Salary: $135,000.00 - $160,000.00 Annually
Location : Brooklyn, NY, NY
Job Type: Chair
Job Number:Division: School of Art
Department: Film/Video
Opening Date: 11/02/2026
Closing Date: 2/1/2027 11:59 PM Eastern
Description The School of Art at Pratt Institute seeks an accomplished artist/filmmaker and empathetic leader to serve as
Chairperson of the Film/Video Department beginning July 2027. Over the past two decades, the department has grown substantially, evolving its curriculum and assessment practices while building a distinguished faculty and staff committed to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and student-centered learning community of approximately 215 students.
The ideal candidate will bring a compelling vision for the future of film and media education, along with the demonstrated leadership experience to guide the department through its next chapter. Applicants should demonstrate significant expertise in both higher education and filmmaking, as well as a strong record of creative practice and engagement with the evolving field. The successful candidate will bring excellent academic, administrative, organizational, and communication skills; a collaborative and transparent leadership style; and a genuine commitment to mentorship, inclusion, and student success. Above all, the Chair will be an engaged and nurturing leader who can articulate a forward-looking vision while honoring the department's distinctive culture, strengths, and history.
About the Department: The Film/Video Department within the School of Art offers a BFA in Film degree that provides students with a strong foundation in the conceptual, technical, and professional skills involved in nonfiction, fiction, experimental, and other time-based media practices. Students develop technical and professional proficiency through hands-on experience with analog and digital equipment, while exploring complex histories and contexts and pushing the boundaries of conventional forms. At the heart of the program and its pedagogy is an emphasis on collaborative learning, imaginative thinking, visual literacy, the articulation of personal voice, and the development of a bold artistic vision. The curriculum offers opportunities for cross-disciplinary study across the Schools of Art, Design, Architecture, and Liberal Arts and Sciences. Alumni from the department go on to pursue careers across the industry, becoming award-winning independent writer-directors, producers, editors, sound professionals, cinematographers, and innovative social media content creators.
The department is supported by 5 full-time faculty, 30 part-time faculty, and 8 staff members. Department offices and classrooms are located in a 15,000-square-foot facility that includes a 96-seat screening room, an equipment cage, sound stages, a sound studio, and post-production suites.
About the School: Pratt's School of Art provides a rigorous, student-centered education that encourages risk-taking and exploration. The school is a dynamic community of students, faculty, and staff committed to meeting the challenges of the 21st century. Programs within the school develop through a mutual, sustained process of critique, articulation, and reflection, and foster an interdisciplinary environment that allows students to broaden their creative thinking and pursuits. Guided by outstanding faculty, students learn to integrate theory and practice, develop their creative voices, and actively engage with the world.
Examples of DutiesDepartment Chairs play an important role as both administrators and educational leaders at Pratt. The responsibilities of the Chair require excellent organizational abilities and include:
- overseeing all aspects of departmental activities, including department curricula and educational programs;
- managing the departmental budget;
- recruiting, hiring, supervising, and mentoring faculty and staff;
- managing recruitment and retention efforts to ensure healthy student cohorts;
- facilitating program learning outcome assessment and periodic comprehensive program review;
- predicting and responding to changes in the field as a practical operational leader and also a thought leader;
- working with staff and faculty to ensure equipment, technology, and facilities remain current;
- creating a welcoming environment in the department, managing conflict, advising, and addressing student concerns in accordance with Institute policies and procedures;
- interfacing with other departments on campus to share resources;
- leading and promoting research, grant writing, and fundraising;
- developing initiatives with alumni, the industry, and the greater community;
- steering high-profile showcase events such as workshops, screenings, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Qualifications Education: MFA or a terminal degree or its equivalent in Film/Video or a related field.
Skills: - strong administrative skills;
- at least five years of administrative management experience in higher education;
- strong academic background and the ability to lead curricular development and assessment;
- a minimum of five years of college-level teaching;
- demonstrated engagement with technological advancements in the field;
- proven achievement in art, filmmaking, film/video screenings, exhibitions, publications, broadcasts, producing, production, curatorial work, and/or scholarship;
- excellent organizational and interpersonal skills;
- the ability to communicate well with diverse populations.
Supplemental Information Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. This administrative appointment carries a twelve-month per year workload and a three-year contract that may be renewed.
Application Instructions: The review of applications will begin on January 22, 2027 and continue until the position is filled. The desired start date for this position is July 1, 2027.
Please submit:
- a detailed letter of intent addressing your experience and interest in the position;
- a curriculum vitae, including courses taught;
- a portfolio of 4-10 examples of recent creative/professional work, including relevant links;
- a statement of administrative philosophy;
- a statement demonstrating alignment of your research and scholarship with the values of Pratt as described in this position description;
- the names and contact information for five professional references.
Please Note: We are currently unable to support new H-1B visas for candidates residing outside of the United States. Medical
Dental
Vision
HSA
Company Sponsored Basic Life & AD&D
Company Sponsored Long Term Disability
Flex Spending Account (Health, Dependant Care)
Commuter Benefits (Transit & Parking)
Disability (NYS)
Voluntary Short Term Disability
Voluntary Life Insurance
403B Retirement Plan
Voluntary Supplemental Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off (Vac & Sick)
