Title: Director of Composition, Assistant Professor

Application Review Date: Dec. 15, 2025

Campus Location: Radford City - Main Campus

Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor employment visas at this time.

Job Description

The School of Writing, Language, and Literature in the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences at Radford University invites applications for a tenure-track position as the Director of Composition at the assistant professor level. Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition or a related field required. Experience in writing program administration and writing tutor training preferred. Candidate must have a strong commitment to both undergraduate and graduate education. Position responsibilities include: 1) teaching undergraduate and graduate composition courses; 2) developing strong collaborative relationships with the Graduate Teaching Fellows Mentoring Program and the Harvey Center for Learning and Writing; 3) engaging in a productive and independent line of research; 4) participating in SWLL, college, and university service activities; 5) other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

1) Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition or a related field; 2) knowledge of best practices in writing program administration, including digital writing and the influence of technologies; 3) evidence of effective teaching. Candidates should have completed the doctoral degree by the August 10th, 2026 start date.

Preferred Qualifications:

1) a Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition; 2) Writing center experience and/or experience in writing tutor training.; 3) experience or interest in Writing in the Disciplines and/or Writing Across the Curriculum; 4) experience in program-level leadership, including collaboration with and across divisions, programs, and systems.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Interested candidates should submit the following:
• A Cover Letter describing their training, teaching, and research interests
• Curriculum vitae
• Evaluations of teaching for all courses taught in the past three years
• Evidence for potential for independent scholarship, e.g., Examples of manuscripts or publications
• Names and contact information for three references; Letters of recommendation will be requested for semifinalists.
• Copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts; Official transcripts will be required upon hire.

Employment Conditions: The School of Writing, Language, and Literature is housed within the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences (CHBS), which is the largest college at Radford University and home to liberal arts instruction on campus. CHBS and English are housed in a 145,000 square foot modern instructional and research facility. Centrally located on the main quad of the campus, it is the largest academic building at the university and houses an array of specialized teaching and research facilities.

Radford University is a comprehensive public university of over 7,800 students that has received national recognition for many of its undergraduate and graduate academic programs, as well as its sustainability initiatives. Radford University serves the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation through a wide range of academic, cultural, human service and research programs. Well known for its strong faculty/student bonds, innovative use of technology in the learning environment and vibrant student life on a beautiful 211-acre American classical campus, Radford University offers students many opportunities to get involved and succeed in and out of the classroom. The University offers 75 bachelor's degree programs in 47 disciplines and six certificates at the undergraduate level; 27 master's programs in 23 disciplines and five doctoral programs at the graduate level; and 21 post-baccalaureate certificates and one post-master's certificate. A Division I member of the NCAA and Big South Conference, Radford University competes in 16 men's and women's varsity athletics. With over 200 clubs and organizations, Radford University offers many opportunities for student engagement, leadership development and community service. In addition to robust academic offerings and engaging student experiences on the main campus located in Radford, Virginia, Radford University also offers a clinical-based educational experience for more than 1,000 students living and learning in Roanoke, Virginia as part of Radford University Carilion, a public-private partnership focused on the cutting-edge delivery of health sciences programming, outreach and service.

The city of Radford, Virginia is located in the heart of the New River Valley in southwest Virginia. The region is a haven for music lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Just a short drive from Blacksburg and Roanoke, the region boasts a vibrant art scene and local food culture as well as many community-university partnership opportunities. Radford is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from both Charlottesville, VA and Charlotte, NC.

Is this position Grant Funded: No

Is this position restricted: No

Is this position eligible for telework: No

Hours Per Week: 

Months per Year: 9

Statement of Economic Interest Required: No

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Classification: Teaching & Research Faculty

Normal Work Schedule: 

Employee Classification: Assistant Professor

Department: Writing, Lang and Lit, School of

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Department Contact Name: Paige Horst, Andrea Lilly

Department Contact Phone: 540-831-5614

Department Contact Email: schoolofwll@RADFORD.EDU

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Radford University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at Radford.edu/police. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the Radford University Police Department located at 810 East Main Street PO Box 6883, Radford, VA, 24142.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process please contact the hiring department.

Criminal Background Check Statement

Radford University is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees, students, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of our hiring and screening process, we conduct criminal background checks in compliance with Virginia Code § 19.2-389 and other applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal background check.