Tenure Track Faculty - Cinema Studies

Job Information

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

Location:

Sacramento

Assistant Professor – Film/Cinema Studies

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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

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.