LEO Lecturer III - Helen Zell Visiting Professor - Poetry

Job Summary

The Helen Zell Writers' Program in the Department of English at the University of Michigan invites applications for a visiting Lecturer III appointment in poetry with a start date of August 25, 2027. This is a non-tenure track position with a university-year appointment (i.e., runs August 25 through May 24 each year). The appointment term is three years, with the potential for renewal for an additional two years. A typical full-time (100% effort) load for a Lecturer III in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts is three (3) courses per semester, or the equivalent in administrative and/or service duties.

Responsibilities

• Teach one graduate craft class each year in poetry along with undergraduate courses as determined by the Undergraduate Director.
• Be assigned administrative and/or service duties to meet the needs of the English Language and Literature Department.
• Invite and host visiting writers in the English Department.
• Continue working toward completion of a new book during this appointment.

Required Qualifications

• Candidates must hold an MFA in Creative Writing and have experience in the college-level teaching of poetry.
• Applicants should be emerging writers (one book of poetry recently published or under contract; candidates may also have a second book under contract).
• Have achieved distinction in their writing and excellence in their teaching.
• Have a proven interest in bringing to their teaching, mentoring, and writing critical perspectives reflecting the experiences of groups who have been historically underrepresented or marginalized in higher education.

Application Instructions

In addition to applying via careers.umich.edu, please submit the following to Interfolio by September 14, 2026: https://apply.interfolio.com/189205

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy and experience, not to exceed 2 pages
• Summary of teaching record
• Student evaluations
• Two (2) sample syllabi
• Two (2) writing assignment prompts
• Other evidence of teaching excellence, if any
• A statement of current/ future writing plans
• A short writing sample (10-20 pages)
• Three (3) confidential letters of reference

Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

Additional Information

• Further information about the Department of English Language and Literature can be found on our website at lsa.umich.edu/English.
• Union Affiliation: This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

Contact Information

Questions or concerns may be directed to [email protected].