L.G. Lakes Writer-in-Residence

L.G. Lakes Writer-in-Residence

Location : Northampton, MA

Open Date : Oct 7, 2025

Description :

Smith College invites applications from distinguished writers for the Lucille Geier Lakes Writer in Residence, to begin July 1, 2026.  This is a one-year, half-time, benefits-eligible position that also provides a housing stipend. Public writers with a strong record of publications are eligible to apply; we are especially interested in journalists, essayists, critics, playwrights, and screenwriters. The Lakes Writers-in-Residence enrich the Smith environment, creating a lively writing environment for students and faculty. Teaching responsibilities for this position will include one undergraduate writing course per semesterthe second course may be a workshop, if desiredfor a total of two courses.  In addition, the candidate will give at least one public lecture or reading some time during the residency. Candidates should have a strong foundation in public writing and enthusiasm for teaching undergraduate students to write for the public. Candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

The Lakes residency was established through the generosity of Jane Lakes Harman 66, to honor her mother, Lucille Geier Lakes, a writer who believed in the power of sharp observation and transformative imagination.

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is the largest womens college in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts.  A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. Smith College offers opportunities to foster faculty success at every career stage, such as those listed here. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.  Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges. Opportunities for community with other writers include writing-on-site sessions at both Smith College and the town library, a Creative Writing Salon, a Feminist Writing Community at The Five College Womens Studies Research Center, and participation in Smiths new Journalism Concentration. Details about Writing and Public Discourse at Smith may be found at https : / / www.smith.edu / academics / our-approach-learning / writing-public-discourse.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty.  The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.

Application Instructions :

Submit an application at https : / / apply.interfolio.com / 175413 with a cover letter, curriculum vitae or resume, 10 to 15page writing sample, 1-page statement of candidate's project for the year, and 1-page teaching statement. Finalists may be asked for additional materials. Review of applications will begin on January 30, 2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement :

Smith College is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or veteran status in the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by all applicable laws and regulations. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.