Tenure Track Faculty - Cinema Studies

Tenure Track Faculty - Cinema Studies

COLLEGE: Arts and Letters

DEPARTMENT: Communication Studies

POSITION TITLE: Assistant Professor - Film/Cinema
Studies

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

The Film Program at Sacramento State serves a diverse body of
students who have varied interests in the contemporary practice of
filmmaking. We are dedicated to addressing cinema both in the
tradition of a critical liberal arts education and as a
professional pathway. We seek to give students a solid footing in
contemporary film techniques, histories, and theories, pushing
students to explore the social and cultural implications of cinema
language and practice.

Sacramento State is one of the 23 California State University
campuses. Our program is part of Sacramento State's Communication
Studies Department and is housed within the University's College of
Arts and Letters. Our Film Program seeks to prepare our students to
have an impact in a creative environment that requires
collaboration, adaptation, and leadership. We recognize that the
world in which we live, and work is shaped by an ever-increasing
array of visual and auditory information. To prepare them for this
rapidly changing media landscape, we challenge our students to be
critical thinkers and explore their unique voices through creative,
cinematic storytelling.

For more information about our department: https://www.csus.edu/college/arts-letters/communication-studies/

Why Sac State:
https://www.csus.edu/academic-affairs/faculty-advancement/why-sac-state.htm

POSITION DETAILS:

The Film Program at Sacramento State University seeks an Assistant
Professor in Cinema Studies. Scholars whose research focuses on one
or more of the following areas are encouraged to apply: narrative
film history, indigeneity, migration, diaspora, decolonization,
and/or ecology & climate change. The ideal candidate will have
experience teaching cinema studies and have a record of scholarly
research in film theory. Candidates must show evidence of
publication. Candidates must be dedicated to teaching in a
university that serves a highly diverse student body, be committed
to working closely with colleagues in the College of Arts and
Letters and be intent on forging collaborative relationships across
disciplines and in the community. The position would start in the
2026-27 academic year.

JOB DUTIES:

Teach upper and lower division film studies and theory
courses

Develop curriculum for upper and lower division film studies
and theory courses required of all film students

Lead student advising, recruitment, support of part-time
faculty, curriculum development and other related activities aimed
at fostering growth of the Film Program

Pursue excellence in teaching effectiveness; evidenced through
student evaluations, peer evaluations, and meeting program learning
outcomes

Engage in scholarly and creative activities: evidenced through
peer-reviewed or professionally published work

Engage in active service at the Department, College, and
University levels in the form of committee work and peer
support

Engage actively with the local and regional community through
service and scholarship

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Earned PhD, MFA, or equivalent terminal degree in the arts by
August 2025

Evidence of teaching at the secondary, adult, or college
level

Evidence of peer-reviewed or professional publication relevant
to cinema studies

Demonstrated commitment to teaching excellence in a diverse and
inclusive environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Two (2) years teaching or educational experience at the
collegiate level

Evidence of ability to teach film history, aesthetics, media
criticism, and theory in small and large class settings

Experience in screenwriting, creative writing, and/or digital
cinema technologies

Evidence of ability to teach research methods

APPLICANT INSTRUCTIONS:

Review of applications will begin on April 13, 2026. Position is
open until filled. Applications for employment require:

Letter of Interest: One page statement addressing the position
and the institution as it relates to your experience.

Diversity Statement and Teaching Philosophy: One page statement
addressing your teaching pedagogy and how it contributes to
anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Include the need for
a foundational understanding of cinema history and theory for film
production students.

Current Curriculum Vitae: Please include a link to your website
if applicable.

Unofficial Transcript demonstrating degree required for
position.

Publication/Writing Sample: Article, chapter, or professional
writing sample.

Student Work: Links to three student writing samples or films
and a brief description of course objectives and project learning
outcomes for each.

Syllabus Sample: Syllabus you have authored for an upper
division course. This may be a proposed course or one you have
already taught. Film studies course preferred.

Supplemental Materials: Applicants are welcome to submit
additional publications or other evidence of their expertise in
film production or film theory.

References: Three contacts who can speak to your professional
qualifications. Include email and telephone information.

OTHER SPECIFICS ABOUT THE POSITION:

The classification annual salary range for this position is $64,860
- $143,928; the anticipated annual starting salary is
$74,642.

About Sacramento State

Sacramento State is located in the heart of California's capital
city, five miles from State Capitol. The lush, 300-acre campus is
situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails
and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the
"Farm-to-Fork Capital," is one of the most ethnically diverse and
livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a
million. Sacramento State proudly serves as a Hispanic-Serving
Institution (HSI), Asian American and Native American Pacific
Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and is recognized by the
California Legislative Assembly as a Black-Serving Institution. The
university enrolls around 31,000 students from the Greater
Sacramento Region, throughout California, across the nation, and
around the world. Our 1,800 faculty and 1,500 staff are committed
to meeting our mission:

"As California's capital university, we transform lives by
preparing students to lead, serve, and succeed. Sacramento State
will be a welcoming, caring, and inclusive leader in education,
innovation, and engagement." As the regional hub of higher
education, Sacramento State is dedicated to learning and student
success; teaching, research, scholarship and creative activity;
justice, diversity, equity and inclusion; resource development and
sustainability; dedicated community engagement, and wellness and
safety.

As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code,
Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment
where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and
valued. Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus
is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to
celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and
perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and
learning.

To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please
visit the Why Sac State? page.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Sacramento State is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle
of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, national
origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation,
pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status,
veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those
individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the
United States.

It is the policy of Sacramento State to provide reasonable
accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities who are
employees or applicants for employment. If you need a disability
related reasonable accommodation as part of the application and/or
interviewing process, visit
https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/benefits/reasonable-accomodation.html.

The University is committed to creating an education and working
environment free from discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual
violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. For
more information on mandatory training for new employees, visit

https://www.csus.edu/people-climate/human-resources/learning-development/support/csu-learn.html.

Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act Notification:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the current Annual
Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery .

The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy
statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information,
crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and
drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains
statistics of Clery Act crimes for Sacramento State for the last
three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request
by emailing the Clery Director at [email protected].

Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus
Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or
job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery
Compliance as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and
will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.

Background Check Disclaimer

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be
completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a
position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to
satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the
application status of applicants or continued employment of current
California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the
position.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Effective May 2023, per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is
strongly recommended that all California State University,
Sacramento employees who are accessing office and campus facilities
follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California
Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical
condition, and other relevant indications.

Out of State Employment

Per CSU-wide policy (HR2021-04), all faculty who will begin initial
employment (or return from a 12-month break in service) on or after
January 1, 2022 are required to perform their work from within the
State of California. Faculty hired prior to January 1, 2022 must be
available to perform work in the State of California if their
assignment is in-person.

Eligibility Verification

Candidate will be required to provide official transcripts of their
highest degree earned and must furnish proof of eligibility to work
in the U.S.. California State University, Sacramento is not a
sponsoring agent for non-tenure track (temporary/lecturer) faculty
for H1-B Visa.

California State University, Sacramento is currently not sponsoring
applicants for H-1B employment that are subject to the $100,000 fee
established by the "Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry
of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers" issued on September 19, 2025.
Applicants are responsible for determining the applicability of the
fee.

Advertised: March 25, 2026 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time

Applications close: Open Until Filled

To apply, visit: https://careers.csus.edu/en-us/job/556423/tenure-track-faculty-cinema-studies

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