Assistant Professor of Instruction

Required Qualifications

MFA or other terminal degree in television production, filmmaking, or related media field with an emphasis on multi-camera and single camera narrative directing OR a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in film or television production and directing.

Desired Qualifications

Professional experience as well as college teaching experience are highly desirable.

On-set production experience or capacity to understand key elements of the television narrative production pipeline.

Expert knowledge of film and television production tools and the ability to train students in the use of these tools.

Expertise with contemporary digital work flows and the ability to advance visual storytelling through the methods and associated technologies of virtual production.

Knowledge of all phases of the phases of the narrative production processes, and ability to teach equitable crew communication throughout all phases of planning and production.

Application

A letter outlining the applicant’s background, qualifications, and vision for the position.

A curriculum vitae.

An Access and Excellence Statement describing actions you have taken to support and advance educational access and exposure to broad perspectives in service, teaching, or research/creative activity. Please be succinct with your response.

Contact information for three references. References will not be contacted without prior consultation with the applicant.

A statement of teaching philosophy.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For best consideration, please apply by May 12, 2025.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to change based on the needs of the School of Film and Television and/or college.

Position Minimum Annual Salary\: $62,000.00

Position Maximum Annual Salary\: $64,000.00

About the College

Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit college for creatives serving nearly 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Columbia College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. Located in downtown Chicago’s South Loop, the College is centered in one of the world's most lively urban cultural areas. Its many competitive advantages include its strong reputation in the creative industries, outstanding faculty and passionate students, impressive technological and physical resources, and a sincere commitment to bringing diverse voices and experiences into proximity with each other to shape new forms of creative practice.

At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program; life and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits. Click here for more information.

We invite you to join our talented faculty and staff and become part of our collective aspiration to ensure Columbia prepares students for success in their creative fields through innovation, engagement and real-world experiences.

Additional Information

Position subject to a background screening.

This is a non-union position.

This position is overtime exempt.

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.

The School of Film and Television at Columbia College Chicago seeks applicants for a full-time teaching-track position in Television and Film Directing beginning August 2025.

Candidates should have professional and preferably academic experience in television and film directing. Experience should include fluency in advanced processes and techniques used in both single camera and multiple camera television directing, as well as the ability to work with media collaborators in other disciplines. The ideal candidate will have experience directing in a variety of environments and genres in studio and on location. Areas of expertise may include short film, television drama or comedy, live television, and / or multicamera formats including sitcom or sketch. Familiarity with virtual production techniques a plus.

We seek candidates who can fundamentally enhance our curriculum by fostering a diverse environment on set and on screen, utilizing production techniques that enhance stories produced by a highly diverse student body.

In addition to expertise in their field, successful candidates must exhibit excellent teaching credentials and be passionate about undergraduate and graduate education. Candidates should have a demonstrated capacity for professional and artistic practice in their areas, teaching experience, and a willingness to help continue the disciplinary and industrial integration of film and television directing.

Students in The School of Film and Television learn the art of storytelling through a combination of technologies to discover the power and joy of expressing their unique visions. Through collaborative teamwork, they refine and apply their practical and interpersonal skills in and outside the classroom to tell impactful stories. These hands-on experiences equip them with the skills needed to excel in the job market and to pursue the career paths of their choosing.

Duties & Responsibilities

Teach at the undergraduate and, as appropriate, at the graduate level in areas assigned by the School Director.

Deliver lesson plans in accordance with the learning objectives set for the course, including practical skills, methods, theories, and techniques.

Supervise, advise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.

Contribute to the development, planning and implementation of a high-quality curriculum.

Provide service to the college, profession, and community.

Actively follow and promote Columbia College Chicago policies.

Columbia College Chicago actively promotes, access to an expansive array of social and cultural theories, practices and perspectives that are vitally important to the successful delivery of a contemporary creative curriculum and the college’s mission to educate students who will author the culture of their times. These principles are essential to the educational experiences of our students, staff, and faculty.

We seek individuals with a demonstrated ability to work with students from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds, and whose creative, scholarly and/or professional work contributes to a rich educational experience consistent with our mission. For more information please visit here.