Assistant or Associate Professor of the Practice in Journalism at Wesleyan University – United States

Summary

Wesleyan University seeks an Assistant or Associate Professor of the Practice in Journalism to lead the Shapiro Center for Creative Writing and Criticism's journalism program. The role involves coordinating the program, teaching introductory and elective courses, advising the student newspaper, expanding internship opportunities, and organizing events. Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree, have at least five years of professional journalism experience with a strong record in investigative or long‑form narrative reporting, and possess teaching experience at the undergraduate or graduate level. The position is full‑time, on‑campus, with a salary of $74,000–$79,000 for assistant level and higher for associate level, and includes employee benefits and professional development opportunities. Applications are due by December 15, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Shapiro Center for Creative Writing and Criticism
Position Type	Full-time, on-campus
Discipline	Journalism
Degree Required	Bachelor's degree
Experience	At least five years as a regular contributor to a newspaper or magazine with national or international distribution
Salary	$74,000–$79,000 per year
Funding	Salary
Deadline	2026-12-15
Required Documents	Cover letter, Curriculum vitae (CV), Three published writing samples or clips, Statement of teaching philosophy, Email addresses for three references
Employer Contact	Catherine Morse, [email protected]

About the Project

The position focuses on developing and delivering journalism education, including introductory reporting, narrative journalism, and specialized electives such as investigative journalism, profile writing, reporting and disability, and journalism and human rights. The faculty member will also expand professional opportunities through internships and industry partnerships, enhancing the Center’s impact on student learning and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and develop the journalism program at the Shapiro Center
• Teach introductory courses “Introduction to Journalism” and “Reporting for Narrative”
• Design and teach two elective courses on specialized journalism topics
• Serve as faculty advisor to the student newspaper, The Argus
• Collaborate with university leadership to expand the summer internship programme
• Build relationships with media organizations in Connecticut and New York for internships
• Help place students in diverse media environments
• Organize events featuring writers and editors
• Support students’ development of reporting, writing, research and narrative journalism skills
• Teach two courses per semester
• Eligibility for sabbatical after ten semesters of teaching

Required Skills

• Investigative reporting
• Long‑form narrative journalism
• Teaching experience at undergraduate or graduate level
• Program coordination and curriculum development
• Building relationships with media organizations

Who Should Apply

Experienced journalists with a strong record in investigative or long‑form narrative reporting, at least five years of professional experience, and prior teaching experience at the undergraduate or graduate level who are interested in coordinating a university journalism program and mentoring student writers.

Benefits

• Group insurance plans
• Wellness programmes
• Paid time off
• Retirement plans
• Flexible work arrangements
• Tuition programmes for employees and dependents

About the Employer

Wesleyan University, a private liberal arts institution in Middletown, Connecticut, offers employee benefits and professional development opportunities, including insurance, wellness, retirement, flexible work arrangements, and tuition assistance for staff and their families.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

December 15, 2026.

What documents must be submitted?

A cover letter, curriculum vitae (CV), three published writing samples or clips, a statement of teaching philosophy, and email addresses for three references.

What is the salary range for the Assistant Professor of the Practice?

$74,000–$79,000 per year.

Who should be contacted for application questions?

Catherine Morse at [email protected].