MFA Low Residency Mentors

Chatham University welcomes your interest in employment opportunities and encourages you to review open positions. Please note that Chatham does not accept unsolicited applications.

Chatham University seeks to fill Adjunct Instructor opportunities in their Low-Residency MFA in Creative Writing. Individuals with professional experience and training in the areas of poetry, eco-poetry, fiction, climate or speculative fiction, creative nonfiction and literary journalism are encouraged to apply.

Low-residency mentors work one-on-one with students on the intensive study of creative writing craft. Mentorships focus on helping the student writer develop and refine their understanding of craft elements such as structure, form, plot, setting, voice, imagery, figurative language and sound. Through a series of packet exchanges that take place within Chatham's learning management system, Brightspace, students submit original creative work to the mentor for comprehensive written feedback meant to guide revision. Mentors suggest relevant model texts depending on the interests, skill level, and goals of the student. Mentors may serve as thesis directors or second readers on low-res thesis projects and may be invited to participate in yearly residencies in Pittsburgh as program need dictates.

Chatham University strives to promote a campus environment that understands and embraces multiculturalism while increasing individuals' intercultural competence. We actively work to build and sustain a diverse and culturally vibrant campus, which promotes employee and student success and retention.

Review of applications is ongoing.

Position Summary: Mentor positions will be filled as needed in the Low-residency MFA.

We welcome mentors who bring creativity, enthusiasm and a collaborative approach to their teaching and course development.

Primary Responsibilities:

Teaching 1-3 low-residency mentorship courses per year such as Advanced Creative Writing I and II, Thesis Mentorship and Final Manuscript.

Guiding the student writer in developing and refining their voice, generating and revising creative work appropriate for their thesis and identifying professional goals for their work post-MFA.

Providing comprehensive written and oral feedback on student creative work.

Participating in campus residencies depending on availability and program need.

Required Qualifications:

Completion of a graduate degree in creative writing or English.

Preferred Qualifications:

MFA or PhD in creative writing

Book or journal publications on reputable presses.

College teaching and/or low-res mentoring experience.

Professional and/or lived experiences that advance the university’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Chatham University strives to promote a campus environment that understands and embraces multiculturalism while increasing individuals' intercultural competence. We actively work to build and sustain a diverse and culturally vibrant campus, which promotes employee and student success and retention.

Chatham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Chatham University does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, age, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital or family status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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