Professor of Writing for the Screen, Television, and Media

The John Wells Division of Screen and Television Writing within USC's School of Cinematic Arts is seeking a candidate for a tenured faculty position in the field of Screen, Television and New Media Writing.

We are looking for someone with significant and sustained experience writing produced work, with the strongest consideration given to those who have worked in film, television and new media. A history of successful teaching experience is preferred; however, practitioners with minimal teaching experience but a distinguished track record in the field are also encouraged to apply.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• A CV of superlative creative work in film and TV. Additional experience in new media is preferred.
• A record of strong leadership in academic and/or professional contexts, including evidence of mentoring and training.
• Enthusiasm about teaching and a strong interest in developing new curricula at all levels of study.
• Achievements recognized by industry, professional or academic organizations. These may include, but are not limited to, Oscars, Baftas, Emmys, Tonys, DICE, Writers Guild Awards, Spirit Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Humanitas Awards, significant Festival or competition awards, et. al.
• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others and assume leadership roles on academic committees/task forces/research groups (or the equivalent thereof in a professional context).

An ideal candidate seeking a tenure appointment should demonstrate tenure-ability, or strong potential for tenure, as evidenced by prior academic appointments or an equivalent record of professional achievement.

The successful candidate will teach courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, with topics ranging from the basics of screenwriting to writing workshops in episodic comedy and drama, feature-length screenplays, and new media.

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited institution.

Minimum Experience

• Produced professional credits. Has an established record of produced professional credits.
• Experience teaching or mentoring emerging writers. Demonstrates teaching experience or experience mentoring emerging writers, ideally at the college level, including professional and community seminars, workshops, and mentorships.
• Demonstrates strong communication and collaborative leadership skills, as well as professional rigor and ethical standards.

Preferred Education: Advanced degrees in relevant fields.

Preferred Experience

• Sustained record of produced professional credits in film, television, theater, and new media.
• Demonstrates deep engagement or leadership in relevant professional organizations and communities.
• Previous teaching experience and a record of service in writing departments at a four-year accredited institution, including experience mentoring emerging writers. The criteria for appointment will be excellence in all categories of performance deemed essential for the position under consideration.

Applicants should submit a letter describing their background, interests, areas of expertise, and vision for this position, as well as a separate statement of your teaching philosophy. Also include an up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae, a short sample of their professional work, and the names of three references when submitting the application.

The core salary range for this position is $120,000 - $175,000 per year. This is a 9-month full-time tenure position.

When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Candidates whose completed applications are received by May 29, 2026, will receive full consideration. Applications received later will be considered until the position is filled.

Job ID REQ20172789 Posted Date 04/08/2026

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