Assistant Professor of Practice in Documentary Expression
university, MS, US, 38677
Note for Current UM Employees
Current employees must apply internally via connectU > connectu.olemiss.edu
Position Description
The Southern Documentary Project (southdocs.org) is looking for an Assistant Professor of Practice in Documentary Expression with a specific interest in documenting African American experiences. We welcome applications from critical storytellers whose creative work centers on Black American and African Diasporic cultures, histories, and identities through a lens of informed practices and ethics. We encourage makers who honor lived experiences and models of cocreation in their media practice with a demonstrated understanding of the Black media canon. SouthDocs is an institute of the Center for the Study of Southern Culture (southernstudies.olemiss.edu) whose mission is to tell stories from the U.S. South, increase civic and cultural engagement, and train the next generation of storytellers enrolled in the Center’s academic programs. In addition to teaching and mentoring students, this person will actively contribute to the Center’s mission through creating original and collaborative work. This permanent nine-month, non-tenure track academic position includes a 2+2 teaching load with a clear path for advancement and promotion.
About The Center for the Study of Southern Culture
Founded in 1977, the CSSC defines its mission as investigating, documenting, interpreting, and teaching about the U.S. South through academic inquiry and publications, documentary studies of film, photography, and oral history, and public outreach programs. The cross-disciplinary Southern Studies faculty and the undergraduate and graduate degree programs (MA and MFA) are the core of the Center’s work. Its curricula incorporate traditional disciplines of the arts, humanities, and social sciences to form an interdisciplinary framework for studying the South. The Center promotes research on the region’s varied cultures by supporting the work of its faculty, staff, students, alumni, and visiting scholars. For more information: http://southernstudies.olemiss.edu
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
With this hire, SouthDocs hopes to deepen our commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace in a way that enhances our faculty and intellectual community. As an institution with a marked history of struggle with racial diversity, the University of Mississippi today realizes its unique obligation to educate and lead the state with an unquestionable and unwavering commitment toward the goal of embracing all aspects of diversity.
Job Responsibilities
● 2+2 teaching load with advising responsibilities
● Work directly with students in the classroom and in the field.
● Create original documentary projects (individually and collaboratively) utilizing photography, audio, oral history, video, or mixed media. See examples of our work at http://southdocs.org/.
● Ensure accountability for and ethical representation of people and places you choose to document.
● Design and present technical and theory-based workshops or classes and provide constructive feedback related to documentary storytelling and related media.
● Engage community partners and build long-term relationships through impact-driven storytelling and programs. See https://southdocs.org/project/movementstartshere/ for one recent SouthDocs example and https://olemiss.edu/projects/sfa/farish-street-project/ for an example of students collaborating with community partners to tell a story.
● Lead and inspire conversations on campus and in the community with your work through exhibitions, panel discussions, film screenings, etc.
Position Details
Appointment: 9 Month
Assignment Type: Non-Tenure Track
Minimum Qualifications
● Master of Fine Arts degree related to visual or audio storytelling, documentary studies, or other relevant fields.
● Teaching or instructional experience in lens-based media, audio production, documentary studies, or multimedia storytelling.
● Ability to work as a team member responsible for multiple duties in collaborative projects.
Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.
Application Procedures
Interested candidates should apply online at https://careers.olemiss.edu.
The online application should include:
1) curriculum vitae 2) cover letter indicating documentary and teaching experience and interest 3) samples of creative work including at least one completed project that identifies your role, and 4) contact information for three references.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled or until an adequate applicant pool is established.
About the University of MS & Oxford, MS
Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi (UM), affectionately known to alumni, students and friends as Ole Miss, is Mississippi's flagship university. Included in the elite group of R-1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business. The University of Mississippi, consistently named by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a “Great College to Work For,” is located in Oxford, MS, which is ranked one of the “Top 10 Best College Towns.” With more than 24,000 students, UM is the state's largest university and is ranked among the nation's fastest-growing institutions. The University of Mississippi, which has aggressively implemented many health and wellness initiatives for its more than 2,900 employees, has consistently been named one of Mississippi’s Healthiest Workplaces.
Touted as the “Cultural Mecca of the South”, creativity abounds in Oxford as musicians, artists and writers alike find inspiration in Oxford’s rich history, small town charm and creative community. Oxford is a one-hour drive south of Memphis, TN and is known as the home of Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner. Over the years Oxford has also been known for offering exceptional culinary experiences and as the home of the University of Mississippi and the Ole Miss Rebels, there is always something here to immerse yourself in. Oxford has also been featured as a literary and arts destination in such publications as The New York Times, Southern Living, Condé Nast Traveler, and GQ. Among other cultural activities, annual events include the Oxford Film Festival, a thriving local music scene, and the Ford Center Performing Arts Series. Oxford is a vibrant university town, filled with unique shops and galleries, eclectic restaurants and clubs, historic landmarks, and comfortable inns.
Background Check Statement
The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
EEO Statement
Nearest Major Market: Oxford Mississippi