Assistant Professor & Associate Director, Center for Media Ethics and Literacy

University of Arkansas System • Fayetteville, NC

28d • Onsite

About The Position

The School of Journalism and Strategic Media at the University of Arkansas invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position. This hire will serve as the Associate Director of the Center for Media Ethics and Literacy, reporting to the director. We are seeking a scholar whose research and teaching align with our faculty cluster in Democracy, Ethics, and Immigration. The successful candidate will combine scholarly excellence with a commitment to public engagement and pedagogical innovation within a rapidly growing School of Journalism. This is a standard nine-month academic appointment.

This is an in-person position. Most university classes are offered face-to-face, and extensive in-person engagement in such activities as office hours, student advising, and departmental, college, and university committee meetings is essential to advancing student success and departmental effectiveness.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Requirements

• Terminal degree in Journalism, Media Studies, Communication (or a closely related field) from an accredited institution of higher education conferred by the date of initial appointment
• A demonstrated record of exceptional teaching and mentoring at the graduate level and/or undergraduate level, especially journalism-related courses
• Evidence of, or a demonstrated potential for publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed research and a clear vision for Center-led research initiatives
• Demonstrated experience in journalism and reporting, combined with a strong working knowledge of media-industry ethical standards and practices and evidence-based media literacy pedagogy
• Current knowledge in the field of media ethics, literacy and theory, especially news literacy, civic engagement, and democratic practices
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to develop media ethics and literacy curriculum and research agendas
• Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in the media industry or non-profit leadership roles
• Experience in securing external funding and managing research budgets
• A track record of public-facing communication (e.g., op-eds, public lectures, active media presence)
• Experience in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in independent research

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Associate Director of the center, providing strategic leadership to the College and the University.
• Produce high-impact scholarly research in the fields of media ethics, literacy and theory, especially news literacy, civic engagement, and democratic practices.
• Actively engage and educate the public and industry professionals on ethics and literacy issues in the news cycle through the Center’s website, social media platforms, and other public-facing initiatives.
• Pursue external research support (grants, fellowships, etc.) to advance the strategic goals of the Center, the School, and the University.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate students in the School of Journalism, utilizing innovative media literacy pedagogy and practices to help students navigate the intersection of theoretical ethics and real-world newsroom challenges, drawing upon professional experience in journalism and reporting.
• Serve as a mentor and advisor to SJSM students.
• Serve on thesis and honors committees and participate in departmental, college, and university governance as appropriate for a tenure-track faculty rank.

Benefits

• University contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance
• Tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• Immediate leave accrual
• A choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

What This Job Offers

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