What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Professor of Mass Communication (Film Production) position at Sam Houston State University?
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Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.
SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package, competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.
Position Information
This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.
Position Title
Assistant Professor of Mass Communication (Film Production)
Requisition
202500028F
Rank
Assistant Professor
FLSA status
Exempt
Hiring Salary
Salary commensurate with experience and education.
Position Category
Position Type
Full-Time Tenure Track
College
College of Arts & Media
Department
Dept of Mass Communication
Open Date
03/27/2025
Quicklink
https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/42746
Refer Applicants To
Contact Name
Elisa Herrmann, MFA, EdD
Title
Associate Professor of Mass Communication
1804 Avenue J
Box 2207
Huntsville, TX 77341-2207
1804 Avenue J
Box 2207
Huntsville, TX 77341-2207
Contact Phone
(936) 294-1352
Contact Email
exh041@shsu.edu
Position Details
Duties Performed in the Usual Course of the Job
The Department of Mass Communication at Sam Houston State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Film and Emerging Media Production, beginning in Fall 2025. We seek an innovative moving image artist who specializes in narrative filmmaking and/or other hybrid forms of experimental filmmaking, non-fiction filmmaking, social documentary filmmaking, and emerging media. Teaching responsibilities will include three classes per semester, which may encompass both undergraduate and graduate courses. The ideal candidate will take on significant mentorship roles, such as advising on graduate thesis projects and independent study projects.
Key responsibilities include:
An active creative practice (demonstrated by peer-reviewed exhibitions and screenings of works). Teach a 3/3 course load in the following areas: narrative film production, documentary storytelling, video for emerging and social media, studio production, single camera production, directing for film, and nonfiction filmmaking. Student mentorship, including advising graduate thesis and independent study projects. Curriculum development at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Participation in departmental and university service while upholding their engagement in the field. Participation in helping build a creative community (mentoring and advising student organizations, helping organize student film festivals, advising with student-run media channels)
Key responsibilities include:
An active creative practice (demonstrated by peer-reviewed exhibitions and screenings of works). Teach a 3/3 course load in the following areas: narrative film production, documentary storytelling, video for emerging and social media, studio production, single camera production, directing for film, and nonfiction filmmaking. Student mentorship, including advising graduate thesis and independent study projects. Curriculum development at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Participation in departmental and university service while upholding their engagement in the field. Participation in helping build a creative community (mentoring and advising student organizations, helping organize student film festivals, advising with student-run media channels)
Educational Requirements for the Position
M.F.A. in Film Production or a closely related field, or a Ph.D. in a related field (ABD candidates must have a degree in hand by the time of appointment.)
Experience Required for the Position
Extensive experience in film/video image capture/manipulation – related to creative activities and accomplishments. Extensive experience in digital media workflows
Other Requirements for the Position
Preferred Qualifications: Prior experience in narrative filmmaking. Prior experience teaching in higher education, both in-person and online. Proven excellence in teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels
The deadline to submit applications is April 6th, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.
To ensure full consideration, applications must be submitted online and include a cover letter detailing the applicant’s qualifications, relevant experience, and interest in the position, a current CV, statement of teaching, statement of research and goals and contact information for three references addressed to Dr. Elisa Herrmann (exh041@shsu.edu).
About the Department of Mass Communication:
The Department of Mass Communication at Sam Houston State University serves more than 500 students studying journalism, broadcast production, public relations, advertising, and film. Located in the Dan Rather Communications Building, it is home to 90.5 The Kat, Channel 7, Bearkat Student Media, The Houstonian, and the annual Heatwave Media and Film Festival. The department blends research-focused and practice-oriented faculty of various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
Special Instructions Summary
Please note: References provided in the References section of the application will receive an automated email reference request at the time the application is submitted.
Open Until Filled
Yes
EEO Statement
EEO Statement
Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity or expression. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code § 51.215.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
