The Digital Media & Design Department in the School of Fine Arts at the University of Connecticut (UConn) invites applications for a one-year Visiting Assistant Professor position for the 2023-24 academic year. The position will have a focus on Narrative Film Production.  Acknowledging a lack of diversity in digital media industries, DMD embraces an inclusive environment and is particularly interested in receiving applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The position has a 3/3 teaching load, comprised of six 3-credit undergraduate studio courses per year. The selected candidate will teach primarily in our BFA digital film/video program, specifically: screenwriting, cinematography (intro and advanced), and narrative short film production, as well as a course in Portfolio and Professional Development for BFA seniors or Design Lab 1, a raster-based digital imaging course required for all first year students. Courses are designed to be experiential in nature, providing students with hands-on experience while learning the elements and principles of filmmaking and creative storytelling. Candidate may also have the opportunity to advise BFA senior thesis projects and/or independent studies.

A successful candidate will share a deep commitment to: effective instruction at the undergraduate level, engaging the richness of diversity in the learning experience, and integrating multicultural experiences into instructional methods. Excellent communication skills and a collaborative predisposition are essential. The candidate is also expected to participate in service activities for the department.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Masters degree in film, digital media, communication, art, or other related fields.
• Demonstrated teaching experience at the university level.
• Demonstrated understanding of narrative film production, cinematography, and screenwriting.
• Proficiency in time based media using Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere, Audition, Photoshop).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Terminal Degree (Ph.D. or M.F.A.) in digital media, film, art, or other appropriate fields.
• Experience teaching cinematography and screenwriting
• Knowledge of teaching professional development courses for career preparation.

About the Department

The Digital Media & Design (DMD) department is a uniquely interdisciplinary academic unit led by faculty from the fine arts, business, STEM, and humanities fields. Established in 2013, this innovative and evolving department currently has 26 full-time faculty members, 350 undergraduate and 18 graduate students (MFA) and offers BFA and BA degrees in the following concentrations: Digital Film/Video Production (BFA), 3D Animation (BFA), Motion Design & Animation (BFA), Game Design (BFA), Web/Interactive Media Design (BFA), Digital Culture (BA), and Digital Media Business Strategies (BA).

All of our concentrations place a strong emphasis on collaboration and experiential learning, best preparing our students for the challenges they may face in their future careers. The department has established strong working partnerships with large and small companies, start-ups, public institutions, and charitable nonprofits, giving students hands-on, real-world opportunities that benefit the creative economy of the state.

The UConn Storrs campus is located in a beautiful area of New England, with a moderate cost of living and proximity to major cultural, recreational, and urban centers of the Northeast. The University community provides residents with a rich diversity of cultural, artistic, athletic, and historic experiences. UConn is ranked as the top public university in New England, and among the top 25 public universities nationwide.

Appointment Terms

This is a full-time, nine-month, non-tenure-track, non-renewable appointment with a start date of August 23, 2023.  The successful candidate’s primary appointment will be at the Storrs campus with the possibility of online instruction. Salary is competitive and based on background, qualifications, and professional experience. Excellent benefits are included in this full-time position.

TO APPLY
To apply please submit the following application materials to digitalmedia@uconn.edu with FILM SEARCH in the subject line.

1. A cover letter specifically addressing your credentials relative to the minimum and preferred qualifications listed above,
2. A curriculum vitae,
3. A digital portfolio/demo reel demonstrating your professional skills in cinematography and screenwriting
4. A digital portfolio of 8-10 finished student work samples/film projects
5. Names and contact information of three professional references.

Evaluation of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, applications should be submitted by July 18, 2023. Interviews will be conducted by Zoom. If you have questions related to the search, please send an inquiry to Heather Elliott-Famularo, Department Head of Digital Media & Design, at heather@uconn.edu, with FILM SEARCH in the subject line. For more information regarding the Department of Digital Media & Design, visit http://dmd.uconn.edu and our film concentration visit https://dmd.uconn.edu/major/concentrations/digital-film-video-production/

Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.