DescriptionThe Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Chapman University invites applications for a Writing Center Director and Associate or Full Professor of English, beginning 1 August 2027.
The Department of English offers undergraduate majors that integrate journalism, creative writing, cultural studies, literature, and rhetoric, and MA and MFA degree programs at the graduate level. Tenured faculty members are expected to maintain an active research and publication agenda, and are evaluated on their scholarship, teaching, administration, and service. More information about the Department of English is available at https://www.chapman.edu/wilkinson/english/.
We seek a visionary Writing Center Director to lead and foster a Writing Center of distinction that recognizes the critical cognitive importance of writing in the education of our students.
The successful candidate will hold a tenured faculty appointment in the Department of English and receive a separate administrative appointment as the Writing Center Director. We are especially interested in candidates who have scholarly expertise in writing center studies and candidates committed to the importance of literacy and writing in the age of AI.
Chapman's Writing Center currently serves undergraduate and graduate students through in-person walk-in appointments, a course consultancy program, synchronous Zoom appointments, asynchronous document review, specialized graduate services for longer-term projects, and in-class workshops.
Faculty Responsibilities:- Regularly teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the candidate's areas of expertise
- Maintain a rigorous research and publication program
- Advise and mentor students
- Actively participate in departmental, college, and university service
- Create an inclusive and welcoming learning environment
Writing Center Director Responsibilities:- Lead and expand the Writing Center's reach at Chapman University
- Develop a strategic plan focused on writing and learning in the age of AI
- Oversee Writing Center staff and budget
QualificationsRequired Qualifications:- At least two years' experience as director of a writing center or equivalent
- Earned PhD from an accredited institution in English, Rhetoric and Composition, or related field
- A record of distinguished scholarship, teaching, service, and/or administration commensurate with a tenured appointment at the rank of associate or full professor
Preferred Qualifications:- Publications in the field of writing center scholarship
Application Instructions Qualified candidates are invited to electronically submit
- Letter of application
- Curriculum Vitae
- Names and contact information of three referees
Shortlisted candidate will be asked to submit the following additional materials: three confidential letters of recommendation, writing sample, statement of candidate's vision for the writing center at Chapman University (750 words maximum), student evaluations of teaching.
Direct inquiries to the Search Committee Chair, Professor Ian Barnard ([redacted]) and use "Writing Center Director" as the email subject line.
Application review will begin 30 October 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. The salary range for this position is $110k - $160k. Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience. This position is contingent on final budget approval. Successful completion of a background check is required for the final candidate.
