Cinematic Arts Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of film and media, the focus on Cinematic Arts professors has never been more critical.
As visual storytelling evolves, the demand for knowledgeable minds who can educate, inspire, and guide the next generation of filmmakers amplifies.
Let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Cinematic Arts professor?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the essence of this role,
- A hiring manager sculpting the perfect candidate profile,
- Or simply captivated by the intricacies of cinematic education,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Cinematic Arts professor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or academic career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Cinematic Arts Professor Duties and Responsibilities
A Cinematic Arts Professor educates students in the field of film and cinema.
They have a deep understanding of film theory, history, and production methods.
The role is a balance of teaching, research, and administrative tasks, and may also involve mentoring students, and producing independent research or creative projects.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Teaching courses in the field of film and cinema, which may include film history, cinematography, editing, screenplay writing, directing, and digital media production
- Developing course curriculum and syllabi that are in line with the departmental guidelines
- Conducting research to advance knowledge in the field of cinematic arts
- Attending academic and faculty meetings and serving on committees
- Mentoring students and providing guidance on academic matters, career prospects, and research projects
- Assessing student coursework and providing feedback
- Maintaining office hours for student consultations
- Keeping up to date with current trends in cinematic arts and incorporating them into the curriculum
- Publishing research findings in academic journals or books
- Participating in faculty training, workshops, and seminars
Cinematic Arts Professor Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Cinematic Arts Professor to join our faculty.
The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching a range of courses on cinematic arts, including film theory, history and production.
The Cinematic Arts Professor will also conduct scholarly research, publish academic papers, and contribute to the enrichment of our curriculum.
A strong commitment to education, a deep knowledge of the cinematic arts, and excellent communication skills are vital for this role.
Responsibilities
- Teaching various courses on cinematic arts to undergraduate and graduate students
- Designing and updating curriculum to stay current with industry trends
- Conducting scholarly research in the field of cinematic arts
- Publishing research findings in academic journals and books
- Mentoring and advising students on academic and career paths
- Participating in departmental and university service, including committee work and academic events
- Contributing to accreditation activities and program assessment
Qualifications
- A PhD in Cinematic Arts, Film Studies, or a related field
- Previous teaching experience at a university level
- Strong record of scholarly research and publications
- Knowledge of current industry trends and techniques in cinematic arts
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive learning environment
Benefits
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Dental and vision insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Opportunities for professional development and research grants
Additional Information
- Job Title: Cinematic Arts Professor
- Work Environment: University campus setting, with potential for some remote teaching. Some travel may be required for academic conferences and events.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Head of Cinematic Arts.
- Salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time, tenure-track position
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our university. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your CV, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and teaching philosophy, and the contact information for three references to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Cinematic Arts Professor Do?
A Cinematic Arts Professor is a specialized educator who teaches courses related to film studies, film production, and other aspects of cinema at a higher education level.
Their job involves delivering lectures on various topics such as film history, theory, and criticism, as well as practical classes on film production, screenwriting, directing, and editing.
They may also conduct research, publish scholarly papers and books, and participate in academic conferences related to their field of expertise.
Cinematic Arts Professors also often advise students on course selection, academic performance, and career paths related to cinema.
In addition to teaching and research, a Cinematic Arts Professor may contribute to the development of curriculum and educational policies, serve on academic committees, and participate in various institutional activities.
Some professors may also work on their own film projects or collaborate with students or other professionals in the film industry, thus bringing practical, real-world experience into their classrooms.
They are responsible for grading assignments and exams, mentoring students, and fostering a creative and engaging learning environment.
Cinematic Arts Professor Qualifications and Skills
A Cinematic Arts Professor should possess a unique blend of theoretical knowledge, creative ability, and pedagogical skills.
The qualifications and skills needed for this role may include:
- A deep understanding of film history, theory, and technique, with the ability to effectively communicate these complex concepts to students.
- Experience with various types of film and digital production equipment and post-production software, with the ability to teach students how to use these tools effectively.
- Strong research skills in order to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and advancements in cinematic arts and incorporate these into the curriculum.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively teach students, provide feedback, and publish research.
- Patience and adaptability to work with students with various learning styles, and the ability to tailor teaching approaches accordingly.
- Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with students, faculty, and industry professionals.
- Creative thinking and problem-solving skills to help students develop unique ideas for their own films and troubleshoot any issues that may arise during production.
- Organizational skills to manage course materials, assignments, and grading effectively.
- A PhD or Master’s degree in Film Studies, Cinematic Arts, or a related field, along with significant professional experience in the film industry.
Cinematic Arts Professor Experience Requirements
Cinematic Arts Professors are usually required to have a significant amount of experience in the field of Film and Media Studies.
This can be gained through a combination of academic study and practical application.
At a minimum, most universities require their Cinematic Arts Professors to hold a PhD in Film Studies, Media Studies, or a related field.
This ensures that they have a deep understanding of the theoretical principles that underpin the cinematic arts.
In addition to academic qualifications, many universities also require their Cinematic Arts Professors to have a wealth of practical experience.
This can be gained through a variety of routes, including work as a Film Director, Screenwriter, Film Critic, or other roles within the film industry.
This practical experience helps to ensure that the Professor can offer insights and guidance based on real-world experience.
Candidates with more than 5 years of experience in the industry are often preferred, as this helps to ensure that they can draw on a broad range of experiences when teaching.
Those with additional experience in a leadership or managerial role within the film industry may also be well-suited to the role of a Cinematic Arts Professor, as these roles require the ability to guide and mentor others.
Furthermore, experience in research or publishing in the field of cinematic arts can be a significant advantage, demonstrating a candidate’s commitment to advancing knowledge in this field.
Cinematic Arts Professor Education and Training Requirements
Cinematic Arts Professors typically hold a master’s degree or Ph.D. in film studies, cinema studies, or a closely related field.
These programs provide a broad understanding of film theory, history, and culture, as well as practical skills in film criticism and analysis.
Many also require or recommend experience in filmmaking, which can be acquired through coursework, independent projects, internships, or professional work in the film industry.
Furthermore, aspiring Cinematic Arts Professors often gain teaching experience as graduate teaching assistants during their master’s or doctoral studies.
Some positions may prefer or require candidates with a record of published research, professional filmmaking experience, or expertise in a specialized area of film studies such as documentary filmmaking, animation, or film theory.
While not generally required, certification programs in areas like digital filmmaking or screenwriting can enhance a candidate’s qualifications and demonstrate their commitment to professional development.
Lastly, excellent communication skills are necessary for teaching and interacting effectively with students, colleagues, and the academic community.
Cinematic Arts Professor Salary Expectations
A Cinematic Arts Professor earns an average salary of $75,430 (USD) per year.
The salary can vary depending on factors such as years of experience, academic qualifications, and the location of the institution.
Cinematic Arts Professor Job Description FAQs
What are the qualifications required for a Cinematic Arts Professor?
A Cinematic Arts Professor typically requires a PhD in film studies or a related field.
Alongside, substantial industry experience in film production, direction, or screenwriting may also be necessary.
Demonstrated ability in teaching at the graduate and undergraduate level, and a track record of publications or significant contributions to the film industry are additional qualifications that may be required.
What are the key responsibilities of a Cinematic Arts Professor?
A Cinematic Arts Professor is typically responsible for developing and teaching courses in the field of cinematic arts.
This can include film studies, film production, screenwriting, and more.
They are expected to guide students in their academic journey, supervise their projects, and provide mentorship.
They may also be required to conduct research in the field, publish their findings in academic journals, and contribute to the film industry in various ways.
What skills does a Cinematic Arts Professor need?
A Cinematic Arts Professor should have a deep understanding of the theory and practice of cinematic arts.
They need to have excellent communication skills to articulate complex concepts in an understandable manner.
They also need strong analytical skills to study film and other forms of visual storytelling critically.
Creativity and passion for the medium are also crucial.
Lastly, they need to have good organizational and mentoring skills to guide and support students in their academic journey.
How do I know if a candidate is right for a Cinematic Arts Professor position?
A candidate suitable for a Cinematic Arts Professor position should have a strong academic background in film studies or a related field.
They should have a history of teaching at the university level and a track record of contributions to the film industry or academia.
Their passion for the medium should be evident, and they should possess the ability to inspire and mentor students.
A look at their previous work, publications, or teaching evaluations can provide valuable insights into their competence and fit for the role.
What qualities make a good Cinematic Arts Professor?
A good Cinematic Arts Professor is passionate about the field and is continually seeking to expand their knowledge and understanding.
They are able to balance between academic theory and practical application in the film industry.
They are skilled communicators, able to convey complex concepts in an accessible manner.
They are supportive mentors who foster creativity and critical thinking in their students.
They also stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies in the film industry and are able to incorporate them into their teaching.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve illuminated the wide, vibrant world of being a Cinematic Arts professor.
Surprise, surprise!
It’s not just about teaching theories and techniques.
It’s about inspiring the next generation of storytellers, one lesson at a time.
Armed with our comprehensive Cinematic Arts professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into the spotlight.
But why stop there?
Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool to create meticulously-detailed listings or to refine your resume to Oscar-winning standards.
Remember:
Every lesson taught is a brushstroke on the canvas of film history.
Let’s create that future. Together.
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