Assistant Professor of Directing for Film and Television

CSU Careers•Long Beach, CA

9d•$6,221 - $13,224

About The Position

The Department of Cinematic Arts at California State University, Long Beach invites applications for a Tenure Track Assistant Professor with professional expertise in narrative directing for film and television. Cinematic Arts is committed to providing every student with the tools and platform necessary to grow in their chosen areas within the cinematic arts. Our program is designed around three pillars: critical and analytical thinking, written and visual storytelling, and production skills. At the heart of our program, we believe in the power of filmmaking and its impact on culture and technology. Through a blend of rigorous academic instruction and hands-on production experience, we aim to develop the visual storytellers of tomorrow—those who will innovate, inspire, and contribute meaningfully to the cinematic arts landscape. The successful candidate will play a central role in strengthening the directing curriculum to reflect the principles stated above. For more about Cinematic Arts at CSULB, see the department website here . Information on the excellent benefits package available to CSULB faculty is located here: CSU Employee Benefits

Requirements

MFA or appropriate terminal degree in directing, film, or related area or significant industry experience
Degree at time of application or official notification of completion of the terminal degree by August 1, 2026.
Significant industry experience as demonstrated by portfolio of work and C.V.
Two years of experience at the college level teaching directing for film or television
Demonstrated knowledge of directing and filmmaking-specific pedagogical approaches
Documented experience directing a variety of professional work including but not limited to narrative feature films and episodic series
Demonstrated potential for sustained growth and success in research, scholarly, and creative activities.
Demonstrated commitment to working successfully with a diverse student population, including low socioeconomic and first-generation students
Candidate with significant industry experience in the area of film or television directing must also have BA/BFA in film or related discipline.
Significant experience shall include: narrative feature films or episodic work with at least one of the following: a) theatrical distribution, or b) streaming on major platform, or c) airing on network, or d) screening at top-tier film festival(s).

Nice To Haves

At least three years of teaching scripted narrative directing at the college level
Demonstrated professional experience as a director of short and feature length films, episodic/serial television, web series, music videos, or TV/internet spots
Demonstrated professional story development and screenwriting experience
Demonstrated experience collaborating with a diverse group of artists
An emerging record of creative professional work that reflects and elevates characters from underrepresented groups
An established record of mentorship, outreach, and/or engagement with young filmmakers (particularly from underrepresented groups)
Experience with inter-departmental or interdisciplinary initiatives
Service experience at the college level
Experience with multiple modes of instruction (in-person, online, hybrid)
Experience successfully working with populations demographically and/or socioeconomically similar to the CSULB student body
Experience mentoring or supporting students using inclusive and culturally relevant teaching strategies in a diverse classroom

Responsibilities

Teach film and directing courses and appropriate to the candidate’s specialty, education, and experience as well as departmental need including, but not limited to, lower-division fundamental classes, Directing I, Directing II, Production Workshop I and II, and Story Development. (Mode of instruction may include in-person, hybrid, online, and/or any combination thereof.)
Collaborate with faculty to develop curriculum and oversee the Directing curriculum
Coordinate production classes to ensure consistent and equitable student experience
Mentor and supervise students in the Directing program
Develop and maintain ongoing research, scholarly, and creative activities
Act as program liaison with industry professionals in the field
Develop and sustain currency in the field of narrative filmmaking as a director
Engage in program-related service activities such as recruitment and evaluation of lecturers, and programmatic review
Coordinate and expand interdisciplinary initiatives and screening events with other departments on campus including study-abroad initiatives
Mentor students and engage in outreach with student organizations and events
Participate in service to the department, college, university, and community