Tenure Track Faculty - Cinema Studies

Opt For Healthy Living; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 64,860 - 143,928; Full time

Job summary

A university in California is seeking an Assistant Professor in Film/Cinema Studies to teach various levels of film studies courses and develop curriculum. The successful candidate will engage in scholarly activities and lead student advising efforts, adapting to a diverse and inclusive educational environment. A PhD or MFA is required by August 2025, alongside a commitment to teaching excellence and contributions to diversity. Competitive salary provided.

Qualifications

• Must have a PhD, MFA or equivalent terminal degree by August 2025.
• Demonstrated commitment to teaching excellence in diverse settings.
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications relevant to cinema studies.

Responsibilities

• Teach film studies and theory courses at various levels.
• Develop curriculum for film studies courses required by students.
• Lead student advising and recruitment efforts.

Skills

Teaching at the secondary, adult, or college level

Commitment to teaching excellence in a diverse environment

Peer-reviewed or professional publication in cinema studies

Education

PhD, MFA, or equivalent terminal degree in the arts

Job description

Job Information

Job no: 556423
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: Sacramento

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.

Our program is part of Sacramento State’s Communication Studies Department and is housed within the College of Arts and Letters. It prepares students for a rapidly changing media landscape, challenging them to be critical thinkers and explore their unique voices through creative, cinematic storytelling.

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 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.

APPLICATION 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 (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.

SALARY

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

EEO STATEMENT

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/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.