Assistant/Associate Professor of Strategic Communication

Biola University • La Mirada, CA

63d

About The Position

Biola University, a private Christian institution in Southern California, seeks applications for a full-time faculty position in Strategic Communication for its nationally recognized School of Fine Arts and Communication, beginning August 2026. Strategic Communication is the study of how to use communication and media to influence the opinions and behaviors of public groups. You'll critically evaluate challenges and use strategic communication to respond to them. The study of Strategic Communication prepares students for communication- and media-related careers in a range of corporate, non-profit, and public service fields. Students specialize in analyzing and influencing cultural trends and crafting messages on behalf of organizations, policies, brands, products, and social causes. Strategic Communication in the digital age involves using communication techniques and digital media to achieve specific organizational goals. It encompasses planning, creating, and disseminating messages across various digital platforms to reach target audiences and influence their behavior. Key elements include understanding target audiences, crafting compelling content, selecting appropriate channels, and measuring campaign effectiveness. The Division of Communication is housed in the School of Fine Arts and Communication. The Division of Communication consists of a BA in Communication with concentrations in Communication Studies, Digital Journalism and Media, and Public Relations and Strategic Communication. The Division and the program are poised for growth in emerging areas such as Health Communication and Organizational Communication, and Innovative Media. Within the Division, students learn from a core of major classes as well as highly specialized courses in their areas of concentration. Biola is a faith-forward institution in which faculty endorse a university-wide statement of Christian beliefs and community values. These are central to integrating faith into vocational learning. Biola's student body comes from across the globe, so the university embraces multicultural perspectives among its students, staff, and faculty. Candidates should be able to demonstrate not only the ability to work effectively within diverse populations but to ensure the voices of faith and vocation reflect the rich diversity of God's people both inside and outside the classroom. Biola University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnic group identification, sex, age, or physical or mental disability. However, as a private religious institution, the University reserves the right to exercise preference based on religion in all of its employment practices.

Requirements

• A terminal degree in Communication, Strategic Communication, Digital Media, or a related discipline is preferred.
• A record of research and scholarship in the field is necessary
• Candidates should be able to demonstrate not only the ability to work effectively within diverse populations but to ensure the voices of faith and vocation reflect the rich diversity of God's people both inside and outside the classroom.
• Please send the following materials as part of your submission package: ● A cover letter ● Current curriculum vitae ● Statement describing your Christian faith and its influence on your professional career

Nice To Haves

• professional industry experience is highly desirable.
• The ideal candidate has professional and teaching experience in areas such as media relations, multimedia engagement, digital design, strategy, and management, visual media and communication, data visualization, etc.

Responsibilities

• Faculty responsibilities include teaching, academic advising, committee assignments, as well as service to the School of Fine Arts and Communication.
• The teaching load is 12-15 units per semester (with overload opportunities), in addition to continued professional work and/or research and scholarship.
• Faculty teach from established courses and are encouraged to enhance these courses and/or propose new courses to reflect new technologies, theories, and global trends. Faculty are also expected to be versed in the integration of faith and learning, making this a central aspect of their course instruction and development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees