Assistant Professor, Creative Writing

About the Role

Mount Royal University is accepting applications for a full-time tenure track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the area of Creative Writing to commence July 1, 2024, subject to budgetary approval.

The ideal candidate’s expertise will include the ability to teach the range of creative writing offered to undergraduate students who are learning to create as well as read and understand fiction and nonfiction, drama, poetry, and emergent forms of creative expression and production.

A strong body of work and classroom experience; engagement with theories of creative writing pedagogy and research; and connections to the writing community will all be considered an asset, as will secondary areas of expertise relevant to our program.

New faculty are hired into one of two work patterns. The teaching / scholarship / service pattern (TSS) focuses on teaching with the requirement that the faculty member establish and maintain a research program and is involved in service to the Mount Royal community.

The teaching service pattern (TS) has a focus on teaching and service only. The successful candidate for this position will be hired into the teaching / scholarship / service pattern (TSS).

There is an option to change work patterns after tenure. The TSS pattern typically requires faculty members to teach six three-credit three-hour classes per academic year.

The average class is approximately 30 students.

The ideal candidate will start at the tenure-track level and be able to teach Creative Writing, as represented in the MRU Calendar.

All candidates will have a scholarship plan and demonstrated interest in undergraduate teaching. Research and service opportunities may include supervision of research assistants or Honours students.

Responsibilities

• Teaching courses in Creative Writing;
• Hosting visiting writers;
• Fostering ties to professional writing communities;
• Engaging with local, national, and international creative writing organizations and publishers;
• Collaborating effectively with full-time and contract faculty members on curriculum re-development and educational innovation;
• Remaining current in areas of teaching responsibility;
• Contributing to program, university, and community service; and
• Participating in the General Education program.

Research and service opportunities may include supervision of research assistants or Honours students. The Office of Research, Scholarship and Community Engagement (ORSCE) provides support for research and scholarly activities.

Qualifications

A doctoral degree in Creative Writing is required, or a Master’s degree with significant professional experience / accomplishments or relevant expertise as determined by the discipline.

The successful candidate must possess the ability to teach Creative Writing courses currently offered in the Mount Royal University Calendar.

There will also be the opportunity to develop new courses in one’s areas of expertise.

In addition, any of the following would strengthen a candidate’s application :

• Successful previous post-secondary teaching experience in a range of literature courses related to narrative and identity;
• Experience in curriculum development (e.g., creating courses, lectures, learning activities, and assignments); and
• Demonstrated commitment to enhancing diversity and diversity awareness;
• Experience in literary editorship, knowledge of publishing, professional literary experience, or applied creative writing contexts.

What We Offer

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions.

At Mount Royal University, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace.

Mount Royal University offers a competitive total compensation package including health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre.

Our campus offers the convenience of a full medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists.

Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, fitness classes, climbing, aquatics, sports and certifications for students, employees and the public.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit the following materials :

1. A two-page cover letter that describes the candidate’s qualifications for this role as described above, interest in the position, and potential contributions to Mount Royal University.

2. Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)

3. Teaching Portfolio that includes the following items :

• A statement of teaching philosophy, interests, and accomplishments (maximum 750 words)
• A sample syllabus
• Sample student evaluations and peer / chair teaching evaluations (if available)

4. Creative Portfolio, including

• Statement of interests / expertise,
• 10-page sample work(s) published or in progress, and
• Proposed plan for the upcoming 5-year period (maximum 750 words)

5. Academic reference letters are not required with the application, but candidates may be asked to provide up to three confidential references as the competition progresses.