Documentary Film Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Augsburg University offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and 11 graduate degrees to approximately 3,400 students of diverse backgrounds. The trademark of an Augsburg education is its emphasis on direct, personal experience. Guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, Augsburg educates students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders.

Among the distinctive features of the university are its deep dedication to civic and community engagement, robust undergraduate research programs, and a strong belief in the integration of liberal arts and professional studies across all programs. The University's commitments to our urban context and the world beyond it are enhanced through the work of four signature centers: the Christensen Center for Vocation, the Center for Global Education and Experience, the Sabo Center for Democracy and Citizenship, and the Strommen Center for Meaningful Work. 

Augsburg's Statement of Commitment to Equity
We believe that education is the key to healthy, meaningful and productive lives for individuals, as well as to the vibrancy of our democracy. Augsburg University is dedicated to achieving an educational experience free from the barriers of poverty, racism, and discrimination so that students can fully realize their unique gifts. Recognizing that higher education's democratic promise is compromised by systemic and systematic barriers to college access and completion, Augsburg is called to stand for equity in everything we do to fulfill our academic mission, serve our students and engage our fellow citizens.

About the Program

The film program, part of the narrative arts in the Schwartz School of the Arts, is located in the Foss Lobeck Miles Center. We have two studios, an ADR booth, a screening room, 16mm edit lab, computer lab, and  a variety of media equipment to support our programs.  Classes throughout the department incorporate active learning and student activities or projects. Faculty get to know students well, with class sizes typically capped at 25 students, or 16 in production-based courses.  Students from majors across campus take introductory film courses as part of their major or to fulfill the university's general education requirements. Our courses are designed to engage a diverse student audience through meaningful examples and applications, make use of modern technology, and provide ample support for student success.

Augsburg's Schwartz School of the Arts is a place of creative exchange where students learn artistic responsibility and cultivate individual agency. At the Schwartz School we recognize that creative work flourishes best in an environment balancing independence, vulnerability, and joy. The school advocates self-discipline in practice, candor in collaboration, rigor in questioning, and exuberance in play, toward the goal of "a life changed through the arts.

The film program, located within the Schwartz School of the Arts at Augsburg University, invites applications for adjunct faculty positions to teach undergraduate courses in 2026. 

This search will establish a "pool" of instructors if such openings occur during Spring, Summer, or Fall of 2026. Applicants may be selected from this pool on an as-needed basis throughout the year. 

Course topics may include: film foundations, film production, editing with Adobe, cinematography, studio production, new media, animation, documentary, producing, film studies, as well as other courses within the narrative arts majors. 

The successful candidate will possess both a high level of intercultural competency and a commitment to inclusive practice and authentic representation. We value collaborations with media professionals, as they provide resources and opportunities for student learning and professional development. Candidates are encouraged to highlight skills and experiences that demonstrate these abilities and experiences.

Available courses vary by term. Most classes are held during the day, 2-3 days per week. In addition to teaching the class and grading student work, instructors are expected to respond to student questions through email, hold regularly scheduled office hours, reach out to students with course progress information, and communicate regularly with the course coordinator. A course syllabus with calendar, textbook and homework selection, sample activities and exams, and shared office space are typically provided. Most classes are taught in-person on our Minneapolis campus. Each course requires approximately 12-15 hours/week for 15-16 weeks. 

The successful candidate will possess both a high level of intercultural competency and a commitment to inclusive practice and authentic representation.

Compensation & Benefits

• Subject to the collective bargaining agreement with SEIU, Local 284
• $5,800 to $6,175 per undergraduate course* for the 2025-26 academic year
• Eligible for 2-4% retirement contribution match
• Tuition discount for employees and dependents
• Transit pass discount
• Not eligible for healthcare benefits

*Course refers to a typical 4-credit undergraduate course that has met minimum enrollment requirements.

Please note that due to employment law and payroll regulations, we can only employ adjunct faculty who reside in Minnesota or Wisconsin. This restriction applies even to courses taught online.

Candidates should be committed to student engagement and student success with a diverse group of learners.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD or MFA in Film, New Media or related field.
• Teaching experience at the undergraduate level.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and significant professional experience; or PhD or MFA in Film, New Media or related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional experience required.  Professional activity may be corporate, artistic and/or scholarly.

For full consideration, candidates must submit the following information at the time of application: 

• Cover letter 
• Curriculum vita or Resume 
• Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts 

Your cover letter should 

• Highlight your experience or interest in teaching at the university level 
• Identify your general availability during the day and/or evenings; and 
• Indicate whether you are interested in in-person or synchronous online teaching (or either). 

Professional references may be requested at a later date.

Among the distinctive features of the University are its deep dedication to civic and community engagement, robust undergraduate research programs, and a strong belief in the integration of liberal arts and professional studies across all programs. The University's commitment to the local neighborhood and the world is enhanced through the work of four signature centers: the Christensen Center for Vocation, the Center for Global Education, the Sabo Center for Citizenship and Learning, and the Strommen Center for Meaningful Work. Augsburg's commitment to diversity is reflected in the student body: for the past four years, students of color comprised nearly 40 percent of the incoming first-year class. With approximately 1,000 students living on campus, Augsburg engages students in a wide range of co-curricular activities, including NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics. At both undergraduate and graduate levels, students actively engage in international travel and intercultural experiences that broaden their view of the world and deepen their engagement in it. Augsburg's main campus is located in the vibrant Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis, one of the most diverse areas in the Twin Cities. The University of Minnesota West Bank campus and one of the city's largest medical complexes are adjacent to Augsburg; the Mississippi River and the Seven Corners Theatre district are just a few blocks away. In addition to its Minneapolis campus, Augsburg has a vibrant branch campus in Rochester, the fastest growing city in Minnesota and headquarters of the Mayo Health System. In addition to these locations, Augsburg owns and operates international sites in Mexico, Guatemala, and Namibia. Augsburg is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color or any other protected class. Successful candidates will have demonstrated abilities working in an academic community committed to intentional diversity. Candidates are thus encouraged to highlight skills and experiences that demonstrate intercultural competence. 

Augsburg University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or public assistance status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at phone number: 612-330-1058 or email: [email protected].
 

Augsburg University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or public assistance status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at phone number: 612-330-1058 or email: [email protected].