CCIS – Assistant/Associate Professor, Renewable Contract, Public Relations and Entrepreneurship, Advertising and Public Relations- 530881

The University of Alabama • Tuscaloosa, AL

11d

About The Position

The Department of Advertising and Public Relations at The University of Alabama seeks a renewable contract, non-tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in public relations and entrepreneurship to support a new initiative focused on entrepreneurial activity among students and industry. The position is expected to begin in August 2027.

The successful candidate will bring professional public relations expertise, a commitment to preparing students to contribute to the creation, development, and growth of entrepreneurial ventures, and innovative thinking in professional practice that can also inform classroom teaching. Relevant experience may include work with startups and emerging ventures, entrepreneurial clients, agencies or consultancies, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, social enterprises, incubators, accelerators, university entrepreneurship or commercialization programs, and communications related to funding, investor relations, crowdfunding, mergers and acquisitions, or business transitions. These examples are illustrative; other relevant entrepreneurial experience may qualify.

Depending on experience and background, the faculty member may teach courses including Introduction to Advertising and Public Relations, Audience Analysis, Channels and Messaging, Public Relations Strategy, Public Relations Writing, Advertising and Public Relations Management, Public Relations Leadership, Public Relations Campaigns, Business for Strategic Communicators, and Ethics and Professionalism. The faculty member will also be encouraged to develop courses linking public relations and entrepreneurship, such as courses on communications for emerging ventures, public relations and organizational growth, or starting and managing an agency or independent practice.

The successful candidate will be expected to work as an active and engaged member of a highly collaborative faculty team, teach four courses each fall and spring semester, and develop partnerships with the Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute, The EDGE, and other entrepreneurship programs. The ability to work with student organizations such as PRSSA is desired. Depending on academic qualifications, the faculty member may teach master's and doctoral courses.

Requirements

• For assistant professor rank: a Ph.D. in public relations or a related field and at least three years of professional experience in public relations or a related field, including at least one year involving entrepreneurial communications activities.
• For associate professor rank: a Ph.D. in public relations or a related field and at least 10 years of professional experience in public relations or a related field, including at least three years involving entrepreneurial communications activities.
• Proficiency in AP style.
• Ability to contribute as an active and engaged member of a highly collaborative faculty team.

Nice To Haves

• Five or more years of public relations experience in senior or leadership roles.
• Three or more years of leadership-level entrepreneurial communications activities.
• Experience teaching college-level classes or leading employee training or workshops.
• Experience using innovative, experiential teaching approaches such as client-based projects, design thinking, venture simulations, pitch development, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Ability to help students build creativity, adaptability, and comfort with experimentation.
• Experience working with AI to assist with or create public relations communications.
• Ability to work with student groups such as PRSSA.

Responsibilities

• Teach four courses each fall and spring semester.
• Teach undergraduate courses in advertising and public relations, with assignments based on the candidate's experience and background.
• Develop new courses connecting public relations and entrepreneurship.
• Work as an active and engaged member of a highly collaborative faculty team.
• Develop partnerships with the Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute, The EDGE, and other entrepreneurship programs.
• Potentially teach master's and doctoral courses, depending on academic qualifications.
• Work with student groups such as the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), as desired.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree