Professor of the Practice

The Department of Communication at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks to hire a Professor of the Practice (teaching track) to join our expanding Screenwriting Minor. We are seeking a dynamic and engaged teacher who is equally confident in teaching introductory and specialized upper-level courses. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated record of screenwriting credits (independent and/or industry) in features, short films, and/or television/streaming. A master's degree in screenwriting or another discipline, or the equivalent in professional experience, is required.

The successful candidate will teach a 3/3 course load, including at least four sections of Introduction to Writing for Film and Television, as well as intermediate and advanced screenwriting electives. They will teach existing courses in Screenwriting, and will be invited to develop new courses that reflect their creative interests and expertise. They will join a vibrant community of media artists actively working in screenwriting, narrative filmmaking, new media, documentary, sound art, and experimental non-fiction.

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.

The Department of Communication is one of 44 departments and curricula in the College of Arts & Sciences. As the largest unit on campus, the College of Arts & Sciences forms the academic core of the Carolina experience. Through teaching, research, and service, the Department of Communication addresses how communication functions to create, sustain, and transform personal life, social relations, political institutions, economic organizations, and cultural and aesthetic conventions in society. Faculty conduct research and teach within a broad range of communication disciplines, including performance studies, media and technology studies, rhetoric, media arts production and new media, and organizational and interpersonal communication. Recognized for significant contributions to the profession, University, state, and nation, the Department houses a PhD program, a major in Communication, an interdisciplinary major in Cultural Studies, and a minor in Screenwriting. It serves as the intellectual home for 26 faculty members, 45 graduate students, and nearly 700 undergraduates. The Department's doctoral program offers a theoretically rich, interdisciplinary, problem-based approach to education and research that enables graduate students to define their own research in response to the changing demands of a constantly evolving communicative and cultural world. The Department's majors, as well as the hundreds of pan-University non-majors seek out our classes for a set of critical capacities that contribute to an engaged, creative, and critical 21st century citizen. The department's website provides a detailed look at our activities, mission, and values.

The Department of Communication at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks to hire a Professor of the Practice (fixed-term) in Screenwriting. The successful candidate will teach six undergraduate courses in screenwriting per year, including at least four sections of Intro to Writing for Film and Television. Courses may include small seminars and medium-to-large lecture courses.

Master's degree in screenwriting or another discipline, or equivalent professional experience.

Minimum 1 year of teaching at the University level or comparable; record of optioned or produced screenplays (independent or studio).

Applicants should submit (1) a letter of inquiry addressing qualifications for the position; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) a portfolio of one to two completed screenplays of any length (produced or unproduced); 4) artist statement; (5) teaching portfolio including statement of teaching philosophy, sample syllabi, and teaching evaluations for 1-2 classes where you were the instructor of record (if available); (6) names of three references. Recommendation letters will be required for those selected for initial interviews. For questions regarding the search, please email the chair of the search committee, Professor Joy Goodwin: goodwinj@unc.edu

Review of applications will begin on November 16, 2026. The search committee will interview an initial slate of candidates on Zoom in December 2026. Finalists will be invited for on-campus interviews in early 2027.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to facultyrecruitment@unc.edu.

Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.