Artistic Assistant Professor of Film Production - Cinematography, Non-Tenure Track, Fall 2026

Description

General Information

Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts seeks a seasoned cinematographer to join our faculty as an Artistic Assistant Professor of Film Production - Cinematography, Non-Tenure Track, effective Fall 2026.

The ideal candidate will bring professional experience, teaching skill, and a passion for nurturing the next generation of cinematographers.

Chapman University is a nationally ranked institution offering traditional undergraduate and graduate programs in the heart of Orange County, one of Southern California’s most diverse and vibrant regions. The University achieved R2 status in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, a distinction held by just 10 percent of all U.S. universities, and is ranked #110 among Best National Universities by US News and World Report (2026). Our faculty includes academic leaders who excel in research, publishing, and world-class teaching in our 11 schools and colleges, including Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Dedicated to forward-looking, personalized education, we create an environment for unlimited student and faculty achievement. Industry trade publications The Wrap and The Hollywood Reporter rank Dodge College #4 among film schools nationwide. More information about the university and Dodge College is available at https://www.chapman.edu/dodge/index.aspx.

Chapman University is dedicated to forward-looking, personalized education and creating a student-centered experience. We strive to create an environment that fosters unlimited achievement by our students and faculty.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will teach four courses in the fall semester and four in the spring semester, which will include introductory cinematography for freshmen, and intermediate cinematography classes for juniors, seniors, and graduate students, along with mentoring student cinematographers as they work on-set on student film productions.

The successful candidate will also serve as faculty mentor to undergraduate and graduate cinematography and film production students, serve on university and Dodge College committees and other service projects as assigned, and maintain currency in the industry.

Qualifications

Required:

• Significant experience working as a cinematographer in film, television, emerging media or related industries, producing work that has achieved industry recognition
• Broad knowledge of cinematography, visual design, and film industry production practices
• Expertise in areas such as cinematography, digital and film technologies, color, composition, lenses, lighting, exposure, color grading, production design, professional workflows and production management for feature films, television, and other forms of contemporary media.
• An understanding of what it means to teach beyond the technical aspects of cinematography and film production in a way that inspires students artistically, to think critically, to collaborate as team members, and to be visual storytellers.

Desired:

• Previous teaching experience (preferred)
• A master’s degree (preferred)
• Or Significant equivalent professional experience (preferred)
• Experience in Virtual Production (preferred)

Application Instructions

Interested and qualified candidates should submit:

• CV or resume
• Link to portfolio or reel of professional work
• Letters of recommendation will be requested as part of the selection process and need not be submitted with the initial application

Inquiries can be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Joe Slowensky, ftvsearch@chapman.edu. Please use "FT Cinematography Faculty Position" as the email subject line.

Application reviews will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience. Successful completion of a background check is required for the final candidate. Salary range is $100,000-$105,000. Position is contingent on final budget approval.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics.  All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marit