Open Rank (Assistant, Associate or Full) Professor of English and Writing Program Director

About the Role

The Department of English at the University of San Diego invites applications for the position of Director of the University Writing Program to begin in Fall of 2027. We seek applicants at the level of advanced assistant, associate, or full professor of English. The teaching assignment is four courses per year.

Responsibilities

• Teach writing and literature courses at all levels
• Collaborate with faculty and administration in overseeing USD's Writing Program
• Supervise first-year writing courses
• Contribute to personnel decisions (in consultation with English department chair)
• Manage incoming student assessment and competency exams
• Coordinate all upper division, cross-curricular writing courses, including training faculty and reviewing Core Advanced Writing-course applications and syllabi
• Offer training workshops for all Writing Program faculty
• Conduct Writing Program assessment
• Oversee English for Speakers of Other Languages student assessment and support programming

Requirements

• PhD in English, Rhetoric and Composition, or a related field
• Meaningful preparation in English literature preferred
• Substantial experience in Writing Program leadership administration
• Background in working with Writing Across the Curriculum and Writing in the Disciplines
• Experience with Writing Program assessment, Writing Centers, and English for Speakers of Other Languages programs
• Significant record of publication and research in the field
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check
• Official education transcripts for degree verification purposes upon offer

Qualifications

• Writing specialist
• Interest in Creative Writing welcome

Application Materials

Please submit all materials by Sunday, October 4, 2026.

• A cover letter of application expressing:
  • A philosophy of writing pedagogy (particularly in an age of GenAI), including concrete examples of the ways that those principles have been implemented in teaching, research, and writing program administration
  • The candidate's plans for service, commitment to the University mission, and inclusivity in teaching, research, and Writing Program Administration
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research statement and sample of scholarly or, if applicable, creative work
• Teaching statement and sample syllabi that indicate an ability and willingness to teach reading and writing as twinned skills, as well as a discussion of the candidate's commitment to inclusive pedagogy
• A one-page statement of vision for the writing program at USD
• Contact information for three references who will be sent a link to upload letters

Please contact Professor Brad Melekian, English Department Chair and Search Committee Chair, with any questions, at melekian@sandiego.edu. If you have any technical difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu.

Pay

$6,931.25-$11,666.67 monthly

Benefits

The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers.