Assistant/Associate Professor in Strategic Communication

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 for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The Hussman School affirms that the hiring, tenure, and promotion decisions should be the purview of the faculty and appropriate university bodies. We are a diverse, collaborative group of researchers and practitioners who address questions in political, social, and strategic communication; media processes and production; legal and regulatory issues in communication; media uses and effects; and health communication. The assistant or associate professor will become part of a vibrant team of researchers and professionals who contribute innovative ideas and solutions to the academy, classroom, and the practice.

We are also diverse in methodological approaches and welcome scholars who bridge methodological and theoretical traditions. We have strong interdisciplinary partners within the School of Information and Library Science and Gillings School of Global Public Health. In partnership with the School of Law, we operate the UNC Center for Media Law and Policy, which includes a graduate-level dual-degree program. We also have ties with Computer Science, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Women's and Gender Studies, Business, Public Policy and other departments and schools at the university.

In addition to robust undergraduate programs in public relations, advertising, and journalism, the Hussman School offers a Ph.D. in Media and Communication, an online M.A. in Digital Communication, and a two-year residential M.A. in Media and Communication with a focus on theory and research. The School also offers two new one-year M.A. programs in Strategic Communication and Journalism.

The Hussman School of Journalism and Media at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a leading strategic communication, advertising, or public relations scholar/teacher to join the faculty in Fall of 2025. The ideal candidate will have a proven research record and help to meet the high demand for strategic communication, public relations, and advertising courses among our undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students.

This tenure track/tenured position is open at the assistant or associate professor level. Initial rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Successful candidates for associate professor with tenure will bring academic credentials that will qualify them to earn tenure at a top-tier Research 1 public university, such as UNC Chapel Hill. Applicants at either level must hold a Ph.D. or will have completed a Ph.D. before hire and have teaching experience as an instructor of record. This nine-month position carries the possibility of additional employment during the summer months. Summer teaching is not guaranteed.

The duties for this assistant or associate professor on the research track will include conducting research in the area of strategic communication, advertising, and/or public relations. The teaching commitment would include four (4) courses per academic year (two courses per semester) at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The faculty member is expected to have an active research portfolio with publications in leading media and communication journals and presentations at leading research conferences and will be expected to mentor and advise students at the graduate and undergraduate levels, as well as chair doctoral dissertations and master's theses. Undergraduate courses may include public relations writing, principles, research, case studies, and campaigns. Graduate-level courses may include public relations theory and practice; qualitative and/or quantitative research approaches; reputation management; case studies and management; strategic writing; or insights and analytics. The assistant or associate professor also will be encouraged to develop new courses to diversify the curriculum and to reflect the fast-moving fields of public relations, advertising, and/or strategic communication.

In addition to research and teaching, service contributions include activities addressing the general needs of UNC Hussman and UNC-Chapel Hill, such as serving on committees and engaging in outreach and development. This person will also have active participation and leadership potential in national and international research and professional associations such as AEJMC, ICA, NCA, AAA, Public Relations Society of America, and the Institute for Public Relations.

This position is expected to fulfill the standard requirements for teaching, research and service expected of an assistant or associate professor at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or will have completed a Ph.D. before hire and have teaching experience as an instructor of record. The successful candidate will have media or communications industry experience to bring to the classroom as well as a proven record of research in the area of strategic communication, public relations, or advertising.

Proficiency in one or more research methods, including qualitative, quantitative, and computational methods and demonstrated expertise in emerging fields that complement and advance the School's mission and vision is preferred.

Applicants are preferred to have 5 or more years of media or communications industry experience to bring to the classroom and evidence of the potential for attracting extramural funds, including but not limited to grants.

Please apply at https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/277249 and upload the following documents:

1. Curriculum vitae;

2. Cover letter highlighting qualifications;

3. Research statement;
4. Teaching portfolio, including philosophy statement, examples of courses taught, and evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., summary of or example of recent teaching evaluations). Please upload the teaching portfolio as a single file.
5. Two representative publications - please upload as a single file ("Other Document");

Review of applications will begin on September 1, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.

Please direct questions to the Search Committee Chair, Lucinda Austin, at lucinda.austin@unc.edu.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.