to further UW Tacoma's mission..
About the Tacoma Campus and the Department of Culture, Arts, and Communication
The University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) is a growing, urban-servicing university that is deeply invested in its local communities. As one of three campuses of a world-class university, UWT is dedicated to interdisciplinary and innovative teaching and scholarship, and to engaging the community in mutually beneficial partnerships. Consistent with the institution's urban-serving mission, UWT provides a unique environment for faculty to creatively develop their teaching, scholarship, and service portfolios, and to engage with the Tacoma community. UWT's commitment to access is central to an environment where students, staff, faculty, and South Sound residents find abundant opportunities for intellectual, personal, and professional growth.
The School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at UW Tacoma is comprised of three academic departments, among the seven schools that make up the UWT campus. The mission of the Department of Culture, Arts, and Communications (CAC) is to explore, express, and elevate the arts and humanities, to transform our students with the creative force of lifelong learning tools for any thriving career. More information about our majors, minors, and our faculty is available on our website at https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/sias/cac.
Qualifications
Applicants for this teaching faculty position must meet the following minimum qualifications:
  • Master's degree (or foreign equivalent) in Composition/Rhetoric or a related field. A PhD degree (or foreign equivalent) in Composition/Rhetoric or a related field is also acceptable.
  • Expertise in lower-division composition curriculum development and student engagement, and at least three years of college or university teaching experience.

Application Instructions
First consideration of applications will begin on October 15, 2026. Priority will be given to those applications received by that date. Applications will only be accepted via Interfolio: The position will remain open until filled.
Applications must include the following materials:
  1. A cover letter, providing an overview of your teaching background, how you meet the minimum qualifications, and your experience teaching rhetoric, composition, and/or writing studies in diverse educational contexts. Please also describe how your teaching and service have supported students from backgrounds underrepresented in higher education, or how your future work will further UW Tacoma's commitment to diversity and access for all students. (1-2 pages)
  2. A curriculum vitae, including a list of courses taught, their frequency, and your role in each course (e.g., primary instructor vs. teaching assistant), along with any relevant academic, professional, and community service roles.
  3. A teaching statement, describing your teaching philosophy, including methods and high-impact practices you use (or intend to use) to support student learning for students from a variety of preparations and backgrounds, and examples of how you would incorporate these into rhetoric and composition courses at an urban-serving institution. (1-2 pages)
  4. Evidence of teaching effectiveness. This portfolio might include: sample syllabi and assignments, quantitative and/or qualitative student evaluations, peer teaching evaluations, and/or other materials that demonstrate your impact in the classroom. Material related to rhetoric and composition is encouraged.
  5. Names and contact information for three professional references, with letters available upon request.

Throughout these materials, applicants are encouraged to articulate how their past experiences and/or future plans in teaching, scholarship of teaching and learning, mentoring, and/or service to promote a sense of belonging and foster a welcoming and inclusive academic environment.
Specific inquiries should be directed to the search committee Chair, Riki Thompson at rikitiki@uw.edu.


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