Assistant Professor of Creative Writing-Tenure Track

Earlham College is a Top 100 National Liberal Arts College located in Richmond, IN, a small city that's just a short drive away from several major metropolitan areas including Dayton, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Chicago.

Richmond and Earlham have a symbiotic relationship. Through research, studies, internships and volunteering, Earlhamites offer Richmond expertise and service as Richmond offers our students the chance to gain valuable, real-world experience. Our community assumes no religious affiliation but follows Quaker principles and practices, which include respect for persons, integrity, a commitment to peace and justice, simplicity, and consensus-based community decision-making. Earlham is committed to and proud of being a diverse and inclusive place most clearly visible in our student body: 20% of our student body are international, coming from 60+ nations in 2022, and 24% are domestic students of color. Faculty and staff also bring tremendous diversity to the College; many have lived and worked outside the United States, and they make a point of drawing on those experiences in their interactions with students. Additionally, Earlham makes it a priority to serve as a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ communities and has a four-star rating on the Campus Pride Index. Our community is characterized by respect for every person and a commitment to social justice. Equity and inclusion are central to Earlham's institutional priorities and our leadership is committed to widening the path to an Earlham education.

Earlham College is seeking an Assistant Professor of Creative Writing to join our team.

Job Summary:

The Earlham College Department of English and Creative Writing invites applications for a full-time, Assistant Professor Tenure-Track position in Creative Writing. Candidates with experience teaching poetry are welcome. The ability to teach occasional courses in Creative Nonfiction or Scriptwriting, in Contemporary literature, or in fields such as Latinx, Native American, Asian American literature, and/or in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, will complement our department especially well.

Responsibilities:

• Teach five courses in the 2025-26 academic year and a standard full teaching load of five courses per year thereafter.
• Teach both introductory and upper-level Creative Writing workshops.
• Occasionally teach first-year interdisciplinary seminars.
• Teach courses supporting Earlham’s English Literature program, such as “Reading and Writing Poetry.”
• Oversee student editors of the campus literary magazine, The Crucible.
• Assist in organizing and supporting readings by visiting authors.

• PhD or MFA required by July 2026.
• Published substantive creative work.
• ABD candidates (who have completed coursework and qualifying exams) may be considered.
• Prior teaching experience required.
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., student evaluations, peer observations, etc.).
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community.
• Candidates meeting some but not all qualifications are encouraged to apply.

Benefits Working at Earlham:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance*
• Company paid Long-Term Disability after 1 year of full-time service*
• Basic and Voluntary Life insurance*
• Employee Assistance Program*
• Campus Store Discount
• Free ticket vouchers for Richmond Symphony Orchestra
• Wellness Center Free Membership or Discount for eligible employees
• Athletic Games-Free entry to all home games
• Free entry into most Theatre/Music shows
• Tuition Benefits for Immediate Family for eligible employees*
• 403(b) Retirement* – For eligible employees, Earlham will contribute a non-elective contribution equal to 5% of gross pay after 2 years of service. After 3 years of service, this non-elective contribution increases to 8%. Vesting credit is available for new employees with previous service in the education sector with required documentation.
• Many Wayne County Chamber of Commerce member businesses offer discounts to anyone with an Earlham ID

*All employee benefit offerings are subject to employee eligibility per plan documents.

Please Note: This position will remain open until filled 

To Apply:

• Please submit the following application materials through our Earlham Careers Portal:
• Curriculum Vitae
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness
• Brief creative writing sample
• Unofficial transcripts
• Cover letter - Address your interest in the opening explaining your relevant work history as it pertains to this position.
• Diversity statement: 300-500 words in which you describe how you’ve worked towards diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in previous professional and/or leadership positions, as well as how you plan to incorporate DEI in your work at Earlham.
• Statement of your Teaching Philosophy.
• Research statement addressing your research history, and your expected timeline and plans for establishing a research program at Earlham.
• List of Three Professional References with Contact Information
• 3 letters of recommendation: these letters should specifically address teaching and research.  Submit to hr@earlham.edu.

In the cover letter, candidates should address their ability to teach both introductory and advanced Creative Writing workshops, as well as courses in either literature or literary theory. Teaching interests may include courses that are not currently offered by the department. In the application materials, candidates should describe their ability to contribute to the advancement of Earlham’s goals to be a diverse, equitable, and inclusive institution. Candidates should provide specific examples of how they have contributed to equitable and inclusive environments, including how they support students from diverse backgrounds and how they use inclusive pedagogical practices. 

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by March 25, 2025 will be given full consideration. Inquiries about the position can be directed to Dr. Scott Hess, Search Convener, hesssc@earlham.edu.

Earlham College is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or religion in its employment policies. In addition, Earlham explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, in accordance with Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, and other applicable state and federal laws. As an institution with a Quaker identity, Earlham encourages applications from members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).

Earlham's Work Authorization Policy

Earlham utilizes E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility for all newly hired employees within the United States.