University of Connecticut, Human Rights Institute
Assistant Professor In-Residence in Human Rights Documentary Filmmaking
Institution Type: | College / University |
Location: | Connecticut, United States |
Position: | Non-Tenure Track Faculty |
INTRODUCTION
The University of Connecticut's Human Rights Institute and Department of Digital Media and Design is pleased to invite applications for an Assistant Professor In-Residence in Human Rights and Documentary Film Production.
The successful candidate will be expected to share a deep commitment to documentary filmmaking, oral history approaches to research, digital archiving in support of visual storytelling on human rights, and impactful instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition, individuals will be expected to maintain a creative agenda, as well as participate in helping to contribute to the new Human Rights Film and Digital Media Initiative at UConn. Acknowledging a lack of diversity in the film industry, we embrace an inclusive environment and are particularly interested in receiving applications from members of under-represented groups and strongly encourage women, persons of color, LGBTQ and gender-nonconforming individuals to apply.
The candidate will participate in undergraduate and graduate level teaching and course development in: filmmaking, human rights, social documentary, oral history methodologies, and project-based collaborations to build the digital media archive. Development of a course on human rights with a particular regional focus is also welcome. The candidate will be expected to help broaden participation among members of under-represented groups and demonstrate through their research, teaching, and/or public engagement a commitment to both addressing issues of diversity and equity within society and employing pedagogies designed to meet the needs of diverse learning styles and intellectual interests. The successful candidate must also substantively contribute to mentoring students in their professional development.
The position has a 2/3 teaching load, comprised of five 3-credit courses per year - at all levels from freshman to graduate courses, as well as additional independent studies, supervised internships, and student advising. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain an active creative research agenda. The candidate is expected to participate in service activities for the Human Rights Institute, Office of Global Affairs, the Department of Digital Media and Design, and the University.
The Human Rights Institute (HRI) at UConn is one of the nation’s leading academic centers, offering undergraduate majors and minors in human rights as well as a Graduate Certificate in Human Rights. The undergraduate program is among the largest in the country, and UConn is the only public university offering a major. Program graduates go on to hold key humanitarian positions with NGOs, governments, and leading universities. HRI is globally recognized for its faculty expertise and being a center to convene high-level international conferences and symposia. HRI is a key collaborator with the Dodd Human Rights Impact (Program) that is part of HRI and Digital Media and Design on a Human Rights Film and Digital Media Initiative. The Institute has hosted a human rights film series since 2005 and has worked with UConn Libraries to build a collection of human rights films. UConn Libraries is also a site for Archives and Special Collections related to human rights documentary and photography.
The Digital Media & Design (DMD) department is a uniquely interdisciplinary academic unit led by faculty from the fine arts, business, STEM, and humanities fields. Established in 2013, this innovative and evolving department currently has 25 full-time faculty members, 310 undergraduate and 18 graduate students (MFA and MA) and offers BFA and BA degrees in the following concentrations: Digital Film/Video Production (BFA), 3D Animation (BFA), Motion Design & Animation (BFA), Game Design (BFA), Web / Interactive Media Design (BFA), Digital Culture, Learning, & Advocacy (BA), and Digital Media Business Strategies (BA). All of the concentrations place a strong emphasis on collaboration and experiential learning, best preparing students for the challenges they may face when working in industry. The department has established strong working partnerships with large and small companies, start-ups, public institutions, and charitable nonprofits, giving students hands-on, real-world opportunities that benefit the creative economy of the state.
Founded in 1881, the University of Connecticut (UConn) is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state's flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, Connecticut, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. A record number of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Terminal Degree (M.F.A. or Ph.D.) in Film, Video, or related fields. Equivalent foreign degrees are acceptable.
- Expertise in human rights documentary filmmaking.
- Demonstrated teaching excellence in higher education.
- A strong artistic portfolio in human rights.
- A deep commitment to promoting diversity through academic and research programs.
- Expertise in NLE video editing software such as Premiere Pro, Avid, DaVinci Resolve and experience with other Adobe Creative Cloud software (After Effects, Photoshop, Audition, etc.)
- Ability to contribute to the diversity and excellence of the learning experience through innovative research, teaching, and public engagement.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated collegiality.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated teaching experience in documentary filmmaking and approaches to visual storytelling at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
- Demonstrated record of experience in developing and teaching in online and hybrid settings.
- Expertise in digital archives, visual storytelling models, as they relate to documenting human rights matters.
- Demonstrated record of seeking external grant funding to support creative works.
- An established record of publications related to human rights and social justice film.
- Demonstrated record of working effectively on interdisciplinary teams in higher education.
- Ability to contribute to a university-wide life-transformative, experiential education model, with a focus on applied human rights in the filmmaking and digital archiving space
- A demonstrated record of human rights practice and maintaining relationships with human rights and community organizations.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise students in collaborative, project-based learning related to human rights.
APPOINTMENT TERMS
This is a full-time, 9-month non-tenure track position with the possibility of annual reappointment, contingent upon positive annual reviews and program funding, and may lead to a multi-year appointment. The successful candidate’s primary appointment will be at the Storrs campus with the possibility of travel to regional campuses on occasion and/or online instruction. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
TO APPLY
Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/17858 and submit the following application materials:
- A cover letter specifically addressing your credentials relative to the minimum and preferred qualifications listed above.
- Curriculum vitae
- A digital portfolio of personal artwork with 3-5 films highlighted; and 3-5 student work samples
- A one-page statement of teaching philosophy
- A one to two-page research and scholarship statement
- A one-page commitment to diversity and inclusion statement
- Names and contact information for three professional references
Evaluation of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Preference will be given to applications received by January 11, 2021. For more information regarding the Human Rights Institute, please visit the department website at https://humanrights.uconn.edu/. For information related to the School of Fine Arts Department of Digital Media and Design, please visit the website at https://dmd.uconn.edu/.
Inquiries other than applications can be directed to: Kathryn Libal, Human Rights Institute, University of Connecticut, 405 Babbidge Road, U-1205 Storrs, CT 06269 or via email to kathryn.libal@uconn.edu.
At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.
Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
This position will be filled subject the budgetary approval.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.
The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University's teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn's ranking as one of the nation's top research universities. UConn's faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.
Contact: |
Inquiries other than applications can be directed to: Kathryn Libal, Human Rights Institute, University of Connecticut, 405 Babbidge Road, U-1205 Storrs, CT 06269 or via email to kathryn.libal@uconn.edu. |
Website: | None |
Primary Category: | Human Rights |
Secondary Categories: | Fine Arts |
Posting Date: | 01/04/2021 |
Closing Date | 01/11/2021 |