Assistant Professor of English: Poetry

The Department of English at the University of Maryland, College Park is hiring a tenure-track Assistant Professor of English with a specialization in Poetry to join a thriving creative writing program within a diverse and productive English department to begin in August 2027. Qualified candidates will have a strong reputation in the field of creative writing with a primary publication record in poetry, at least one full-length poetry book with a nationally recognized publisher, and an MFA in poetry or PhD (preferred) in English literature/creative writing with a focus in poetry.

The Department seeks a poet who also engages other media forms, genres, and/or secondary studies in literature or art, such as expertise or publications in indigenous studies, digital media, or creative nonfiction. Additional interests are also welcome, such as LGBTQIA+ and trans* literature, African American literature, multiethnic literatures, disability studies, and environmental humanities. An ideal candidate will be experienced in teaching creative writing workshops at the undergraduate/graduate levels, literature courses, and directing undergraduate honors projects or theses. Experience working on, running, or advising students on a literary journal, small press, or experimental or innovative publishing venture would be welcomed. Applicants should have demonstrated ability in working with a varied student body and documented mentorship. The poet’s tenure home will be in the Department of English and they will be a key member of the graduate and undergraduate creative writing programs.

Belonging, community, equity, and access drive the mission of the English Department, and we seek candidates whose creative work, teaching, and service have prepared them to contribute to and advance this mission. Within their applications, candidates are asked to summarize their leadership efforts and past or potential contributions to the collegiate community such as leadership in teaching, mentoring, research, or service towards building an equitable and varied scholarly environment and/or increasing access or participation of individuals from equity-deserving groups. 

Best consideration date is October 15, 2026. Applications will be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled. 

The University of Maryland is located in College Park, eight miles from the heart of Washington, DC, and served by the Washington Metro System, offering its faculty access to world-class library and archival facilities, an array of cultural institutions, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.  The MFA Program in Creative Writing is staffed by a stellar faculty, active on the national and international literary scene, with strong ties to the greater D.C. literary arts community.  We are committed to belonging and community and run a vibrant program grounded in mentoring of young writers.  MFA alumni are noted for their award-winning publications with independent and major presses, for continuing their graduate education at top-tier doctoral programs, and for starting their own nationally recognized journals and magazines.  

UMD will not sponsor the successful candidate for work authorization in the United States now or in the future.

Required Application Materials:

- Letter of application

- Curriculum Vitae

- 1 page creative/research statement

- 1 page teaching philosophy statement

- 1 page statement summarizing your leadership efforts, past or potential contributions to belonging, community, equity and access

- 10 page representative writing sample

Candidates should be prepared to provide three letters of
recommendation, which the committee will request at a more advanced stage of the search process.

Best Consideration Date: 10/15/2026

Posting Close Date: N/A

Open Until Filled: Yes