Adjunct Faculty - MFA in Creative Writing

About Holy Family University

Holy Family University is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth founded in 1954. The University is a private institution in the Catholic tradition with campus locations in Philadelphia and Newtown PA. The main campus is nestled in the heart of a historic residential neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia that is vibrant and just minutes from the excitement of Center City. The Newtown campus is located in Bucks County surrounded by nature and a step away from parks, farmers’ markets and great dining.

One of the best parts of Holy Family University is our welcoming atmosphere--and that's not by chance. Our mission centers on creating an environment that encourages all members to get to know one another, learn from one another, and experience a range of perspectives and worldviews. Our community is strong because of this.

Position Summary 

Holy Family University's Low-Residency MFA in Creative Writing seeks experienced writers to serve as part-time core faculty. In this role, faculty members guide graduate students through one-on-one mentoring relationships that are central to the program's pedagogy. Core faculty provide rigorous, craft-focused instruction in their area of genre expertise, support the development of each student's sustained writing practice, and contribute to the community and intellectual life of the program at two annual residencies.

The program offers concentrations in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, young adult fiction and nonfiction, literary genre writing (fantasy, science fiction, mystery), and travel and food writing. Mentors are matched with students in their primary genre.

Responsibilities

• Guide one or more students through each mentorship semester via the packet-based distance-learning model


• Review and provide detailed written responses to four packets of original student writing per semester


• Develop individualized study plans in collaboration with each assigned student at the outset of each term


• Assign and discuss critical reading tailored to each student's creative goals and genre of study


• Monitor student progress and provide timely, constructive feedback; communicate proactively with the Program Director regarding student concerns


• Maintain professional communication with students using digital surrogates and university email in accordance with program guidelines

• Attend both annual residency periods (January and Summer), each approximately four days in duration on the Philadelphia campus or via approved virtual format


• Lead workshops, seminars, craft lectures, or panel discussions as assigned by the Program Director


• Hold individual meetings with assigned mentees during residency


• Participate in public readings and other community programming


• Contribute to the overall intellectual and creative culture of the residency experience

• Guide advanced students through the development of a full-length creative thesis manuscript in preparation for publication


• Attend and evaluate thesis and capstone presentations for graduating students

• Participate in faculty orientation and program meetings as requested


• Collaborate with the Program Director and fellow faculty to ensure curricular coherence and program quality


• Maintain awareness of developments in the student's genre and in the broader literary and publishing landscape

Qualifications

• MFA or PhD in Creative Writing, English, or a related field


• Significant publication record in the applicant’s area of genre expertise (books with recognized publishers, major journal publications, or equivalent credentials)


• Prior experience teaching creative writing at the college level or in an MFA program


• Excellent written communication skills and a demonstrated commitment to student development


• Ability to work independently in a remote environment and meet all packet response deadlines


• Availability to attend both annual residency periods

• Experience in a low-residency or online MFA program as faculty or graduate student


• Active engagement with the contemporary literary and publishing community


• Experience mentoring writers from diverse backgrounds and with varied creative goals


• Experience with professionalization aspects of the writing life, including publishing, editorial work, literary citizenship, or social media platform building

Compensation is competitive with peer low-residency MFA programs. This is a part-time, at-will position. Appointments are made on a semester basis and renewed based on program enrollment, faculty performance, and program needs.

Applicants should submit the following materials through our career center to apply directly:

• A cover letter describing your publication history, teaching experience, genre focus, and interest in the Holy Family University MFA


• A current curriculum vitae

Any questions about the program or position can be directed to Dr. Keith Kopka, MFA Program Director at kkopka@holyfamily.edu.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Holy Family University seeks to foster a welcoming and a healthy educational and work environment based on respect, the dignity of each person and the oneness of the human family. Holy Family University is dedicated to ensuring an environment free of discrimination or harassment of any kind, and promotes equal opportunity in its employment and education.

For more details on our commitment to nondiscrimination click HERE