Writer-In-Residence (Creative Writing)
Location: JSU Main Campus, MS
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: 004338
College/Division: English and Modern Languages
Opening Date: 01/30/2026
Description The Department of English and Modern Languages at Jackson State University seeks to award a fellowship to one outstanding writer-novelist, poet, playwright, screenwriter, or journalist. The aim of the fellowship is to support JSU creative writing students while granting the writer-in-residence opportunities to focus on their craft and projects and expand the audience for their work in a diverse teaching and learning environment. We welcome applications that demonstrate a track record of creative ambition, teaching excellence, public engagement, and collegiality.
Examples of Duties The fellow is expected to teach two classes (one each semester) and participate in the department's extracurricular programming, which they will help to curate during the 2026-27 academic year. The fellow will be given an office and is expected to make the department their primary place of work while they are in residence. The fellowship will run from August 2026 to May 2027.
Typical Qualifications Two plus (2+) years of creative writing teaching experience is preferred. Applicant must have terminal degree in hand at the start of the fellowship (either MFA or PhD in Creative Writing). Applicant must be an accomplished poet, playwright, novelist, fiction/creative nonfiction writer, screenwriter, or journalist. Applicant must demonstrate a track record of creative ambition, teaching excellence, public engagement, and collegiality. Applicant must possess a substantial catalog of published creative work with a national press as well as significant nominations and awards in the field.
Requirements Candidates must submit a cover letter detailing their connection to Mississippi and/or JSU the program as well as the impact the opportunity could have on their work. Candidates are also asked to include their writing genres, website, and social media handles.
Benefits We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees, including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Part-time employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible for the complete benefits package.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page.
Education 01 Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?
High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED) Associate degree Bachelors degree Masters degree Specialist degree Ph.D G.E.D. Juris Doctorate
02 Can you, if hired, provide proof of education?
Yes No
03 Will you now or in the future require sponsorship to work in the United States?
Yes No
Employer Information Jackson State University (MS) Address: 1400 John R. Lynch Street P.O. Box 17028 Jackson, Mississippi, 39217 Phone: (601) 979-2015 Website: https://www.jsums.edu/humanresources/