Northern California HERC

Job Description

This position will teach courses for the English, Philosophy, Spanish, and Humanities Department. These courses range from English writing courses required by the University's Liberal Education Program to courses that support the Bachelor of Arts in English degree with an emphasis in Creative Writing. Other assignments are possible based upon the individual's expertise.

• Courses will be both on-campus and online, and may include composition, creative writing, and literature.

• This position will also mentor concurrent enrollment instructors in the College Now dual credit program.

• The person in this position will be expected to participate in departmental activities (meetings, committee representation, assessment, program evaluation, recruitment) regularly.

• Duties also include student advising, contribution to student growth and development, evaluating student performance, student recruitment to English program, scholarly activity, and service to the University community. SMSU, in its commitment to meeting the service needs of the region, expects faculty to engage in regional service, education or study as part of their community service responsibility.

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicants should have an MFA or PhD in Creative Writing (open genre) and/or Literature, or related area. Must have a completed terminal degree in hand at the time of application.

• Must have college teaching experience with composition and creative writing and/or literature.

• Must have demonstrated excellence in teaching in multiple modalities.

• Demonstrated commitment or proven strategies for fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and demonstrated ability or proven strategies to teach and work with persons from diverse backgrounds are required.

• The successful candidate must be able to travel, work well with various on- and off-campus constituencies, communicate clearly, be organized and attentive to detail, and be a team player.

• Must have a valid US Driver's License.

• Student-centered approach to education and a commitment to helping grow the English program.

Priority will be given to those who apply by 5/8/2026.

This is a fixed term position that will end following the final duty day of spring semester 2027. There is no guaranteed renewal beyond one year.

Required Document to submit for consideration: Transcript, Cover Letter, Resume/CV, and Teaching Philosophy.

Other Considerations: The successful candidate must be authorized to work in the United States by the first day of employment.  The University will not give consideration for H-1B sponsorship.  Employment or Visa sponsorship, other than H-1B status, must be pre-approved by the University prior to offer acceptance.

Telework (Yes/No)

No

About

Southwest Minnesota State University is one of seven universities in the Minnesota State system. SMSU gives highest priority to excellence in teaching and preparing students to be lifelong learners through quality undergraduate teaching/advising and close student/faculty relationships. Its mission, dating back to 1967, provides access to university-level programs in liberal arts & professional studies. The University has a special commitment to the educational needs of the people in its service region reflected through its curricula, cultural programs, diversity of staff and students, cooperative relationships with the public and private sectors, and regional institutions. The 216-acre campus encompasses 24 modern, interconnected, and accessible buildings. Marshall (pop. 13,000) is the hub of a rich agricultural area and offers a variety of cultural, recreational and educational opportunities. The position is an opportunity to be part of a vibrant, dynamic and growing institution that is searching for exceptionally talented people.

Southwest Minnesota State University complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. You can find our Annual Security and Fire Safety Report online at Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (smsu.edu). This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Southwest Minnesota State University. If you prefer a hard copy, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 507-537-7252.

We are committed to responding to the educational needs of our changing communities and to providing opportunities for enhancing knowledge, skills, and values in a supportive learning environment. We recognize and assert the value of inclusion as an ethical imperative and as a necessity for academic rigor, student success, and lifelong learning. Our goal is to strive for inclusive excellence in our commitment to preparing all students and employees for success.

Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota

Southwest Minnesota State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and/or gender in education programs and activities. SMSU maintains compliance with the federal Title IX law, Minnesota statute § 135.A.15 (Campus Sexual Misconduct Policy), and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustee's, 1B.3 Sexual Misconduct policy and 1B.3.1 Response to Sexual Violence and Title IX Sexual Harassment procedure. For a comprehensive review of the aforementioned federal, state, system, and university policies, please go to https://www.smsu.edu/administration/titleix/index.html.

Southwest Minnesota State University is a member of the Minnesota State system and is an equal opportunity educator and employer. SMSU is committed to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. SMSU does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. Women, diverse populations and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States. Requests for reasonable accommodation of a disability during the application and/or interview process should be made to the Affirmative Action Office, 507-537-6208. For TTY communications, contact Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529. This vacancy notice is available in alternative format upon request.

About Southwest Minnesota State University

Southwest Minnesota State University is a four-year public university offering a high quality education in the liberal arts and professions to prepare students for a life that is successful both personally and professionally. SMSU has grown into a university of choice with high national rankings, producing scholars who become the leaders, thinkers, and entrepreneurs of the future. Students and faculty alike come here to engage in the rich "Southwest Experience," which starts with strong academics, fulfilling social opportunities and support from fellow Mustangs.

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