Associate or Full Professor of Interactive Media Film and Media Arts School of Communication
About The Position
American University's School of Communication (SOC) in Washington, D.C., is seeking a full-time faculty member at the associate or full professor rank, specializing in interactive storytelling, worldbuilding, and/or playful design in the public interest. The position may lead to tenure upon hiring. The ideal candidate will possess a terminal degree (MFA or Ph.D.) and is expected to be an outstanding media maker, educator, and curricular strategist with a strong understanding of game design principles. Their interactive media practice should align with public interest domains such as the environment, health, urban planning, education, or social issue storytelling, and interface with fields like science communication, journalism, and non-profits. Familiarity with AI tools in production and their thoughtful integration into teaching is also desired. The role involves teaching, directing graduate and undergraduate game programs, mentoring students, securing partnerships and funding, and participating in university governance. This position offers significant collaboration opportunities within Washington, D.C.'s diverse organizations and across American University's faculty, particularly within the Game & Interactive Media Center.
Requirements
- Terminal degree as appropriate to their focus, such as an MFA or Ph.D.
- Comfortable with many principles of good game design
- Practice in interactive media should connect to one or more domains in the public interest: the environment, health, urban and spatial planning, education, or social issue storytelling
- Should interface with science communication and journalism, museums, nonprofits, etc.
- Some knowledge of where AI tools are useful and how they can be guided
- Ability to engage thoughtfully with students who are both AI resistant and AI enthusiasts
Nice To Haves
- Emphasis on interactive storytelling, worldbuilding, and/or playful design in the public interest
- Potential for tenure at the time of hiring
Responsibilities
- Teaching courses
- Directing undergraduate and graduate game programs
- Mentoring students
- Securing new partnerships and funding for original media projects and high-impact collaborations
- Participating in School of Communication and University governance
Benefits
- Competitive benefits package
- Unique benefit options
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
