Tenure Track Faculty - Cinema Studies

California State University-Sacramento; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 64,860 - 143,928; Full time

Job summary

A California university is seeking an Assistant Professor in Film/Cinema Studies to teach various film courses and develop curriculums. The ideal candidate should possess a terminal degree, teaching experience, and be dedicated to academic excellence in a diverse environment. This role involves engaging in scholarly research, community service, and collaborating across disciplines. The position starts in the 2026-27 academic year with an anticipated salary of $74,642.

Qualifications

• Earned PhD, MFA, or equivalent terminal degree by August 2025.
• Evidence of teaching experience required.
• Commitment to teaching excellence in a diverse environment.

Responsibilities

• Teach film studies and theory courses.
• Develop curriculum for film studies courses.
• Engage in scholarly and creative activities.
• Advise students and support faculty.
• Contribute to community through service and scholarship.

Skills

Teaching at the secondary or collegiate level

Scholarly research in film theory

Commitment to diverse and inclusive education

Education

PhD, MFA, or equivalent terminal degree in the arts

Job description

DEPARTMENT: Communication Studies

POSITION TITLE: Assistant Professor - Film/Cinema Studies

Department Summary

The Film Program at Sacramento State serves a diverse body of students who have varied interests in the contemporary practice of filmmaking. We are dedicated to addressing cinema both in the tradition of a critical liberal arts education and as a professional pathway. We seek to give students a solid footing in contemporary film techniques, histories, and theories, pushing students to explore the social and cultural implications of cinema language and practice.

Sacramento State is one of the 23 California State University campuses. Our program is part of Sacramento State’s Communication Studies Department and is housed within the University’s College of Arts and Letters. Our Film Program seeks to prepare our students to have an impact in a creative environment that requires collaboration, adaptation, and leadership. We recognize that the world in which we live, and work is shaped by an ever‑increasing array of visual and auditory information. To prepare them for this rapidly changing media landscape, we challenge our students to be critical thinkers and explore their unique voices through creative, cinematic storytelling.

College

Arts and Letters

Position Details

The Film Program at Sacramento State University seeks an Assistant Professor in Cinema Studies. Scholars whose research focuses on one or more of the following areas are encouraged to apply: narrative film history, indigeneity, migration, diaspora, decolonization, and/or ecology & climate change. The ideal candidate will have experience teaching cinema studies and have a record of scholarly research in film theory. Candidates must show evidence of publication. Candidates must be dedicated to teaching in a university that serves a highly diverse student body, be committed to working closely with colleagues in the College of Arts and Letters and be intent on forging collaborative relationships across disciplines and in the community. The position would start in the 2026‑27 academic year.

Job Duties

• Teach upper and lower division film studies and theory courses
• Develop curriculum for upper and lower division film studies and theory courses required of all film students
• Lead student advising, recruitment, support of part‑time faculty, curriculum development and other related activities aimed at fostering growth of the Film Program
• Pursue excellence in teaching effectiveness; evidenced through student evaluations, peer evaluations, and meeting program learning outcomes
• Engage in scholarly and creative activities: evidenced through peer‑reviewed or professionally published work
• Engage in active service at the Department, College, and University levels in the form of committee work and peer support
• Engage actively with the local and regional community through service and scholarship

Required Qualifications

• Earned PhD, MFA, or equivalent terminal degree in the arts by August 2025
• Evidence of teaching at the secondary, adult, or college level
• Evidence of peer‑reviewed or professional publication relevant to cinema studies
• Demonstrated commitment to teaching excellence in a diverse and inclusive environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years teaching or educational experience at the collegiate level
• Evidence of ability to teach film history, aesthetics, media criticism, and theory in small and large class settings
• Experience in screenwriting, creative writing, and/or digital cinema technologies
• Evidence of ability to teach research methods

Applicant Instructions

Review of applications will begin on April 13, 2026. Position is open until filled. Applications for employment require:

• Letter of Interest: One page statement addressing the position and the institution as it relates to your experience.
• Diversity Statement and Teaching Philosophy: One page statement addressing your teaching pedagogy and how it contributes to anti‑racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Include the need for a foundational understanding of cinema history and theory for film production students.
• Current Curriculum Vitae: Please include a link to your website if applicable.
• Unofficial Transcript demonstrating degree required for position.
• Publication/Writing Sample: Article, chapter, or professional writing sample.
• Student Work: Links to three student writing samples or films and a brief description of course objectives and project learning outcomes for each.
• Syllabus Sample: Syllabus you have authored for an upper division course. This may be a proposed course or one you have already taught. Film studies course preferred.
• Supplemental Materials: Applicants are welcome to submit additional publications or other evidence of their expertise in film production or film theory.
• References: Three contacts who can speak to your professional qualifications. Include email and telephone information.

Other Specifics About The Position

The classification annual salary range for this position is $64,860 - $143,928; the anticipated annual starting salary is $74,642.

About Sacramento State

Sacramento State is located in the heart of California’s capital city, five miles from the State Capitol. The lush, 300‑acre campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as “Farm‑to‑Fork Capital,” is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of about half a million.

Sacramento State proudly serves as a Hispanic‑Serving Institution (HSI), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander‑Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and is recognized by the California Legislative Assembly as a Black‑Serving Institution.

The university enrolls around 31,000 students from the Greater Sacramento Region, throughout California, across the nation, and around the world. Our 1,800 faculty and 1,500 staff are committed to meeting our mission: “As California’s capital university, we transform lives by preparing students to lead, serve, and succeed. Sacramento State will be a welcoming, caring, and inclusive leader in education, innovation, and engagement.”

As the regional hub of higher education, Sacramento State is dedicated to learning and student success; teaching, research, scholarship and creative activity; justice, diversity, equity and inclusion; resource development and sustainability; dedicated community engagement, and wellness and safety.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Sacramento State is an affirmative action / equal opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States. It is the policy of Sacramento State to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. If you need a disability‑related reasonable accommodation as part of the application and\/or interviewing process, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/benefits/reasonable-accomodation.html. The university is committed to creating an education and work environment free from discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. For more information on mandatory training for new employees, visit https://www.csus.edu/people-climate/human-resources/learning-development/support/csu-learn.html.