University Writing Program Lecturer

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued-and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Description

The Department seeks candidates for several full-time academic-year (9 month) non-tenure track positions (3:3 teaching load plus service component) with a start date of September 1, 2025. The initial appointment is for two years which may be renewed at the Dean's discretion based on funding, need, and performance.

Full-time Lecturers in the Writing Program are responsible for teaching three sections of College Writing (ENGLWRIT 112) each semester to first-year undergraduate students. The Writing Program offers over 300 College Writing sections a year, taught in seminar/workshop style with small class enrollments generally under 20 students. The process-based, rhetorically-oriented course, which fulfills the first-year writing requirement at UMass Amherst, approaches writing as a social act, providing opportunities for students to compose in a variety of media and contexts, draw on their own linguistic and cultural resources, and recognize the intersections of writing, language, and power.

In addition to teaching, lecturers are also responsible for service to the Writing Program, which might include chairing or participating in a standing committee (Curriculum, Assessment, Personnel, etc.), supervising a project (revision and assessment of Writing Program publications, assisting with teaching observations, etc.), or otherwise supporting the Program's or wider University's needs.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with other Writing Program staff members to support the program's objectives by:

• Professionally representing the program's mission, curriculum, and initiatives in the classroom and other professional contexts;
• Participating in all program meetings and day-to-day operations;
• Serving on committees and supporting special projects and initiatives as needed;
• Collaborating with key university departments and programs;
• Maintaining regular office hours.

Requirements

• PhD (or ABD) specializing in Composition and Rhetoric preferred; MFA or PhD in English or related field considered.
• For ABD, degree completion is required within a year of start date.
• Demonstrated awareness of and documented activity within the field of Writing Studies (Composition and Rhetoric).
• At least three years of documented, successful experience teaching process-based writing intensive courses at the college level.
• Experience working with diverse student populations.
• A strong record of taking initiative and carrying out projects independently.
• A strong record of working within a collaborative team environment.
• A strong record of academic, professional, and service accomplishments.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with curricular design and innovation.
• Experience with university or department service.
• Ability to teach across a variety of platforms and with a variety of technologies.
• Administrative experience in a Writing Program or Writing Center.
• Successful mentoring of graduate student teachers or tutors.
• Evidence of success working within an established curriculum.
• Experience with multimodal composition, WAC, WID, or ESOL.

Additional Information

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) teaching philosophy (with attention to writing pedagogy, 4) sample college writing syllabus, and 5) list of three current referees with full contact information including valid email addresses.

For full consideration, all application materials must be received by May 11, 2025. Review of applications will begin on May 12, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.

The University is committed to active recruitment of a diverse faculty and student body. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members. Because broad diversity is essential to an inclusive climate and critical to the University's goals of achieving excellence in all areas, we will holistically assess the many qualifications of each applicant and favorably consider an individual's record working with students and colleagues with broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. We will also favorably consider experience overcoming or helping others overcome barriers to an academic career and degree.