Assistant Professor, Communication Studies

Otterbein University•Westerville, OH

8h•Onsite

About The Position

Otterbein University seeks a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Communication Studies to teach seven courses annually, advise students, and maintain a program of scholarship and service. The teaching load includes helping maintain and support Otterbein’s award-winning speech and debate team. Courses may include Argumentation, Public Speaking, Communicating with Audiences, and Professional and Persuasive Writing. Additional teaching opportunities may be available in areas of interest and in the Freshman Year Seminar, Integrative Studies, and Senior Year Experience programs. Faculty are expected to participate in professional and community activities related to scholarship, professional development, student advising and mentorship, and service. The appointment begins in August 2027. The role carries tenure-track expectations for teaching, scholarship, and service. The position is based at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Speech Communication, Communication Studies, or Rhetoric, or a J.D. with a background in speech and debate, required for the tenure-track appointment.
Experience in competitive speech and debate required.
Teaching experience required.
Desire to work with and mentor students.
Superior communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
Ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff from diverse communities and cultures.

Nice To Haves

Experience with and enthusiasm for the student speech and debate team.
Prior teaching experience in a liberal arts setting.
An established program of scholarship.
Commitment to excellence in teaching.

Responsibilities

Teach seven courses each year in Communication.
Advise and mentor students.
Maintain a program of scholarship and service.
Help maintain and support the university’s speech and debate team; this work forms part of the teaching load.
Participate in professional and community activities related to scholarship, professional development, student advising and mentorship, and service.
Contribute to the department’s efforts to enhance diversity and provide an inclusive learning environment.