Assistant Professor of English- Fiction Writing

Assistant Professor of English – Fiction Writing

FLSA Classification

Reports to   Provost

Job Description 

Summary/objective

The Department of English is hiring a fiction writer for a tenure-track assistant professor position in our undergraduate English program.

Essential functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Teach a range of undergraduate courses, primarily in creative writing.
• Have interest or expertise in teaching courses such as African-American Literature, Reading Race, and 21st Century Fiction.
• Help fill curricular gaps in fiction writing and contemporary literature.
• Participate in the coordination of our department’s reading series.
• Maintain an active writing practice.
• Advise undergraduate students.
• Contribute to the culture and vibrancy of the English department and college.
• Demonstrate continued commitment to inclusive teaching and learning.

Required education and experience

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• An MFA in creative writing (PhD or other relevant terminal degrees will also be considered)
• At least one novel or story collection published (or under contract) with a nationally recognized press.

Additional eligibility requirements

Submission of the following documents:

• a cover letter addressing all position responsibilities and qualifications;
• a current curriculum vitae;
• a statement of teaching philosophy that includes evidence of teaching effectiveness and describes experience creating and maintaining an inclusive learning environment;
• an unofficial graduate transcript (official transcript required for employment); and
• names and contact information for three references; letters will be requested for those who are interviewed
• a fiction writing sample (between 15-25 pages of fiction)

Work authorization/security clearance requirements

Must be authorized to work in the United States. Pre-employment criminal background checks.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

Randolph College is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, political beliefs, or any other classification protected by applicable law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, promotion, termination, placement, transfer, layoff, recall, compensation, and training.

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Department of English at Randolph College invites fiction writers to apply for a tenure-track assistant professor position in our undergraduate English program. Candidates should have a record of excellent publications and at least one book of fiction published (or under contract) with a nationally recognized press. We are especially interested in writers whose work and teaching will contribute to the breadth of our faculty and curriculum. The successful candidate will:

• Teach a range of undergraduate courses, primarily in creative writing.
• Have interest or expertise in teaching courses such as African-American Literature and 21st Century Fiction.
• Help fill curricular gaps in fiction writing and contemporary literature.
• Participate in the coordination of our department’s reading series.
• Maintain an active writing practice.
• Advise undergraduate students.
• Contribute to the culture and vibrancy of the English department and college.
• Demonstrate continued commitment to inclusive teaching and learning.

The standard teaching load at Randolph College is 3 undergraduate courses per semester. Under our TAKE2 curriculum, which divides the undergraduate semester into two seven-week sessions, all of our classes take place over 7 weeks. A 3-course semester functions as either a 2-1 load or a 1-2 load each semester. Most of our creative writing courses have a maximum of 12 students. The new hire will be integral to our department’s mission of fostering inclusive, innovative, and student-centered literary education.

Though this position may have opportunities to engage with Randolph College’s low-residency MFA in creative writing program, this position is an appointment in the undergraduate program. This full-time faculty position is expected to maintain residence in central Virginia during the academic year and to actively contribute to the life and culture of the English department. In addition, service to the institution, including undergraduate academic advising and committee work, is expected, as is sustained engagement in scholarly and/or creative production appropriate for creative writing faculty.

Review of Applications will begin on December 1, 2025 and continue until the position is filled with a start date of August 2026. 

Candidates should email their materials to englishsearch@randolphcollege.edu