Filmmaking Instructor

New York Film Academy - New York, NY

New York Film Academy is committed to an inclusive work culture where peoples thoughts, ideas, concerns, and cultures are valued and respected. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and those sharing in our commitment to inclusivity.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Chair of the Filmmaking Department, Directing Instructors provide instruction for students to develop practical skills and theoretical knowledge in film directing, film language and associated skills. NYFA Filmmaking Instructors mentor students throughout the production of multiple short films, cultivating mastery in classic film language and story structure, while fostering creative risk-taking, problem-solving, collaboration and relationship building. Faculty members are also called upon to participate in curriculum development and assessment and to lead mentoring groups, offer one-on-one consultations, serve on committees and as other departmental support. The ideal candidate will hold an MFA in Film or a related subject, will exhibit an active commitment to the democratization of filmmaking and will have a demonstrated track record of substantively supporting women and/or BIPOC directors.

REPRESENTATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following responsibilities are general duties that a particular employee in this position may or may not be required to perform. The day-to-day duties required of this position may vary.

• Teach a full load of classes, production workshops and labs.
• Provide one-on-one consultations with students.
• Deliver instruction in accordance with the learning objectives set for assigned courses, including practical skills, theories, methods and techniques in film direction as well as one or more associated skills.
• Develop and manage course syllabi, materials and lesson plans.
• Establish an environment that is respectful and actively supportive of each unique student and of a collectively diverse student body.
• Understand, be sensitive to, and respect the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds, nationalities, disabilities, gender identities and sexual orientations of students, faculty, administrators, and staff.
• Encourage and facilitate discussion, constructive feedback and collaboration.
• Guide students through hands-on classes, preparing and handling the equipment.
• Teach and model safe and professional filmmaking protocols and equipment care.
• Participate in curriculum development, review and assessment, and in ongoing professional development.
• Contribute to departmental and institutional life, including sponsoring and participating in mentoring and affinity groups and events.
• Teach special workshops and represent the institution as requested by the Department Chair.
• Submit grades in a timely manner and conscientiously adhere to all NYFA policies and protocols as expressed in the faculty handbook or in any manner by Department Chair, Campus Dean or senior management.
• Other duties as assigned by Department Chair, Campus Dean or senior management.

KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES:

• In-depth knowledge of film direction and film language, and ideally of directing TV, web series, documentary, emerging media or other forms of content.
• Ability to teach at least one other filmmaking discipline if needed. Disciplines could include screenwriting, producing, cinematography, editing, acting or sound.
• Commitment to the democratization of filmmaking and to bringing members of underrepresented groups into the industry.
• Outstanding communicator; one who possesses superior verbal communications skills, as well as the ability to present content in a clear and compelling manner.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to work cooperatively and effectively with students, faculty, staff, administrators and other diverse groups.
• Leadership which emphasizes collaboration, consensus building, and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrated organizational skills.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE and CERTIFICATION:

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Film or a related field.
• In the absence of a graduate degree, a candidate's industry recognition and relevant experience may be considered.
• Substantial experience directing films.
• Experience also directing TV, documentary, web series, emerging media or other forms of content strongly preferred.
• Experience working on films/media directed by women strongly preferred.
• Experience working on films/media or content directed by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) strongly preferred.
• Three (3) plus years teaching experience on a college level strongly preferred.
• Ability to teach cinematography, screenwriting, producing, acting, sound or editing.

REPRESENTATIVE MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND/OR SOFTWARE:

The following machines, tools, equipment and / or software are commonly, but not always, associated with the performance of this position. Actual machines, tools, equipment and/ or software used will vary.

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Google Creative Suite
• Google Classroom
• Craft Software as Appropriate (i.e. Avid, etc.)
• Apple Hardware Products (i.e. Mac, etc.)
• Production equipment if appropriate

ENVIRONMENTAL / ATMOSPHERIC WORKING CONDITIONS:

The following environmental / atmospheric working conditions are commonly, but not always, associated with the performance of this position. The actual working conditions will vary.

• Outdoor/Indoor Film Set environment.
• Office environment.

The New York Film Academy was founded in 1992 on the belief that a top-quality education in filmmaking should be accessible to anyone with the drive and ambition to make films. The school opened at Robert De Niros Tribeca Film Center in New York City and has expanded worldwide to include campuses in New York; Los Angeles; Miami; and Gold Coast, Australia.

The mission of the New York Film Academy is to educate students interested in the field of visual storytelling. NYFA courses have been designed to increase students creativity and technical expertise through an intense regimen of hands-on and classroom instruction. The Academys goal is to enrich its students as visual storytellers by helping them realize their personal artistic visions. NYFAs expectations center on the growth of each student as a creative individual. NYFA is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

New York Film Academy (NYFA) is an equal opportunity employer. Prospective employees will receive consideration without discrimination because of race, creed, color, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.