Department Chair, Film & Media Arts at University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah

Job Description:

The College of Fine Arts at The University of Utah, the flagship institution of higher learning and research in the State of Utah, invites nominations and applications from highly qualified individuals for the Chair of the Department of Film & Media Arts. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2025. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Fine Arts, the Chair is the administrative head of the Department, overseeing its personnel, operations, curriculum, and strategic direction, and acting as the Department's representative and advocate within the College, University, and wider community.

The Department of Film & Media Arts is the largest academic unit in the College of Fine Arts, which also includes the School of Dance, School of Music, Department of Art & Art History, and Department of Theatre. The department has a deep-rooted commitment to both film and media arts production and critical studies. Students studying in this department include around 700 undergraduates and 12 graduates. The Department offers a wide range of courses in film and media history, critical studies, screenwriting, directing, animation, production, and post-production. Undergraduate students can earn a BA with optional emphases in Animation and Film Production, with minors or certificates in Animation Studies, Documentary Studies, Film Teaching, and Screen Performance. Graduate students can earn an MFA and an optional Certificate in Screendance.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Chair of the Department of Film & Media Arts will (1) guide the efforts of a well-respected faculty to establish effective self-governance and strategic vision within the context of a research university; (2) provide strong, collaborative, and transparent leadership to faculty, staff, and students; (3) act as their representative to advance the reputation of the Department by building meaningful relationships and partnerships with the film and media arts community, locally, nationally, and internationally; (4) promote student success through recruitment and retention efforts; (5) oversee curricular activities; (6) engage actively in donor relations, fundraising, and community outreach; (7) administer department finances, resources, and facilities; (8) encourage and support professional development initiatives for faculty and staff, including retention and rank advancement; (9) liaising with film and media arts faculty at the U Asia Campus in Incheon, South Korea; and (10) be an active and collaborative member of the Executive Committee of the College in furthering the goals and mission of the College of Fine Arts.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Terminal degree (MFA and/or PhD) in Film/Media Arts, or a related field, or commensurate experience that would warrant consideration in lieu of a terminal degree.
• A distinguished record of creative or scholarly achievement commensurate with a faculty appointment at the rank of a tenured Associate Professor or Professor, including a body of work that represents a significant contribution to the field; demonstrated excellence in post-secondary teaching; and evidence of an active, ongoing program of creative or scholarly achievement/research.
• Significant leadership, administrative, and supervisory experience, including strategic and financial planning, curricular innovation, and recruitment and retention of faculty, staff, and students.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

APPLICATION:

Please submit:

• A 2-page application/cover letter that addresses the candidate's leadership, administrative philosophy, and how these pertain to the Department of Film & Media Arts,
• A CV that demonstrates that the candidate fulfills the qualifications for the position,
• The names and contact information for five references. Candidates will be notified before references are contacted.

Applications must be submitted electronically at https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/172285

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