Assistant/Associate Professor of Journalism

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Chesterfield, VA

3d•$0 - $60,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Virginia State University and the Department of Mass Communications invites applicants for our Public Relations/Strategic Communications term faculty position (VSUFO667), at the rank of assistant or associate professor. The anticipated start date for the position is FALL 2026. Successful candidates will be engaged in scholarship that advances the field of public relations. As a faculty member, successful candidates will teach in-person, hybrid, and online courses in the fall and spring semesters, advise undergraduate students, participate in department and university committees, and will serve as the Faculty Advisor for BSU’s PRSSA chapter.

Requirements

Bachelor’s, master’s or terminal degree in public relations or closely related discipline by August 2026. Applicants with significant professional experience with a bachelor’s degree may be considered.
The ability to teach undergraduate courses in Public Relations/Strategic Communications.
Appropriately credentialed to teach assigned courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated commitment to the mission of public higher education, including support for access, equity, and student success.
Evidence of effective engagement with a diverse student body through inclusive pedagogies, mentoring, or advising.
Use of innovative, high-impact teaching practices in public relations courses, such as experiential-learning, service-learning, or project-based approaches.
Record of peer-reviewed scholarship in public relations that advances the discipline.
Evidence of interdisciplinary collaborations extending PR scholarship into related fields.
Active participation in scholarly associations (e.g., ICA , NCA , AEJMC ) through conference presentations, leadership roles, or editorial service.
Demonstrated involvement in PRSSA and/or PRSA .
Relevant credentials or demonstrated knowledge of emerging communication platforms and tools (e.g., Hubspot, Hootsuite, Meltwater, APR , etc.).
Professional experience in public relations or a closely related field.
Professional industry experience and connections related to social media, content strategy, digital media, digital communication, interactive media, or related fields.
Proficiency with relevant industry standard software, such as the Adobe Creative Suite of Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, After Effects and Premiere, and Figma.
Experience in interactive media design, writing for online, mobile, and game platforms, social media content strategy, immersive or 360 video storytelling, strategic storytelling, audience research and analysis, or other areas within interactive media.
Knowledge of online content and media strategy for current and emerging technologies, theory and history of digital and interactive media, search engine optimization (SEO), generative AI, personal branding, and interactive media career preparation.
Experience teaching interactive media-related courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Ability to develop courses to match changing media industries, advise students on internships and career paths, and other student and industry-focused initiatives.

Responsibilities

Engaged in scholarship that advances the field of public relations.
Teach in-person, hybrid, and online courses in the fall and spring semesters.
Advise undergraduate students.
Participate in department and university committees.
Serve as the Faculty Advisor for BSU’s PRSSA chapter.

Benefits

Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) - Immediate vesting | Portable | Investment choice
Virginia Retirement System (VRS) - Defined benefit pension | Lifetime monthly income
457 Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP)
403(b) (TIAA)
Comprehensive medical & dental plans
Employee Assistance Program
Paid annual and sick leave
Paid state and federal holidays
Employer-paid life insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility