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

The Nido R. Qubein School of Communication at High Point University invites applications for an open-rank, non-tenure-track faculty position in the Media Production program beginning August 2026. We seek a collegial, student-centered teacher-scholar with the ability to teach across the media-production curriculum—with primary emphasis in motion graphics, animation, and virtual production—and to contribute to foundational courses in video production and editing. Candidates without direct virtual-production experience will be considered if they have a strong background in motion graphics and demonstrate the ability and motivation to become proficient in virtual-production workflows. Consistent with school expectations for non-tenure-track faculty, the successful candidate will maintain an active program of scholarship/creative works or professional development supported by institutional resources. 

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 4–4 load. 
• Professors of the Practice (generally ≥15 years of progressively responsible communication/media-industry experience) carry a 3–3 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

• Master’s degree in Media Production, Animation, Digital Media, Film/Television, or a closely related field by the start date (instructors typically hold at least a master’s). 
• 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 school’s 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 majors—Advertising, Public Relations & Strategic Communication; Game Design; Multimedia Journalism; Media Production; Sport Media; Sport Management; and Social Media & Digital Communication—as 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 University’s website. 

Application Instructions

Apply online at the link provided by the University’s 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 (bthornbu@highpoint.edu).