The Helen Zell Writers’ Program in the Department of English at the University of Michigan invites applications for a visiting Lecturer III appointment in poetry with a start date of August 25, 2027. This is a non-tenure track position with a university-year appointment (i.e., runs August 25 through May 24 each year). The appointment term is three years, with the potential for renewal for an additional two years.
A typical full-time (100% effort) load for a Lecturer III in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts is three (3) courses per semester, or the equivalent in administrative and/or service duties.
Job Responsibilities
The Lecturer will be expected to teach one graduate craft class each year in poetry along with undergraduate courses as determined by the Undergraduate Director. In addition to teaching responsibilities, as an LEO Lecturer III, this Lecturer will be assigned administrative and/or service duties to meet the needs of the English Language and Literature Department. The Lecturer will also be expected to invite and host visiting writers in the English Department. Finally, and in accordance with the intent of our donor, Ms. Helen Herzog Zell, the Lecturer will be expected to continue working toward completion of a new book during this appointment.
Qualifications
Candidates must hold an MFA in Creative Writing and have experience in the college-level teaching of poetry. Applicants should be emerging writers (one book of poetry recently published or under contract; candidates may also have a second book under contract) who have achieved distinction in their writing and excellence in their teaching. We are particularly interested in writers with a proven interest in bringing to their teaching, mentoring, and writing critical perspectives reflecting the experiences of groups who have been historically underrepresented or marginalized in higher education.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit the following to Interfolio by September 14, 2026 https://apply.interfolio.com/189205
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Teaching Philosophy and experience, not to exceed 2 pages
- Summary of teaching record
- Student evaluations
- Two (2) sample syllabi
- Two (2) writing assignment prompts
- Evidence of teaching excellence
- A statement of current/ future writing plans
- A short writing sample (10-20 pages)
- Three (3) confidential letters of reference
In their cover letter or teaching statement applicants are encouraged to address their ability to work effectively with a student body that is diverse across a variety of measures.
Questions or concerns may be directed to English.Recruitment.Coordinator@umich.edu
Additional Information
Further information about the Department of English Language and Literature can be found on our website at lsa.umich.edu/English
Mission Statement:
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
Union Affiliation:
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Background Screening:
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity employer.
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities."
