Teaching Assistant Professor of Screenwriting

The Film and Media Studies Program at the University of Pittsburgh invites applications for an Assistant Teaching Professor position outside the tenure stream in Screenwriting, pending budgetary approval. The initial contract will be a two-year appointment that begins in Fall 2025. Note that Fall Term classes start on or after August 25, 2025. The teaching load is six 3-credit courses per year. This is a renewable contract with the opportunity for promotion in the appointment stream. We especially welcome applications from candidates of underrepresented groups whose backgrounds, experiences, and approaches contribute to our aims for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Film and Media Studies Program has an expanding and successful film and media production major that has grown out of the program's longstanding critical studies major. Over the past five years, the program has seen an over 100% increase in majors and course enrollments. The program's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion stresses new voices and new experiences for students and faculty who come from underrepresented backgrounds in film and media production. We have strong teaching, mentoring, and filmmaking collaborations with high schools in underserved areas of the city and strong partnerships with a burgeoning local film industry. Our production major offers hands-on professional training in the context of a broad liberal arts education.

We seek candidates who can contribute to the scriptwriting side of our program. Our new colleague will teach a variety of introductory and intermediate screenwriting courses and also other production courses depending on their experience and background. Candidates will demonstrate a commitment to teaching that integrates hands-on instruction in film and media practice with critical approaches to film and media that emphasize theoretical, historical, and aesthetic perspectives. An ability to teach screenwriting emphasizing the intersection of technical production skills, storytelling skills, and the history and theory of moving image media is especially welcome. In addition to teaching, the successful candidate will help develop the program's curriculum in screenwriting and film and media production.

Minimum requirements:

* BA/BFA degree in screenwriting, film and media production, or a related field

or

* A BA/BFA in another field

and

* Demonstrable experience writing for television or feature films

Preferred requirements in addition to the above:
* MFA in screenwriting or film and media production, or an MFA or Ph.D. in a related field
* At least 1-year teaching introductory or intermediate screenwriting in a post-secondary setting

Apply by uploading a letter of application, a current CV, a diversity statement, evidence of teaching effectiveness if applicable (e.g., student surveys, peer and supervisor reviews, syllabi, and sample lesson plans), links to creative work, and a list of three recommenders we can contact for letters. Candidates who make it to the second round of consideration will be asked to submit a 10-minute video recording of a teaching demonstration. The diversity statement should address your contributions to diversity through creative work, teaching, service, and/or community engagement. Applicants should share how their past, planned, or potential contributions or experiences relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion will advance the University of Pittsburgh's commitment to inclusive excellence.

Review of dossiers will begin on October 31, 2024, and continue until the position is filled.

For additional information about the position, contact David Pettersen, Director of the Film and Media Studies Program, at pettersen@pitt.edu.

• diversity statement: The diversity statement should address your contributions to diversity through creative work, teaching, service, and/or community engagement.
• links to creative work
• a list of three recommenders we can contact for letters.
• Candidates who make it to the second round of consideration will be asked to submit a 10-minute video recording of a teaching demonstration.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.