Assistant Professor, Visual and Performing Arts

Job Description:

The Department of Visual and Performing Arts at Fairfield University seeks a full-time tenure-track faculty position in Film, Television, and Media Arts Production at the rank of Assistant Professor. We are looking for a practicing filmmaker, with a background in directing, writing and/ or producing work in narrative fiction, evidenced by a track record of public exhibition (such as film festivals).

The successful applicant will teach hands-on, introductory courses in filmmaking, short film screenwriting and editing, as well as advanced courses in subjects that may include producing, feature film/ television screenwriting, directing. The ability to engage with Fairfield’s mission of fostering social justice and responsibility is preferred. The teaching load is three undergraduate courses each semester, with an active research/creative agenda and university service required for promotion and tenure. The appointment, pending final budget approval, will have a starting date of September 1, 2027.

Requirements:

Applicants are expected to have completed a terminal degree (MFA, preferred; PhD acceptable with relevant professional experience). Applicants must have demonstrated excellence in undergraduate teaching, with experience in screenwriting instruction emphasized, and evidence of potential for academic career success.

Additional Information:

The Film, Television, and Media Arts (FTMA) program offers a major and a minor and is one of six programs in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts. FTMA students build skills in both critical analysis and hands-on production while acquiring a solid foundation in creating and reflecting on multimedia storytelling forms. Benefiting from the personal attention of a faculty comprised of scholars, artists, and industry professionals, students learn practices and skills at the cutting edge of the field and are mentored to understand the expressive power of media while discovering their own creative voice.

All FTMA courses are based in Fairfield’s newly renovated Media Center, featuring two studios, multiple post-production suites, screening facilities, editing labs and a staffed equipment cage, with industry-standard cinema gear ranging from RED cameras to Arri LED lighting. Just a short train ride away from midtown Manhattan, FTMA has strong links to the media industry in New York City, with many faculty and alumni based there. After graduation, most FTMA students acquire solid, entry-level jobs in a variety of media fields or continue to develop their interest through graduate studies.

Application Instructions:

For full consideration, all materials must be submitted by November 15, 2026.

Please click “Apply Now” and upload the following materials:

• a letter of application that outlines your qualifications for the position, includes a link to a portfolio containing examples of professional work and the names and contact information of three people who can write letters of recommendation

• a curriculum vitae

• statement of teaching philosophy and experience

After passing through an initial screening process, applicants will receive a request for graduate transcript, and recommendation letters. Please email any additional documents and questions to VPAsearch@fairfield.edu.

Category:

Academic - Faculty Tenure/Tenure Track

Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate. 
 

*Disclaimer

The above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.

Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Load a resume or CV first, then upload supporting documents including a cover letter at the bottom of the third page under the "My Experience" section where it says to upload a Resume/CV. You will be able to upload up to 5 other documents in this section. You will be unable to edit your application, so please have all documents available before applying.

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