COLLEGE: Arts and Letters

DEPARTMENT: Communication Studies

POSITION TITLE: Assistant Professor - Film Production

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.

For more information about our department: https://www.csus.edu/college/arts-letters/communication-studies/

Why Sac State: https://www.csus.edu/academic-affairs/faculty-advancement/why-sac-state.htm

POSITION DETAILS:

The Film Program at Sacramento State seeks a tenure track Assistant Professor who specializes in contemporary approaches to narrative filmmaking, with an emphasis on short film storytelling. The position would start in the 2026-27 academic year.

JOB DUTIES:

• Teach upper and lower division film production, screenwriting, and directing courses 

• Develop curriculum for upper and lower division courses centered on short film practices 

• Lead student advising, recruitment, support part-time faculty, curriculum development, and other related activities aimed at fostering growth of the Film Program  

• Pursue excellence in teaching effectiveness as evidenced through student evaluations, peer evaluations, and meeting program learning outcomes 

• Engage in scholarly and creative activities as evidenced through peer-reviewed exhibition/distribution of film work, development of film projects, and scholarly research appropriate to the discipline 

• 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 MFA or equivalent terminal degree in the arts by August 2025  

• Evidence of teaching, mentoring, or training experience in academic or professional settings 

• Evidence of creative practice in contemporary narrative, hybrid, or documentary short filmmaking  

• Experience with the narrative filmmaking process 

• Evidence of filmmaking practice, exhibition, and distribution of work  

• Demonstrated commitment to teaching excellence in a diverse and inclusive environment  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Three (3) years teaching or educational experience at the collegiate level or professional setting 

• Experience as a contemporary storyteller using digital cinema technologies and contemporary distribution strategies 

• Three (3) years of experience working with digital filmmaking equipment and software, screenwriting techniques, and directing narrative production  

• Evidence of ability to tea