Open Rank Faculty Position, Media Production, Non-Tenure Track

Appointment Rank & Load

• Open-rank non-tenure-track appointment.
• Typical teaching load is three four-credit-hour courses per semester on a 9-month contract with the opportunity for summer teaching. Instructors carry a 44 load.
• Professors of the Practice (generally 15 years of progressively responsible communication/media-industry experience) carry a 33 load and assume added program duties (e.g. studio oversight industry partnerships co-curricular leadership).

Key Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in Media Production with emphasis in motion graphics animation and virtual production; contribute to foundational courses in video production and editing.
• Develop new/updated courses and applied projects aligned with contemporary industry standards and accreditation expectations (e.g. Adobe Creative Cloud real-time/Unreal Engine workflows).
• Advise and mentor undergraduate students.
• Contribute to student recruitment and retention (e.g. open houses admitted-student events program showcases).
• Participate in service at the program school and university levels.
• Maintain technical currency as a media specialist; demonstrate a willingness to learn new technologies hardware and software in support of teaching responsibilities.
• As opportunities arise and subject to program needs teach study-abroad/away courses.

Minimum Qualifications

• Masters degree in Media Production Animation Digital Media Film/Television or a closely related field by the start date (instructors typically hold at least a masters).
• Experience and ability to teach introductory and advanced courses in motion graphics and animation.
• Proficiency with Adobe After Effects and other Adobe Creative Cloud applications used in media production.
• General media-production skills including video production and non-linear editing.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and collaborate in a fast-paced team-oriented academic environment.
• Evidence of excellence (or clear potential) in university-level teaching including the ability to create embracive engaging and rigorous learning experiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Terminal degree (e.g. MFA Ph.D.) in a relevant field and/or significant progressively responsible professional experience (for Professor of the Practice rank generally 15 years).
• University-level teaching experience and a student-centered learning approach.
• Proficiency with Unreal Engine software for real-time graphics and virtual-production workflows.
• Experience with multi-camera production and familiarity with integrated virtual-production and graphics systems within a studio/broadcast environment.
• A record of scholarship or professional accomplishments (e.g. publications screenings commissioned design/animation projects) aligned with the schools teacher-scholar model.
• Experience building industry partnerships and supervising internships/applied projects.

About the Media Production Program

Media Production prepares students to create compelling visual stories for film television streaming branded content and live/virtual environments. Students learn the craft and technology of production across pre-production production and post-production with opportunities to develop advanced skills in motion graphics animation and virtual production. The program emphasizes hands-on learning professional standards and close faculty mentorship.

About the Nido R. Qubein School of Communication

NQSC is home to seven undergraduate majorsAdvertising Public Relations & Strategic Communication; Game Design; Multimedia Journalism; Media Production; Sport Media; Sport Management; and Social Media & Digital Communicationas well as the MA in Communication & Business Leadership. The school emphasizes experiential learning close faculty-student mentorship and strong industry engagement across its programs.

About High Point University

High Point University is a values-based institution that embraces the principles of God family and country. HPU is recognized for its focus on holistic student success mentorship and professional readiness. For more information please visit the Universitys website.

Application Instructions

Apply online at the link provided by the Universitys applicant portal. To ensure full consideration please submit the following. A single combined PDF is preferred (multiple uploads are accepted if needed):

• Cover letter addressing qualifications teaching philosophy professional history and interest in teaching within the program.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Unofficial transcript for the highest degree earned.
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g. recent course evaluations sample syllabus project brief or student work samples with context).
• Names and contact information for three professional references (letters will be requested later).

Timeline

Screening of applications will begin December 1 2025. Priority will be given to applicants who meet the screening deadline; however the position will remain open until filled. Expected start date: August 2026.

Search Committee Chair

For additional information regarding this position please contact the Search Committee Chair Barry Thornburg ().