1

Documentary Film Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$50K - $61K/yr

Assistant Professor of Spanish and Hispanic Studies Salary commensurate with education and ... Film and Documentary Studies, among others. * Candidates must have an earned Ph.D. in Spanish or a ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Documentary Film Professor information

See salary details

$42.5K

$80.1K

$135K

How much do documentary film professor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for documentary film professor in the United States is $80,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a documentary film professor?

A Documentary Film Professor teaches students about the theory, history, and production of documentary films. They design and lead courses covering topics such as storytelling, cinematography, editing, and ethics in nonfiction filmmaking. Professors often have industry experience and guide students in creating their own documentary projects. They may also conduct research, publish work on documentary film studies, and participate in film festivals or academic conferences.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a documentary film professor?

To thrive as a Documentary Film Professor, you need advanced expertise in documentary filmmaking, film theory, and a related graduate degree, usually a Master’s of Fine Arts (MFA) or PhD in Film Studies. Proficiency with industry-standard film editing software (such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or Avid Media Composer), cinematography equipment, and knowledge of current documentary production workflows is essential. Strong communication, mentorship, and organizational skills enable effective teaching, collaboration, and guidance of students' creative projects. These competencies are vital for successfully educating emerging filmmakers and ensuring students are prepared for real-world documentary production challenges.

What types of projects or collaborations are documentary film professors typically involved in outside of classroom teaching?

Documentary Film Professors often participate in a variety of projects beyond teaching, such as producing their own documentary films, engaging in community-based documentary initiatives, or advising student film festivals and competitions. They may also collaborate with industry professionals, cultural organizations, or research teams on grant-funded documentary projects. In addition, many professors mentor students on independent film projects, supervise graduate theses, and serve on academic committees. These activities not only enrich the learning environment but also help professors stay connected to current industry trends and practices.

More about Documentary Film Professor jobs

What cities are hiring for Documentary Film Professor jobs?

Cities with the most Documentary Film Professor job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Documentary Film Professor jobs?

The most popular types of Documentary Film Professor jobs are:

What states have the most Documentary Film Professor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Documentary Film Professor jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Documentary Film Professor jobs?

For Documentary Film Professor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Documentary Film Professor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,057 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Film and Media Studies

Palo Alto, CA β€’ On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

Other

Posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses related to film and media studies, with a focus on African or Afro-diasporic film/media cultures.

  • Engage in innovative research in African or Afro-diasporic film and media, attracting PhD students and developing a research program.

  • Advise and mentor students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in their academic and research pursuits.


Job description

Stanford University, Department of Art & Art History Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Film and Media Studies SCHOLAR OF AFRICAN/AFRO-DIASPORIC FILM AND MEDIA

The Program in Film and Media Studies in the Department of Art & Art History at Stanford University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor. We are seeking a scholar engaged in innovative research and teaching of moving-image arts (fiction and or documentary film, video, media installations and environments) who specializes in African or Afro-diasporic film/media cultures. Strong training in film history and theory is expected. We welcome applicants who study the intersection of cinema and other media, as well as those who incorporate creative media production into their scholarly practice. The successful candidate will develop a range of introductory level and topical courses for undergraduates, as well as graduate seminars related to their specific research interests.

Housed in a department with programs in art history, art practice, and documentary filmmaking, Stanford’s Program in Film and Media Studies has a dynamic and interdisciplinary vision of the field. We have a robust undergraduate program as well as a roster of PhD students specializing in film and media studies. The ideal applicant will bring to Stanford a program of current and future research in African or Afro-diasporic film and media, and attract PhD students of the highest caliber. The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. at the time of appointment and will be expected to teach and advise students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The position will be at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin in Fall 2027.

The salary range for this position is $115,133 – $135,388.

Stanford University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the qualifications of the selected candidate, budget availability, and internal equity.

Inquiries may be directed to Inge Klaps, Assistant Director of Finance and Operations, Department of Art & Art History at iklaps@stanford.edu.

The application process will close on September 30, 2026.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact disability.access@stanford.edu.

#J-18808-Ljbffr