Creative Writing Instructor

UC San Diego Extension Arts, Humanities, and Languages department offers numerous creative writing and literature courses each quarter. The Professional Certificate in Creative Writing is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to write in a variety of creative writing genres. Students learn core creative writing skills and can choose from a selection of electives in the areas of Fiction, Creative Non-Fiction, Stage & Screenwriting, Children’s Writing, Poetry, and/or The Business of Writing in order to develop more specific skills. Students may enroll in the certificate program or take courses a la carte as a means to explore personal interests, professional growth, or pursue career goals. The syllabus for these classes are already developed. 

Specific Duties

• Use subject-matter expertise to impart knowledge to students
• Stay current regarding the professional body of knowledge in field of practice
• Update syllabus and curriculum as assigned
• Communicate expectations to students
• Deliver course materials online
• Evaluate student learning and assign grades
• Update materials periodically, and regularly monitor course evaluations in order to make adjustments and improvements to the curriculum
• Actively engage with students and respond to their needs and questions within 24-48 hours
• Create a high-performance environment in which students of diverse backgrounds are motivated to succeed
• Apply technology and leverage resources appropriately to enhance the curriculum
• Handle mechanics of position according to deadlines
• Communicate with Program Manager and Instructor Services Team on a timely basis

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required
• Current knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in subject area
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey conceptual and complex ideas and information
• Highly effective interpersonal skills

Note: We use Canvas as our online learning management system.

Special Conditions of Employment

As an academic department within UC San Diego, all Extension Program instructors and courses must be formally approved according to the regulations of the Academic Senate of the University of California. Eligibility to teach a course is contingent upon this formal academic approval. Once approved, teaching assignments are "by agreement". The instructor's Letter of Agreement outlines the deliverables for the course, the course schedule, and compensation terms, and is subject to department policies and procedures. UC San Diego Extension makes no commitment to hire an instructor until it has sent and received a signed instructor Letter of Agreement. Should the course section an instructor plans to teach be cancelled for any reason, the instructor agreement, including rights to compensation for future section meetings, is voided. Remuneration is for classroom hours only and does not include time spent for course preparation or other events.

Application Requirements

Please complete all relevant fields in the application, and optionally include a resume and cover letter to provide further information relating to your professional and teaching backgrounds. Even if you upload a resume, you must answer all of the questions in the application, when applicable. Failure to do so may result in the rejection of your application.

Please note: We receive and review applications for instructors on an ongoing basis. If we do not currently have teaching opportunities available, we may keep your application on file and contact you if an opportunity that matches your specific skills becomes available. UC San Diego Extension operates on a quarterly schedule and course planning typically takes place six weeks to six months in advance of the start of any quarter.

UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values a diverse workforce.