California State University
California State University is hiring: Assistant Professor of Directing for Film
California State University, Long Beach, CA, US, 90899
Position
Assistant Professor of Directing for Film and Television (Tenure Track). Effective Date: August 17, 2026 (Fall Semester).
Salary: The Assistant Professor classification salary is $6,221 to $13,224 per month; anticipated hiring range $6,221 to $8,750 per month. Salary offered commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Application Deadline: Review of applications to begin on January 20, 2026. Position open until filled (or recruitment canceled).
University Overview
California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is a Hispanic Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander‑Serving Institution. CSULB earned the Seal of Excelencia in 2023, underscoring its commitment to Latine/x student success. The university hosts the Black Excellence Collegium, the Latinx Success at the Beach initiative, and the President’s Equity and Change Commission—all dedicated to promoting inclusive excellence. CSULB’s Beach 2030 action plan prioritizes engaging all students, expanding access, promoting intellectual achievement, building community, and cultivating resilience.
Department
College of Arts – Department of Cinematic Arts.
Required Qualifications
MFA or terminal degree in directing, film, or related area (or significant industry experience). The degree must be obtained or officially completed by August 1, 2026. Significant industry experience is demonstrated by portfolio and CV.
Two years of college‑level teaching directing courses for film or television.
Knowledge of directing and filmmaking‑specific pedagogical approaches.
Documented experience directing narrative feature films and/or episodic series.
Potential for sustained growth and success in research, scholarly, and creative activities.
Commitment to working successfully with a diverse student population, including low‑socioeconomic and first‑generation students.
Significant Industry Experience – Candidates with significant industry experience in film or television directing must also hold a BA/BFA in film or a related discipline. Significant experience includes narrative feature films or episodic work with at least one of the following: theatrical distribution, streaming on a major platform, airing on network, or screening at a top‑tier film festival.
Preferred Qualifications
At least three years of teaching scripted narrative directing at the college level.
Professional experience as a director of short and feature‑length films, episodic/serial television, web series, music videos, or TV/internet spots.
Professional story development and screenwriting experience.
Experience collaborating with diverse artists.
Emerging record of creative work that elevates characters from underrepresented groups.
Established record of mentorship, outreach, or engagement with young filmmakers (particularly from underrepresented groups).
Experience with inter‑departmental or interdisciplinary initiatives.
Service experience at the college level.
Experience teaching in multiple modes (in‑person, online, hybrid).
Experience working with populations demographically or socioeconomically similar to the CSULB student body.
Mentoring or supporting students through inclusive and culturally relevant strategies in a diverse classroom.
Duties
Teach film and directing courses as appropriate, including lower‑division fundamentals, Directing I & II, Production Workshop I & II, and Story Development (mode of instruction may include in‑person, hybrid, or online).
Collaborate with faculty to develop curriculum and oversee the Directing curriculum.
Coordinate production classes to ensure consistent and equitable student experience.
Mentor and supervise students in the Directing program.
Develop and maintain ongoing research, scholarly, and creative activities.
Act as program liaison with industry professionals.
Maintain current expertise in narrative filmmaking as a director.
Engage in program‑related service activities such as recruitment, evaluation of lecturers, and programmatic review.
Coordinate and expand interdisciplinary initiatives and screening events with other departments, including study‑abroad initiatives.
Mentor students and participate in outreach with student organizations and events.
Participate in service to the department, college, university, and community.
How to Apply – Required Documentation
Student Success Statement (up to two pages, single‑spaced)
Letter of application addressing required and preferred qualifications (up to two pages, single‑spaced)
Teaching Philosophy Statement (up to two pages, single‑spaced)
CV with list of professional credits; include a link to one sample of professional work (maximum 5 minutes; YouTube or Vimeo preferred)
Name and contact information for three references (to be contacted for confidential letters of recommendation if semi‑finalist)
Semi‑Finalists Only
Samples from two different professional works (maximum 30 pages for written samples or 10 minutes for video samples)
Statement of current and future creative or research plans (maximum 1 page, single‑spaced)
Contact information for references for phone/email contact
Finalists Only
Two syllabi samples
Official transcript from institution awarding highest degree (e‑transcript preferred)
How to Apply
Click the “Apply Now” icon to complete the CSULB online application.
Contact
Cinematic Arts Directing Search Committee
California State University, Long Beach
Department of Cinematic Arts
ATTN: LaTanya Jones, Administrative Support Coordinator
1250 Bellflower Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90840‑7101
(562) 985‑5404 or E‑Mail: latanya.jone@csulb.edu
Employment Requirements
A background check (including criminal records and telephone reference check with most recent employer) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position.
Position holders are mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083.
Hiring employees to perform CSU‑related work outside of California is prohibited effective January 1 , 2022; exceptions are limited.
All employees must comply with environmental health and safety regulations and University policies.
All university program and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. CSULB provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination.
Note on Immigration Sponsorship
CSULB is not sponsoring applicants for H‑1B employment for faculty that are subject to the $100,000 fee established by the Presidential Proclamation. Applicants are responsible for determining the applicability of the fee.
COVID‑19 Vaccine Recommendation
All individuals who access any in‑person program or activity operated or controlled by the University are advised to follow CDC and California Department of Public Health vaccine recommendations applicable to their circumstances.
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