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JOB TITLE: Director of Writing for Film and Television Program
DEPARTMENT: School of Film
SUMMARY: The University of the Arts seeks either an assistant or associate professor, or a film or television professional with teaching experience, to be the director of the Writing for Film and Television program in the School of Film in the College of Art, Media and Design. The program has two full-time faculty members supported by four or five part-time instructors. Salary and rank will be commensurate with professional experience and academic degree.

The contract is for a multi-year, non-tenure-track faculty position, with initial and renewal appointments defined by rank.
The undergraduate BFA program in Writing for Film and Television has a successful history of more than 20 years. To take the next critical step in its expansion, however, WFTV seeks a director with an eye to the future of narrative film and episodic storytelling, a candidate who will lead a dynamic program of choice that competes nationally for the most promising students. Specifically, we seek an individual who will expand the network, cable, and streaming television components of our curriculum.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
•    Serves as the program’s chief administrative officer and provides leadership and coordination in the areas of program vision, teaching, faculty engagement, student development, internships, and fiscal management
•    Reports to, and works with, the School of Film director and the dean of the College of Art, Media and Design, on faculty recruitment and development, program assessment and curriculum development, student recruitment and retention, and budget management
•    Serves on university committees, advises students, and participates in departmental, school, college, and university activities;
•    Expands departmental focus on the teaching of television and web-based series writing to reflect growing opportunities in those media;
•    Teaches four 3-credit courses per academic year (one 3-credit course of release time each semester for program director duties) related to visual storytelling and the creation of narrative films and TV or streaming series;
•    Encourages students to be creative, inventive and collaborative while they develop industry-standard dramatic writing competencies;
•    Builds and enhances opportunities for WFTV students to collaborate with students in Film, Animation, and Theater and across the university;
•    Seeks creative partnerships with other regional universities;
•    Invites professional screenwriters, producers and directors to lecture and teach at UArts;
•    Enhances the program’s professional internship program; and
•    Improves mentorship relationships between alumni and recent graduates.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the incumbent; they do not purport to describe all functions.  Incumbent may be assigned other duties, and the essential functions may change from time to time as necessary.

Education & Experience:
•    A BFA or BA degree. An MFA in a related field is preferable, but a BFA coupled with extensive professional experience will also be considered.
•    Prior leadership or administrative experience is helpful.
•    Evidence of some college-level teaching experience is preferable.
•    A demonstrated record of professional achievement in the creation, selling, writing, production, or development of media, film, and television projects.   
•    A desire to inspire students and faculty.
•    A vision for expanding the program’s television identity in an effort to attract and recruit students and keep pace with the evolution of filmed drama.
•    Awareness of current professional practice in the television, streaming, and film media.
•    Industry connections that improve professional internship opportunities for WFTV students and yield potential guest speakers.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY:
The University of the Arts—a leader in developing visual and performing artists and designers since 1876—is the only university in the United States that allows its students to collaborate across traditional lines. With more than 30 majors, 30 minors and 13 graduate programs in visual arts, performing arts, design and liberal studies, UArts develops alumni who are not only leaders in their disciplines, but also creative thinkers able to succeed in any path they choose. Our nearly 1,900 students study and create on our campus in the heart of Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts, the city’s cultural center, within walking distance of hundreds of galleries, museums, theaters and other performing arts venues.

TO APPLY: Interested, qualified applicants should submit the following materials to the Human Resources Department via email to jobs@uarts.edu:
•    A letter of application and resumes
•    An up-to-date CV
•    A statement of teach philosophy
•    A sample syllabi that demonstrates innovation in creative assignments for screenwriting, film or video
•    A digital portfolio containing complete examples of your own work and examples of work by students (links with brief descriptions preferred, but a DVD will also be accepted

Please ensure job title is in the Subject line. The preferred submission format for all materials is a single email attachment (single PDF or zipped folder), two to five MB in size. Submissions other than cover letter, CV, teaching philosophy, syllabi, reference list, and PDF portfolios will not be reviewed. Please do not submit supplemental materials or letters unless they are requested.


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