Senior Screenwriting Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The CWU Film program is accepting applications to fill current and future full-time, part-time, quarterly and annual appointment lecturer positions to teach courses in pre- and post-production, cinema studies, and cinematography. The program prides itself in the scholarly study of film as well as the production and technical aspects of the moving image and writing for storytelling on the screen.
Applicants should be able to teach a broad range of courses in Film production with expertise in one or more of the following areas: Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Documentary Media, or Screenwriting; and the capacity to teach Film History and Film Studies courses as needed. Teaching experience using a variety of modalities is preferred.
Candidates should have a commitment to excellence in undergraduate scholarship/creative activities.
The program is a distinctive, undergraduate program leading to a BA in Film; and minors in Production, Cinema Studies, or Screenwriting. Our current faculty consists of six professors with 110 undergraduate majors. Admission to all Film major is selective.
Who we are:
We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.
Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~8,300 students.
Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for seven out of eight years, CWU was a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.
Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.
Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A
Minimum Qualifications

• MA in Film, or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications

• MFA or PhD in Film, or related fields.
• Evidence of successful college-level teaching.
• Commitment to working with student from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Don't meet every single requirement? At CWU, we're committed to creating a welcoming and genuine workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. This could be the opportunity you're looking for!
Pay & Work Schedule
Pay: Based on the terms and conditions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement .
The minimum remuneration for the non-tenure-track titles for the 2025-2026 academic year will be as follows:
(a) Lecturer: $1,224 per workload unit for faculty with terminal degrees; $979 per workload unit for faculty without terminal degrees.
(b) Senior Lecturer: $1,346 per workload unit for faculty with terminal degrees; $1,075 per workload unit for faculty without terminal degrees.
Effective September 1, 2026,
The minimum remuneration for the non-tenure-track titles for the 2026-2027 academic year will be as follows:
(a) Lecturer: $1,248 per workload unit for faculty with terminal degrees; $999 per workload unit for faculty without terminal degrees.
(b) Senior Lecturer: $1,373 per workload unit for faculty with terminal degrees; $1,097 per workload unit for faculty without terminal degrees.
Applicable Centers/Sites: Ellensburg (main campus)
Additional Information: This announcement will be used to develop a pool of applicants for positions through March 2027. There is a possibility that selected applicants may be called on short notice to fill lecturer vacancies on a quarter-by-quarter basis.
Screening of applications begins immediately and will continue as needed. The number of lecturer positions filled varies from quarter to quarter, depending upon the needs of the department. Positions typically start at the beginning of an academic quarter. Your application will be maintained in this pool for consideration through March 2027.
NOTE: Sponsorship is not available for this position at this time.
How To Apply
To be considered for full-time, part-time, and annual appointment lecturer positions, applicants must complete the on-line application and attach:

• A cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae/Resume
• Contact information for three professional references; and
• Unofficial transcripts for the highest degree held

NOTE: Although copies of transcripts are acceptable for application purposes, all job offers are contingent upon verification of highest degree held. Finalists will be required to submit official transcripts.
Contact Information
Direct Inquiries to:
Christina Barrigan, Department Chair
Email: Christina.Barrigan@cwu.edu
Phone: (509) 963-1273
Department Link: FILM
Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.
Conditions of Employment
Background Check/Reference Check Process:
Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.
The conditions of employment with Central Washington University are set forth in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Central Washington University and United Faculty of Central, University policies and procedures, and applicable state and federal laws.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement may be found here: CWU Faculty Relations.
Notice to Prospective Employees:
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement
Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. Central Washington University's policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited. The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process. Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies. Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance , 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone 509-963-2050; or email crc@cwu.edu.
Reasonable Accommodations
Central Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at HR@cwu.edu or call 509-963-1202. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the Central Washington University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (i.e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, available online here or call CWU Police and Parking Services at 509-963-2959 for a paper copy.