Position Summary

The Program in Cinematic Arts, housed within Duke University’s Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, integrates film theory, history, and hands-on production in a liberal arts setting. 

We invite applications for a one-year position as Cinematic Arts instructor and Manager of the Cinematic Arts Practice Lab. The latter is a newly envisioned curriculum-adjacent initiative aimed at deepening student engagement with cinematic practices on campus. We are seeking a dynamic, imaginative individual to collaborate closely with the program’s director to launch and shape this innovative lab space to provide creatively-focused, technical and production instruction to students. The position also includes teaching an introductory-level, undergraduate production course once in the Fall 2025 semester, and once in the Spring 2026 semester. 

This role is ideal for someone passionate about rethinking how technical and production instruction can be integrated into a liberal arts curriculum—not through traditional industry training models, but through experiential and interdisciplinary frameworks. 

 • Collaborate with the program director to design and launch the Cinematic Arts Practice Lab as a co-curricular, classroom-adjacent space supporting creative learning in film and media.

 • Foster an environment that is welcoming to students at all levels, including those not yet enrolled in Cinematic Arts courses.

 • Supervise and mentor work-study students assisting with Lab operations. 

 • Provide individualized technical and production support for student projects, including production, post-production, and public presentation of final work.

 • Maintain open studio/lab hours to supplement classroom instruction.

 • Collaborate with the Manager of the Cinematic Arts Cage (equipment pool) to coordinate student training and ensure effective use of available equipment. 

 • Contribute to the development of new models for technical instruction that emphasize hands-on learning and peer-to-peer collaboration.

 • Engage in broader conversations about how technical instruction can align with the values of a liberal arts education, rather than replicate industry norms. 

 • Teach an introductory-level, undergraduate production course once in the Fall 2025 semester, and once in the Spring 2026 semester. This course must be designed to support students’ foundational production skills. 

 • Strong background in film/media production, with experience in creative practice, instruction, or both.

 • Demonstrated commitment to innovative, student-centered learning.

 • Excellent collaborative, organizational, and mentoring skills.

 • Experience in a university setting is welcome but not required.

Applications received by June 15, 2025 will be guaranteed full consideration. Applications will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled.