Assistant Professor, Visual and Performing Arts

Fairfield University; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairfield University’s Department of Visual and Performing Arts invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor in Film, Television, and Media Arts Production. We seek a practicing filmmaker with work in narrative fiction and a record of public exhibitions.

The successful candidate will teach hands-on, introductory courses in filmmaking, screenwriting and editing, as well as advanced courses in producing, feature film/television screenwriting, and directing, with a strong

Qualifications

• Terminal degree required; MFA preferred, PhD acceptable with relevant experience.
• Experience teaching undergraduate screenwriting emphasized; potential for academic career growth.

Responsibilities

• Teach hands-on, introductory courses in filmmaking, short film screenwriting and editing.
• Teach advanced courses in producing, feature film/television screenwriting and directing.
• Engage with Fairfield's mission of social justice and responsibility.
• Maintain an active research/creative agenda and contribute to university service for tenure.

Skills

Filmmaking

Directing

Screenwriting

Producing

Education

Terminal degree (MFA preferred; PhD acceptable)

Job description

Job Description: The Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Fairfield University seeks a full-time tenure-track faculty position in Film, Television, and Media Arts Production at the rank of Assistant Professor.

We are looking for a practicing filmmaker, with a background in directing, writing and/ or producing work in narrative fiction, evidenced by a track record of public exhibition (such as film festivals).

The successful applicant will teach hands-on, introductory courses in filmmaking, short film screenwriting and editing, as well as advanced courses in subjects that may include producing, feature film/ television screenwriting, directing.

The ability to engage with Fairfield’s mission of fostering social justice and responsibility is preferred.

The teaching load is three undergraduate courses each semester, with an active research/creative agenda and university service required for promotion and tenure.

The appointment, pending final budget approval, will have a starting date of September 1, 2027.

Requirements

• Applicants are expected to have completed a terminal degree (MFA, preferred; PhD acceptable with relevant professional experience).
• Applicants must have demonstrated excellence in undergraduate teaching, with experience in screenwriting instruction emphasized, and evidence of potential for academic career success.

Additional Information

The Film, Television, and Media Arts (FTMA) program offers a major and a minor and is one of six programs in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.

FTMA students build skills in both critical analysis and hands-on production while acquiring a solid foundation in creating and reflecting on multimedia storytelling forms.

Benefiting from the personal attention of a faculty comprised of scholars, artists, and industry professionals, students learn practices and skills at the cutting edge of the field and are mentored to understand the expressive power of media while discovering their own creative voice.

All FTMA courses are based in Fairfield’s newly renovated Media Center, featuring two studios, multiple post-production suites, screening facilities, editing labs and a staffed equipment cage, with industry-standard cinema gear ranging from RED cameras to Arri LED lighting.

Just a short train ride away from midtown Manhattan, FTMA has strong links to the media industry in New York City, with many faculty and alumni based there.

After graduation, most FTMA students acquire solid, entry-level jobs in a variety of media fields or continue to develop their interest through graduate studies.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check. Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Founded in 1942, Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. With campuses located in Fairfield, CT Bridgeport, CT, and Austin, TX, we strive to create a workforce that is rich in skill, knowledge, and pride in our work. Members of the Fairfield University community exhibit mutual respect, compassion, and inclusivity, aspiring to be a welcoming environment representative of an ever-changing and diverse global populace. As our University rises in national prominence, we are committed to fostering a healthy workplace and lifestyle for our employees. At Fairfield, the future is filled with opportunities as limitless as your potential, and they all begin with you.