Film Studies Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tenure Track Faculty - Cinema Studies
Job no: 556423
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: Communication Studies
POSITION TITLE: Assistant Professor - Film/Cinema Studies
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.
For more information about our department: https://www.csus.edu/college/arts-letters/communication-studies/
Why Sac State: https://www.csus.edu/academic-affairs/faculty-advancement/why-sac-state.htm
POSITION DETAILS:
The Film Program at Sacramento State University seeks an Assistant Professor in Cinema Studies. Scholars whose research focuses on one or more of the following areas are encouraged to apply: narrative film history, indigeneity, migration, diaspora, decolonization, and/or ecology & climate change. The ideal candidate will have experience teaching cinema studies and have a record of scholarly research in film theory. Candidates must show evidence of publication. Candidates must be dedicated to teaching in a university that serves a highly diverse student body, be committed to working closely with colleagues in the College of Arts and Letters and be intent on forging collaborative relationships across disciplines and in the community. The position would start in the 2026-27 academic year.
JOB DUTIES:

• 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

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two (2) 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

APPLICANT INSTRUCTIONS:
Review of applications will begin on April 13, 2026. Position is open until filled. Applications for employment require:

1. Letter of Interest: One page statement addressing the position and the institution as it relates to your experience.

1. 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.

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

1. Unofficial Transcript demonstrating degree required for position.
2. Publication/Writing Sample: Article, chapter, or professional writing sample.
3. Student Work: Links to three student writing samples or films and a brief description of course objectives and project learning outcomes for each.
4. Syllabus Sample: Syllabus you have authored for an upper division course. This may be a proposed course or one you have already taught. Film studies course preferred.
5. Supplemental Materials: Applicants are welcome to submit additional publications or other evidence of their expertise in film production or film theory.
6. 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.
About Sacramento State
Sacramento State is located in the heart of California's capital city, five miles from State Capitol. The lush, 300-acre campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the "Farm-to-Fork Capital," is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a million. Sacramento State proudly serves as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and is recognized by the California Legislative Assembly as a Black-Serving Institution. The university enrolls around 31,000 students from the Greater Sacramento Region, throughout California, across the nation, and around the world. Our 1,800 faculty and 1,500 staff are committed to meeting our mission:
"As California's capital university, we transform lives by preparing students to lead, serve, and succeed. Sacramento State will be a welcoming, caring, and inclusive leader in education, innovation, and engagement." As the regional hub of higher education, Sacramento State is dedicated to learning and student success; teaching, research, scholarship and creative activity; justice, diversity, equity and inclusion; resource development and sustainability; dedicated community engagement, and wellness and safety.
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.
It is the policy of Sacramento State to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. If you need a disability related reasonable accommodation as part of the application and/or interviewing process, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/benefits/reasonable-accomodation.html.
The University is committed to creating an education and working environment free from discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. For more information on mandatory training for new employees, visit https://www.csus.edu/people-climate/human-resources/learning-development/support/csu-learn.html.
Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act Notification:
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery .
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 of Clery Act crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request by emailing the Clery Director at clery@csus.edu.
Under the Clery Act, this position may be 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.
Background Check Disclaimer
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.
COVID19 Vaccination Policy
Effective May 2023, per the CSU 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: Mar 25 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
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