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Low Residency Mfa Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Warren Wilson

Director of Risk Management

Asheville, NC · On-site

The college also features a top-ranked low-residency MFA Program for Writers, a Masters in Applied Climate Studies, and a summer-long Swannanoa Gathering of music and folk arts workshops. Interested ...

Warren Wilson

Director of Risk Management

Asheville, NC · On-site

The college also features a top-ranked low-residency MFA Program for Writers, a Masters in Applied Climate Studies, and a summer-long Swannanoa Gathering of music and folk arts workshops. Interested ...

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Low Residency Mfa information

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$35.5K

$91.1K

$180.5K

How much do low residency mfa jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for low residency mfa in the United States is $91,130.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a low residency MFA?

A Low Residency MFA (Master of Fine Arts) is a graduate program in creative writing or other fine arts fields that combines short, intensive on-campus residencies with ongoing remote mentorship and coursework. Students typically attend campus for brief periods—usually a week or two each semester—where they participate in workshops, lectures, and networking. The rest of the program takes place online or through correspondence, allowing students to maintain jobs and personal commitments while completing their degree. This flexible structure is ideal for working adults or those who cannot relocate for a traditional full-time program.

What are some common challenges students and faculty face in a low residency MFA program, and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge in a Low Residency MFA program is balancing independent work with remote mentorship and periodic in-person residencies. Students may find it difficult to maintain motivation and consistent progress without daily classroom structure, while faculty must provide effective guidance across distances. Success often involves strong time management, proactive communication, and taking full advantage of virtual workshops and feedback sessions. Building connections with peers during residencies can also foster a supportive community throughout the remote periods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a low residency MFA program director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Low Residency MFA Program Director, you need a background in creative writing or visual arts, experience in higher education administration, and often an MFA or equivalent terminal degree. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), program assessment tools, and virtual meeting platforms is essential for coordinating remote instruction and maintaining program quality. Outstanding communication, organizational, and mentorship abilities help foster a supportive learning environment and manage faculty and student needs. These skills ensure effective program delivery, academic excellence, and community engagement in a flexible, low-residency format.

What is the difference between Low Residency Mfa vs Creative Writing Instructor?

AspectLow Residency MfaCreative Writing Instructor
Required CredentialsMaster's degree or MFA in Creative WritingTypically a Bachelor's or Master's in Creative Writing or related field
Work EnvironmentGraduate program, primarily online or hybrid, with occasional residenciesAcademic setting, teaching classes in person or online
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, creative arts programsColleges, universities, community programs

In summary, a Low Residency MFA is a graduate degree focusing on creative writing, often delivered through online coursework with residencies, while a Creative Writing Instructor is a professional who teaches writing courses, often holding a similar degree but primarily working in educational settings. Both roles are interconnected but differ in their focus on education versus degree completion.

Is a low residency MFA worth it?

A low residency MFA can be valuable for developing advanced skills, building a professional network, and gaining recognition in creative fields. However, its worth depends on individual career goals, the program's reputation, and the ability to leverage the degree for opportunities such as teaching or publishing.
Infographic showing various Low Residency Mfa job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,130 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Adjunct Professor, low-residency MFA in Writing for Young Readers

The University of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$2.2K/wk

Part-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

University Of San Francisco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

233rd of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Title:
Adjunct Professor, low-residency MFA in Writing for Young Readers
Job Summary:
The University of San Francisco (USF) is a private, urban University with a global perspective that educates leaders who will fashion a more humane and just world. USF draws from the cultural, intellectual, and economic resources of the San Francisco Bay Area and its location on the Pacific Rim to enrich its educational programs.
The MFA in Writing for Young Readers (MFAY) is a low-residency graduate program. We offer immersive, in-person residencies followed by intensive one-to-one mentorship. Part-time adjunct professors mentor individual students in reading like a writer, craft-based critical writing, and students' creative projects. Adjunct professors must be expert at working with students through all forms of instruction and at the manuscript level as students engage deeply with questions of audience, craft, process, and literary practices.
All MFAY adjunct faculty are expected to have deep familiarity with the field of writing for young readers and must be willing to teach across genres during residency and through individual mentorship. These genres include picture books, early readers and chapter books, middle-grade and young adult novels, nonfiction, poetry and novels in verse, short stories, and graphic literature. Candidates are not required to be published in every category.
Positions are part-time, non-tenure track, renewable based on need, funding, and performance.
Full Job Description:
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have graduate-level higher education teaching experience as well as significant publications in the field of literature for young readers.
Adjuncts must participate in the program's on-campus residencies at the university's main campus in San Francisco, held twice annually in January and June.
Responsibilities during residency may include leading workshops, seminars, and lectures; faculty readings, and graduation events; meeting with both continuing and newly assigned mentees; and contributing to the intellectual and creative life of the program. During the rest of the semester, adjunct faculty respond to student work promptly and thoroughly, hold mid-semester calls, and attend to other work in support of students.
Minimum Qualifications
  • BA in a relevant field
  • Significant publishing track record-note awards, bestsellers, and groundbreaking titles
  • College-level teaching experience or equivalent
  • Knowledge of critical and inclusive pedagogies

Preferred Qualifications
  • Strong record of publication in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and/or short stories.
  • Minimum of 3 years' experience in the teaching of creative writing, preferably at the graduate level.
  • Evidence of strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently and to collaborate with others.
  • Adept at student-centered learning.
  • Community-building orientation, with a willingness to do service and commit to program goals

To apply, please submit:
• A cover letter describing your work as a writer and a teacher
• A CV or resume
• A Teaching Statement of no more than 2 pages that shares your teaching philosophy
Those whose initial application materials are approved by the hiring committee will be asked to evaluate a sample packet of student work-both creative and critical. Strong candidates will then be invited to the interview stage. We hire on a rolling basis and applications submitted after 5/31/26 will be processed for consideration at a later date.
We invite candidates to learn more about the MFAY program located in the heart of San Francisco https://www.usfca.edu/MFAY
The academic calendar, including dates for our teaching semesters, are here. Part time faculty at USF are unionized and benefits are listed on the USF Part Time Faculty Association's website here.
Full-Time/Part-Time:
Part time
Pay Rate:
Salary
Salary Range :
$2256 per credit

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