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Documentary Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NCSU

Assistant Professor

Raleigh, NC · On-site

The department of thirty professors has about two hundred fifty majors in three undergraduate ... They will work on various public history projects including documentaries, digital humanities, and ...

Wisconsin

Anyone with documentary evidence relative to the application, or available workers, wages and/or ... Assistant/ Associate/ Professor (CHS or CT Track) Notice of Filing Job Category: Academic Staff ...

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Documentary Professor information

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$42.5K

$80.1K

$135K

How much do documentary professor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for documentary 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 does a documentary professor do?

A Documentary Professor is an educator who specializes in teaching the theory and practice of documentary filmmaking. They guide students through the process of researching, planning, shooting, and editing documentaries, often combining academic study with hands-on experience. In addition to teaching, they may conduct their own research, mentor students, and help organize screenings or festivals. Documentary Professors typically work at colleges, universities, or specialized film schools.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a documentary professor?

To thrive as a Documentary Professor, you need a solid background in film studies or media production, often supported by an advanced degree (such as an MFA or PhD) and professional documentary experience. Familiarity with editing software (like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro), camera equipment, and curriculum development tools is typically required. Strong communication, mentorship, and critical thinking skills enable effective teaching and student engagement. These competencies ensure that students receive high-quality instruction and practical guidance in both the creative and analytical aspects of documentary filmmaking.

What are some common challenges faced by documentary professors in guiding students through their documentary projects?

Documentary Professors often encounter challenges such as helping students balance creative vision with practical limitations like budget, equipment, and time constraints. Additionally, guiding diverse groups with varying experience levels requires tailoring mentorship to each student's needs while ensuring collaborative learning. Navigating ethical considerations and teaching students how to handle sensitive subjects responsibly is another key responsibility. Overall, fostering both technical and storytelling skills in an academic setting demands adaptability and clear communication.

What is the difference between Documentary Professor vs Documentary Filmmaker?

AspectDocumentary ProfessorDocumentary Filmmaker
CredentialsTypically requires a master's or doctoral degree in film, media studies, or related fieldsOften has a background in film production, media, or related areas; formal education varies
Work EnvironmentAcademic settings, universities, collegesFilm sets, production companies, independent projects
Industry UsageUsed in education, research, and academiaUsed in media production, broadcasting, and independent filmmaking

While both roles involve a deep understanding of documentary film, a Documentary Professor primarily teaches and researches in academic settings, whereas a Documentary Filmmaker focuses on creating and producing documentary content. The roles overlap in knowledge of film techniques and industry standards but differ in their primary objectives and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Documentary Professor jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Documentary Professor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,057 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Film and Media Studies

Stanford, CA • On-site

Stanford Energy
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Stanford Energyexternal

$115K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 hours ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses related to African or Afro-diasporic film and media cultures.

  • Engage in innovative research in moving-image arts, including film, video, media installations, and environments, with a focus on African or Afro-diasporic contexts.

  • Advise and mentor students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, including PhD students.

Stanford University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

212th of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Assistant Professor of Film and Media Studies

Apply now Work type: University Tenure Line
Location: Stanford University
Categories: School of Humanities & Sciences

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. 

Candidates should apply through Stanford Faculty Positions and submit

  • a cover letter

  • curriculum vitae 

  • a research and teaching statement (no more than three single-spaced pages)

A writing sample and letters of recommendation will be solicited at a later stage. 

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.

Advertised: 09 Jul 2026 9:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: 30 Sep 2026 11:55 PM Pacific Daylight Time

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