Assistant Teaching Professor of Film Studies

University of Colorado•Denver, CO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Film & Television in the University of Colorado Denver’s College of Arts & Media seeks a full-time Assistant Teaching Professor specializing in Film History, Film Theory, and Film Criticism. The role is intended for an educator and film scholar or creative professional who can connect critical academic discourse with contemporary industry perspectives and use industry relationships to support students’ academic and professional development. The position requires an onsite campus presence for teaching, student mentoring, and departmental engagement. The position workload is 80% teaching, 10% scholarly/research activity, and 10% service. The teaching assignment is three classes per semester (9 credit hours), totaling six classes and 18 credit hours per academic year. Courses include introductory and intermediate undergraduate instruction in film history, theory, and criticism, as well as specialized upper-division seminars. The professor will also help integrate critical studies coursework into the BFA production curriculum and develop opportunities for students to connect with industry professionals. The appointee will maintain an active scholarly, research, and/or creative practice and participate in departmental, college, and university service. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for events, screenings, or industry guest programs. The salary range is $62,000–$67,000. The position is not eligible for overtime compensation or visa sponsorship. The university offers leave, health plans, and retirement contributions; benefit eligibility is subject to the applicable eligibility matrix.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in film studies, cinema/media studies, or a closely related field.
Professional distinction and recognized expertise demonstrated by a substantial body of published work, such as three significant published pieces or one book; examples include film criticism, essays, cultural journalism, public-facing scholarship, or other significant writing on film, media, or related subjects.
At least one year of successful university-level teaching experience.
At least two years of experience in mid-level, production, or editorial industry roles.
Deep understanding of foundational and contemporary film theory, world film history, global movements, and critical frameworks.
Strong understanding of current media industry trends and distribution landscapes.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Effective pedagogical techniques for engaging BFA production students in critical analysis.
Strong networking and organizational abilities to build external industry partnerships.
Ability to clearly articulate complex theoretical and historical concepts.
Ability to mentor and advise undergraduate students on academic and career trajectories.
Ability to work collaboratively within a cohort-based program structure.
Ability to meet the onsite work requirement for teaching, student mentoring, and departmental engagement.
Ability to sit for extended periods; stand and walk occasionally; reach with hands and arms; use a keyboard and mouse; and perform computer work requiring good near vision. Minimal lifting is often required, with possible bending or reaching to retrieve items from shelves or drawers.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. or terminal degree in film studies, cinema/media studies, or a related discipline.
Three years of successful university-level teaching experience, with demonstrated teaching excellence, pedagogical development, and curriculum contribution.
Experience integrating critical theory and historical perspectives into a production-focused BFA curriculum.
Experience providing academic guidance, mentoring, tutoring, or instructional support to students in an educational setting.
Substantial professional accomplishment and recognized expertise demonstrated through extensive industry experience.
Experience in senior, lead, or leadership industry roles with demonstrated field impact.

Responsibilities

Teach three classes per semester (9 credit hours), for six classes and 18 credit hours per academic year.
Teach introductory and intermediate undergraduate courses in Film History, Film Theory, and Film Criticism.
Develop and deliver upper-division seminars in areas such as critical studies, genre analysis, auteur studies, contemporary global cinema, or industry practices.
Guide the growth and integration of critical studies coursework within the BFA production curriculum, in coordination with departmental priorities.
Expand student connections with industry professionals through initiatives such as a curated extracurricular speaker series, community outreach, and other engagement events.
Maintain an active scholarly, research, and/or creative practice in film studies, critical writing, or media history.
Participate in departmental, college, and university service, including student advising, curriculum review, committee work, and service to the college, community, and profession.
Mentor and advise undergraduate students on academic and career trajectories.
Attend and contribute to departmental events, screenings, or industry guest events when required, including occasional evenings or weekends.