Visiting Assistant Professor of Writing and Composition

Job Summary

The Department of Writing and Communication at Oberlin College invites applications for a full-time, non-continuing faculty position in the College of Arts and Sciences in writing/rhetoric. Appointment to this position will be for a term of 1 year, beginning fall semester of 2026, and will carry the rank of Visiting Assistant Professor.

About

Founded in 1833, Oberlin is a private four-year, selective liberal arts college near Cleveland, Ohio and is also home to an outstanding Conservatory of Music. Together, the two divisions enroll approximately 2900 students. Oberlin College was the first college in the US to make interracial education and co-education central to its mission. The College continues to view a diverse, equitable and inclusive educational environment as valuable to the excellence of its academic program.

Among liberal arts colleges, Oberlin is a national leader in successfully placing graduates into PhD programs.

Oberlin is situated on the outskirts of Cleveland, combining a cozy small-town atmosphere with the cultural amenities of a major city. The Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Cinematheque, Karamu House, several educational institutions, and scores of restaurants, bars, music venues, and theaters add to the cultural and educational opportunities of the region.

Oberlin College's Department of Writing and Communication is a 40-year-old department devoted to teaching undergraduate students the contemporary skills of communicating in a wide range of modes and technologies. It is separate from the institution's Department of English. The Writing and Communication Department's courses emphasize both writing and speaking as tools for inquiry and critical thinking. We encourage students to use a variety of linguistic resources for communication and to develop the ability to navigate a range of rhetorical situations.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will teach a total of five courses in the general area of Composition and Rhetoric, three to four courses in entry-level writing, and one to two courses in a specialized field, such as business writing, digital communications, or argument and persuasion.

Qualifications

Among the qualifications required for appointment is the Ph.D. degree (in hand or ABD). Expertise in Composition and Rhetoric. Experience in a specific area, such as business writing, digital communications, and argument and persuasion also highly desirable. Candidates must demonstrate interest and potential excellence in undergraduate teaching. Successful teaching experience at the college level is desirable.

Oberlin College values diversity, equity and inclusion. The incumbent will bring understanding of or experience working with underrepresented and diverse academic populations. Oberlin is interested in candidates who can contribute to the excellence of the academic community through their research, teaching, and service. Oberlin recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran's status, and/or other protected status as required by applicable law.

Quick Link for Posting (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Compensation

Within the range established for this position, salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes an excellent benefits package.

Special Instructions to Applicants

All application materials must be submitted electronically through Oberlin College and Conservatory's online application process at  A complete application will be comprised of

1) a Cover Letter describing your teaching, scholarship, mentorship, and service, detailing any connections to supporting an inclusive learning environment;

2) a Curriculum Vitae;

3) an unofficial graduate transcript;

4) a statement (or statements) on your teaching philosophy and expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion;

5) a sample syllabus of a 100-level writing course taught by the candidate;

6) Letters of Reference from three recommenders.
* All application materials must be submitted electronically through Oberlin College and Conservatory's online application process

at: /

* By providing three letters of reference, you agree that we may contact your letter writers.

Review of applications will begin on January 30, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Completed applications received by the January 30, 2026 deadline will be guaranteed full consideration.

Questions about the position can be addressed to Jan Cooper, Chair of Writing and Communication, at jcooper, or .