Associate Director of Creative Writing, Stanford University

Program Description

The Creative Writing Program (CWP) at Stanford University seeks an Associate Director (AD) who will have broad administrative and educational responsibilities, with a particular focus on our large and vibrant undergraduate program.

Stanfords Creative Writing Program is one of the oldest and most prominent in the country, with a faculty that is deeply committed to graduate and undergraduate teaching. In addition, each year we offer ten successful applicants the chance to participate in the two-year, graduate-level Stegner Fellowship, which has produced many celebrated writers since it was founded in 1946.

Creative Writing also plays a significant role in the undergraduate experience, with more than 1,000 students taking a creative writing workshop each year. The program is housed institutionally within the English Department, and students may take an English major with a Creative Writing emphasis or a minor in Creative Writing, which is currently the most popular minor at Stanford.

The majority of our undergraduate teaching is done by Jones Lecturers, a group of around 20 former Stegner Fellows who are appointed to one-year terms, with the possibility of renewal up to five years. During this time Lecturers teach a variety of undergraduate courses, including some of their own design, while continuing to write and publish creative work. Through its lively community of working artists, intensive workshops, and interactions with renowned visiting authors, the Creative Writing Program models what a dedicated writing practice looks like, and provides ongoing mentorship to our undergraduates, Stegner Fellows, and Jones Lecturers.

Overview of Associate Director position

This appointment is ideal for a working writer who is a skilled administrator and possesses experience training and mentoring teachers in a university Creative Writing program.

The AD will report to the Faculty Director and also work closely with our Administrative Director. Among other duties, the AD will supervise, evaluate, and support the Jones Lecturers, including those new to the program each year and those coming to the end of their term, when many are preparing to enter the academic job market.

As a key member of our teaching team, the AD will also lead creative writing courses (load to be determined by program need); evaluate, refine, and expand the undergraduate curriculum; and continue working and publishing as a creative writer.

Candidates for this position should hold a terminal degree in the field (Ph.D. or MFA) and have experience in Creative Writing program administration. The successful candidate will have published at least one book of fiction, poetry, or creative nonfiction, with at least one other book-length project underway. They should also have extensive experience teaching creative writing classes at the undergraduate level, with graduate teaching welcome but not required.

Appointment

Our new AD will be appointed as Associate Director and Lecturer in Creative Writing, and will begin at the start of academic year 2026-27. Initial appointment will be for two years, with the possibility of renewal and review for promotion to the rank of Senior Lecturer, which allows for five-year appointments and the possibility of ongoing renewal. This is an in-person position based on the Stanford campus, with some tele-commuting possible, subject to program needs.

If you believe this opportunity is a match for your knowledge, skills, and experience, we encourage you to apply.At the link below, please upload a CV; a brief cover letter; a 2-page statement of teaching philosophy; and a pdf of at least one published book. Please also provide contact information for three letters of reference.

The deadline for application is November 14, 2025 at 11: 59 pm PST.

The expected pay range for this position is $108,150 - $123,600 per annum.

Stanford University has provided pay information representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the qualifications of the selected candidate, budget availability, and internal equity.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bringadditional dimensions to the Universitys research, teaching and clinical missions.

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