Lecturer in English-Composition and Rhetoric

Purpose

The Department of English at Santa Clara University, a Jesuit, Catholic university, invites enthusiastic instructors of first-year writing with demonstrated classroom success to apply for a Lecturer position in rhetoric and composition. This is a one year, non-tenure track position.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in one of the following areas: Rhetoric and Composition, English, with an emphasis in writing studies, English literature, Creative Writing, MFA in Creative Writing with proven success in and a commitment to teaching first-year writing.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching composition and rhetoric, particularly first-year writing, at the college level for a minimum of 2 years.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Techonological experience necessary to use a learning management system (Canvas/Camino) and other digital teaching tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with themed writing courses (such as ethnic, minority, or women's and gender issues; science, technology, and society; sustainability; education and identity; etc.).
• Experience with inclusive pedagogical practices that promote access and academic success for all students.
• Experience teaching and mentoring a diverse population of undergraduate students.

Responsibilities

• Teaching (95%): Fulfilling the following responsibilities associated with assigned courses:
  • Conducting and appearing at all assigned class meetings in a timely and prepared manner that demonstrates a command of the discipline and skill in presenting it effectively.
  • Assigning and evaluating assignments that align with the course description and course learning outcomes, and providing timely feedback to students.
  • Holding regular weekly office hours.
  • Submitting student grades that are appropriate, accurate and fair measures of student performance to the Office of the Registrar by the designated deadline.
  • Administering numerical and narrative evaluations for all courses.
  • Where applicable, teaching from an approved syllabus for the University Core courses assigned or working with the Chair to design an appropriate syllabus for submission for approval from the relevant Faculty Core Curriculum Committee.
  • Serving as an advisor to a reasonable number of students, commensurate with the full-time equivalency of the appointment, by providing informed advice to those students.
  • Developing courses for which they are responsible and contributing to general curriculum development.
• Service (5%): Fostering and advancing the mission and goals of the department, the University, or the profession through contributions other than teaching and scholarship or creative work such as service on committees, participation in professional organizations and activities, and community service performed in virtue of their professional expertise or association with the University.

Application Information

• Submit application by Aug 10, 2026.
• Your application should include: Letter of Interest speaking to your first-year writing pedagogical approach and teaching philosophy, Resume or Curriculum Vitae, Syllabi for a two-course sequence in first-year writing, 2-3 sample assignments, including rubrics/grading criteria, Recent numerical and/or narrative student evaluations of teaching, Contact information for 3 references.

Contact Information

• To address questions, contact the Search Committee Chair Dr. Jackie Hendricks (jhendricks@scu.edu) or the English Department Manager Jessica Szyndrowski (jgopp@scu.edu).

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination: Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy or related conditions, reproductive health decisionmaking, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Clery Notice of Availability

To view the Santa Clara University report, please visit the Campus Safety Services website. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Consistent with its obligations under the law, Santa Clara University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team at hraccommodations@scu.edu or by phone at (408) 554-5750. Please note: This contact information is intended for accommodation requests only. Resumes or inquiries about application status sent to this inbox will not be reviewed or forwarded. For resumes or questions regarding application status, please contact hrservicedesk@scu.edu.

Work Authorization

SCU does not sponsor any applicants for work visas for this position. The successful candidate must be able to provide evidence of identity and legal authorization to work in the United States.