Tenure Track Faculty - Film Production

Apply now Job no: 556422
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: Sacramento
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Tenured/Tenure-Track, Full Time, Faculty - Communications/Journalism

COLLEGE: Arts and Letters

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.

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:

EarnedMFA or equivalent terminal degree in the artsby 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 teach primary film tools, equipment, and processes in a diverse and inclusive environment

Demonstrated record of fundraising for film production projects

Evidence of having directed and exhibited / distributed one or more narrative (fiction) films

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 describing your pedagogical approach especially as it applies to teaching diverse student populations.Specifically, how you balance the technical, aesthetic, and collaborative aspects of film production. Additionally, describe how you translate your artistic practice into your teaching.

Current Curriculum Vitae: Please also include a link to your website if applicable.

• Unofficial transcript demonstrating degree required for position.

Portfolio : Upload a document that includes links to ONE (1) 5-minute video sample reel AND ONE (1) complete short film 10-60 minutes long. Include a brief summation of the contents and your role for each project.

Student Work : Links to three student 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 production is preferred.

Supplemental Materials : Applicants are welcome to submit publications or other evidence of their expertise in film production.

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.

As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code , Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and valued. Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and learning.

To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please visit the Why Sac State? page.

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/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.

Jeanne Clery Campus Safety ActNotification:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at .

The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics ofCleryAct crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request by emailing the Clery Director View email address on click.appcast.io .

Under the Clery Act, this positionmaybe designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position.

Effective May 2023, per theCSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy , it is strongly recommended that all California State University, Sacramento employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.

Out of State Employment

Per CSU-wide policy (HR2021-04), all faculty who will begin initial employment (or return from a 12-month break in service) on or after January 1, 2022 are required to perform their work from within the State of California. Faculty hired prior to January 1, 2022 must be available to perform work in the State of California if their assignment is in-person.

Eligibility Verification

Candidate will be required to provide official transcripts of their highest degree earned and must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S.. California State University, Sacramento is not a sponsoring agent for non-tenure track (temporary/lecturer) faculty for H1-B Visa.

California State University, Sacramento is currently not sponsoring applicants for H-1B employment that are subject to the $100,000 fee established by the “Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers” issued on September 19, 2025. Applicants are responsible for determining the applicability of the fee.

Advertised: March 25, 2026 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Open Until Filled

• Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track 1

Locations

Northern California

Categories

Appointment Type

Bargaining Unit