Assistant Professor of Practice in Documentary Expression

University of Mississippi • University, MS

55d • Onsite

About The Position

The Southern Documentary Project (southdocs.org) is seeking an Assistant Professor of Practice in Documentary Expression with a focus on documenting African American experiences. The ideal candidate will be a critical storyteller whose creative work centers on Black American and African Diasporic cultures, histories, and identities, employing informed practices and ethics. We encourage applicants who value lived experiences and models of co-creation in their media practice, with a demonstrated understanding of the Black media canon. SouthDocs, an institute of the Center for the Study of Southern Culture, aims to tell stories from the U.S. South, enhance civic and cultural engagement, and train future storytellers in the Center's academic programs. This permanent, nine-month, non-tenure track academic position involves a 2+2 teaching load, with opportunities for advancement and promotion. The role requires active contribution to the Center's mission through original and collaborative work, in addition to teaching and mentoring students.

Requirements

• Master of Fine Arts degree related to visual or audio storytelling, documentary studies, or other relevant fields.
• Teaching or instructional experience in lens-based media, audio production, documentary studies, or multimedia storytelling.
• Ability to work as a team member responsible for multiple duties in collaborative projects.
• Specific interest in documenting African American experiences.
• Creative work centers on Black American and African Diasporic cultures, histories, and identities through a lens of informed practices and ethics.
• Honors lived experiences and models of co-creation in their media practice.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Black media canon.

Responsibilities

• 2+2 teaching load with advising responsibilities
• Work directly with students in the classroom and in the field.
• Create original documentary projects (individually and collaboratively) utilizing photography, audio, oral history, video, or mixed media.
• Ensure accountability for and ethical representation of people and places you choose to document.
• Design and present technical and theory-based workshops or classes and provide constructive feedback related to documentary storytelling and related media.
• Engage community partners and build long-term relationships through impact-driven storytelling and programs.
• Lead and inspire conversations on campus and in the community with your work through exhibitions, panel discussions, film screenings, etc.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level