Assistant Professor - Advertising and Public Relations

Marshall University•Huntington, WV

37d

About The Position

The W. Page Pitt School of Journalism & Mass Communications at Marshall University invites applications for a nine-monthtenure-track Assistant Professor position in Advertising & Public Relations beginning in August 2026. The ideal candidate will have a background emphasizing public relations and/or strategic communications. We seek a committed and innovative educator-scholar who will contribute to the growth of our Advertising & Public Relations program, mentor students, and engage in meaningful scholarly and professional activity as well as service. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses, including AD & PR Campaign Management, AD & PR and Continuity Writing, Public Relations Planning, Research Analytics, and Public Relations Case Studies, which prepare students for professional careers in advertising and public relations, as well as School of Journalism and Mass Communications core courses. In addition, the new faculty member will actively serve as faculty adviser for the Marshall University Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter. They will also assist in advising Collective 37, the Marshall University student-run communications agency, a collaborative project between the School of Journalism & Mass Communications and the School of Art & Design. The person in this role will be expected to advise and mentor students on academic/professional development and internships, contribute to curriculum assessment and development, work collaboratively with colleagues, and participate in school, college, and university service activities and community initiatives. Moreover, the successful candidate will engage in scholarly and professional activity related to the field of public relations and/or strategic communications commensurate with Marshall University's classification as an R2 institution. The school also seeks candidates who will contribute to the University's general education curriculum and its emphasis on using high-impact teaching practices, particularly those affiliated with one (or more) of the institution's pedagogical initiatives (e.g., Community-based Learning, Critical Thinking, First Year Seminar, Writing Across Curriculum, etc.). Additionally, the ideal candidate will contribute to the College's support of interdisciplinary programs of study. About the School The W. Page Pitt School of Journalism & Mass Communications, part of Marshall University's College of Arts & Media, provides a student-focused education that combines academic rigor with hands-on professional and experiential learning. Our programs prepare students for careers in journalism, advertising, public relations, media production, and related communications fields.

Requirements

Must be able to perform all essential job duties as outlined in the job description.
Terminal Degree in Public Relations, Mass Communications, Strategic Communications, or a closely related field (ABD considered).
Demonstrated professional experience in public relations, strategic communications, and/or a related area.
Evidence of effective teaching or strong potential for effective college-level instruction.
Record of, or evidence of strong potential for, scholarly and professional activity related to public relations and/or strategic communications.
Ability to integrate emerging trends, tools, and technologies into teaching and professional activity.
Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
Demonstrated effectiveness in utilizing social media.
Commitment to student-centered learning, welcoming students from all perspectives and backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. in Public Relations, Mass Communications, Strategic Communications, or a closely related field (ABD considered).
College-level teaching experience in public relations and/or strategic communications courses.
Experience advising student organizations (e.g., PRSSA) or mentoring students in applied professional contexts.

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate courses, including AD & PR Campaign Management, AD & PR and Continuity Writing, Public Relations Planning, Research Analytics, and Public Relations Case Studies, which prepare students for professional careers in advertising and public relations, as well as School of Journalism and Mass Communications core courses.
Actively serve as faculty adviser for the Marshall University Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter.
Assist in advising Collective 37, the Marshall University student-run communications agency, a collaborative project between the School of Journalism & Mass Communications and the School of Art & Design.
Advise and mentor students on academic/professional development and internships
Contribute to curriculum assessment and development
Work collaboratively with colleagues
Participate in school, college, and university service activities and community initiatives.
Engage in scholarly and professional activity related to the field of public relations and/or strategic communications commensurate with Marshall University's classification as an R2 institution.
Contribute to the University's general education curriculum and its emphasis on using high-impact teaching practices
Contribute to the College's support of interdisciplinary programs of study.

Benefits

Work week is 37.5 hrs.
A great highlight in December is that Marshall University employees receive almost two weeks off for Winter Break!
Holidays - Employees receive 13 Paid Holidays
Annual and Sick Leave - Classified Staff, Non-Classified Staff and 12-month Faculty earn up to 24 days of annual leave per year (max 360 hours) and up to 18 days of sick leave per year.
Health Insurance - Marshall University offers health insurance through West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA). There are seven (7) health benefit plans.
Educational/Tuition Benefits - Marshall University provides tuition benefits to regular employees (after probationary period) and their dependent children.
Retirement Plans - Marshall University offers retirement through Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA). Full-time benefits eligible employees must participate in the mandated retirement plan (401(a)).
Life Insurance - Basic term life insurance ($10,000) at no cost and may purchase optional life insurance coverage with pre-tax earnings.
Wellness Programs - PEIA provides various care management programs and the Pathways to Wellness program.

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