Assistant Professor-English/Creative Writing Job at The University of New Mexico

Assistant Professor-English/Creative Writing

Posting Number: req35028

Employment Type: Faculty

Faculty Type: Tenure/Tenure-Track

Hiring Department: English Department (923A)

Academic Location: College of Arts & Sciences

Campus: Main - Albuquerque, NM

Benefits Eligible

The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for more information.

Position Summary

The English Department is seeking an entry-level Assistant Professor of Creative Writing whose research, teaching, or creative work engages with the histories, languages, worldviews, cultures, and experiences of Native American communities, and with specializations in one or more genres: creative nonfiction, fiction, and/or poetry. The successful applicant will join the Creative Writing Program at The University of New Mexico, which offers a robust selection of classes at the undergraduate and graduate level. The assistant professor will have a teaching load and will be expected to mentor undergraduate students and graduate students in the MFA program while continuing to write and publish creative work.

The Department of English Language and Literatures at the University of New Mexico houses nearly 50 faculty members with strengths in Creative Writing; American, British, and Irish Literature; Rhetoric and Composition; Technical and Professional Communication; Medieval Studies; Southwest Studies; and Native American Literature. We have more than 100 graduate students and offer MA, MFA, and PhD degrees in a variety of English fields. We are the proud home of the Blue Mesa Review literary journal and the Rudolfo Anaya, D.H. Lawrence, and Mary Power lecture series.

New Mexico’s flagship institution, The University of New Mexico occupies nearly 800 acres near old Route 66 in the heart of Albuquerque, a metropolitan area of more than 900,000 people. From the magnificent mesas to the west, past the banks of the historic Rio Grande, to the Sandia Mountains to the east, Albuquerque is a blend of culture, cuisine, styles, stories, people, pursuits, and panoramas. As a very high research activity (R1) institution, UNM is ranked nationally as a “Top Public School,” “Best Global University,” and “Best National University” and the highest ranked for each within New Mexico. UNM’s libraries, museums, galleries and performance spaces offer rich cultural resources for the state.

For more about the mission of the university, please see the UNM 2040 Plan:

Founded in 1889, the University of New Mexico sits on the traditional homelands of the Pueblo of Sandia. The original peoples of New Mexico—Pueblo, Navajo, and Apache—since time immemorial, have deep connections to the land and have made significant contributions to the broader community statewide. We honor the land itself and those who remain stewards of this land throughout the generations and also acknowledge our committed relationship to Indigenous peoples.We gratefully recognize our history.

UNM is the premier research university in New Mexico, is a Carnegie Highest Research Activity Institution. Our campus is located in the heart of Albuquerque, which has cultural, outdoor and recreational opportunities for everyone. Learn more about our city, our welcoming campus, and research opportunities at and For more information regarding the College of Arts and Science's ambitious hiring plan, including a list of departments that are hiring faculty members with shared interests, please see this page.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• MFA or PhD in Creative Writing or related field by start date of appointment
• At least one book in creative nonfiction, fiction, or poetry published by a reputable press
• Research, teaching, or creative work that engages with the histories, languages, worldviews, cultures, and experiences of Native American communities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to cultivate an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico and to the success of the university’s mission to serve local and global communities
• Experience teaching creative writing at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels
• Publication record in and/or interest in teaching a secondary genre: creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry (preference will be given to applicants with a book of creative nonfiction)
• Commitment to working with a diverse student body and ability to mentor students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences
• Record of professional, academic, and/or community engagement and commitment to advancing the service mission of the department and university

Application Instructions

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

A complete application consists of the following:

1. Application letter wherein you address how you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications
2. CV
3. Writing sample(s) (up to 30 pages)
4. References (letters of recommendation will be asked of semi-finalists)

Applicants who are appointed to a UNM faculty position are required to provide an official certification of successful completion of all degree requirements prior to their initial employment with UNM.

For Best Consideration

For best consideration, please apply by 11/23/2025. This position will remain open until filled.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.