Program Producer and Production Faculty

Program Producer and Production Faculty

Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts (VCUarts)
Cinema Program

This full-time, 12-month position is at the rank of Assistant Professor, is non-tenure-eligible, and begins early 2022.

Application Deadline: For best consideration, applications are due December 3, 2021.

The Opportunity:

The VCUarts Cinema Program seeks a dynamic, accomplished film production professional who is inspired and prepared to share their accumulated knowledge with our eager, talented, and ambitious students.

VCUarts Cinema is a three-year and eight-week undergraduate film program that matches film theory with filmmaking practice to best prepare students to work in the industry immediately upon graduating. Students create narrative films in a collaborative environment using professional equipment while preparing for employment in the professional movie-making industry. Applicants must demonstrate potential to teach courses in producing and other areas relevant to the Cinema Program curriculum and support student progress towards earning the Bachelor of Arts in Cinema.

Each summer, VCUarts Cinema students create university funded short form films using professional quality equipment. Working in teams, students are mentored by full time and adjunct faculty with professional film production experience. In the fall and spring semester, additional short form films are created in concert with required and elective film classes.

Major Responsibilities:

In support of the Program’s student centered educational and creative endeavors, the Program Producer and Production Faculty will have the following responsibilities:

Instructional duties comprise development and teaching of undergraduate courses including producing and, if qualified, other areas relevant to the cinema program including, cinematography, lighting, G&E, editing, post production, screenwriting, directing, or other offerings in the faculty member’s area of expertise. Course assignments will change based on demand and will be at the discretion of the Program Director.

The faculty member is expected to mentor students; integrate innovative pedagogical and technological approaches and multicultural perspectives into instructional methods; and foster collaborative teaching partnerships across the Cinema Program and VCUarts. In support of the Program’s strong commitment to inclusion, diversity, and accessibility, the faculty member is expected to foster a welcoming and equitable learning environment for all students.

The faculty member will oversee all student productions including planning locations, casting, budgeting, scheduling and workflow between departments to ensure projects are completed in a timely fashion. Other duties include: work with a range of university offices to manage location and equipment rental contracts, actor and casting agent contracts, insurance, logistics and accommodations for visiting actors and crews, and permits, when required; be available occasionally on weekends, early mornings and evenings for student shoots, production meetings, and recruitment events; with Program Director, faculty and staff, create and enact a procedure for vetting student production plans according to departmental guidelines; guide students in best production practices, according to regional industry standards (Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC); and plan equipment purchases, rentals, and repair.

Creative research is not an expectation for this 12-month, non-tenure eligible position. It is expected that the faculty member will demonstrate excellence through teaching and will maintain a body of knowledge within the faculty member’s area(s) of specialization. The Cinema Program will support the faculty member’s professional development, as appropriate and within available resources, to ensure ongoing mastery of the discipline as it relates to the program curriculum. Professional development activities will be consistent with and support the mission and initiatives of the Program, school and university.

As a member of a community-oriented, tight-knit department and School, the faculty member will provide service such as being a part of student recruitment events and serving on Program/School/University committees. In addition, the faculty member is expected to retain membership in professional associations and provide professional service. Other responsibilities may be assigned by the Program Director.

Required Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree
· Experience producing narrative or documentary films, commercials, or music videos and/or established track record of professional production experience
· Ability to teach hands-on production style courses in at least one of the following areas: producing, cinematography, lighting, editing, post production, visual effects, screenwriting, or directing to a diverse student population that includes numerous first-generation students and veterans
· Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU
· Must have strong collaboration skills, and demonstrate enthusiasm toward teaching and working with faculty, staff and students within the university; and to building and maintaining professional relationships outside of the university on the program’s behalf
· Knowledge of current industry tools related to areas of specialty in production craft
· Must possess strong set of written, verbal and digital skills as well as problem-solving capabilities. Equally important, the faculty member must also possesses the confidence, flexibility and leadership skills to guide teams of students.
· Ability to prioritize, take ownership and drive projects from beginning to end, working with multiple groups effectively and on multiple projects concurrently
· Ability to attend to details and meet deadlines

Preferred Qualifications:

· MA/MFA in Film, Television, Media Arts, Mass Communication or a related discipline or equivalent industry experience
· Demonstrated track record of professional producing - Production Management, Assistant Directing and/or Line Producer experience that includes managing production schedules, budgeting, and post-production schedules for film and television
· Experience in film and television workflows and industry procedures including location set ups/permissions, insurance procedures, set protocol, safety, actors and trade union requirements and procedures
· Experience working with students as an educator
· Familiarity with Banner, Discoverer, eVA, Travel Request System, and University policy and procedures

Application Instructions:

Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to organizational diversity, equity and inclusion – an environment where all can thrive in their pursuit of excellence. VCUarts strongly encourages applications from all racial, ethnic, gender, and social identities.

Applicants are requested to submit a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (typically between 150-300 words) providing your career aspirations and contributions toward promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through this statement, you can share how your lived experiences, and academic and professional activities will impact your contribution to VCU’s mission of promoting equity and inclusion.

Note: Examples include working with others to further the goals of equity and inclusion; leading in any capacity that tangibly promotes an environment where diversity is welcomed, fostered, and celebrated; creative activity, research and scholarship that promotes equity and parity; teaching and mentoring students, and/or engaging with faculty and/or staff from traditionally underrepresented groups to create a positive and successful organizational experience. For additional guidance on writing a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: https://provost.vcu.edu/faculty/prospective/.

In addition, the following documents should be submitted:
· A Letter of Interest
· Curriculum vitae or resume
· List of three professional references including names with titles and contact information (references will not be checked prior to candidate’s approval).

Only electronic applications submitted via the VCU Jobs Website will be accepted. For best consideration, completed applications are due by Friday, December 3, 2021. Questions about the application process should be directed to Tasia Robinson, HR Administrator at thompsontl5@vcu.edu.

VCUarts:

Ranked by US News & World Report as a top-five arts and design school, VCUarts (arts.vcu.edu) includes over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students with nationally recognized programs in design, visual and performing arts, and has an annual budget of $38 million and an endowment of more than $13.5 million. Students are taught by over 175 full-time teaching and research faculty members and the school is supported by over 50 staff members that assist in daily processes. The School includes two campuses; one in Richmond and one in Doha, Qatar. The Richmond campus is located on the university’s 75-acre Monroe Park campus situated in the city’s historic Fan District. Ultimately, the work of the School of the Arts extends globally with partnerships throughout the world and across fields as diverse as the humanities, health care and business.

Position Type: Teaching & Research Faculty
Full time equivalent: 100%
Tenure: Ineligible
Rank: Assistant Professor
Months: 12
Department: School of the Arts - Cinema Program

Salary: Commensurate with relevant professional experience and credentials.