Assistant Professor of Communication

Central Washington University•Ellensburg, WA

40d•$65,000 - $78,000•Onsite

About The Position

Central Washington University is recruiting an Assistant Professor of Communication to join our Communication team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. We're offering a salary, depending on experience, from $65,000 to $78,000 annually plus the awesome CWU benefits. Who we are: We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams. Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~8,300 students. Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for seven out of eight years, CWU was a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025. Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus. The Department of Communication of Central Washington University (CWU) seeks an Assistant Professor for a tenure-track position in strategic communication and media. This position begins in September 2026. The Department of Communication offers a Bachelor's degree in Communication, Media and Journalism, and Public Relations. We have 6 full-time faculty with areas of emphasis in intercultural communication, public communication, rhetoric, media, and journalism. Programs focus on courses of high-impact practices, which highlight hands-on learning experiences for students. Primary teaching responsibility of this position is to teach principle and practice-based courses on strategic communication and multimedia content creation. This position is expected to contribute to the core curriculum that includes introductory courses as well as courses on theory, research, and electives that align with the candidate's expertise and/or serve the department's curricular needs. Faculty are expected to contribute to the department/program; engage in scholarship appropriate to their field; and provide service to the University, the community and their profession. Faculty will integrate CWU's vision, mission, and values and create a learning environment that fosters student success and institutional excellence.

Requirements

A terminal degree (e.g., Ph.D. or M.F.A.) in Communication, Media Studies, Journalism, Mass Communication, or a related discipline (ABD candidates with a clear path to the degree completion and strong research record may be considered; however, the terminal degree must be completed within one year of start date.).
Scholarly expertise in strategic communication with an active research agenda.
Demonstrated record of university level teaching experience with successful teaching practices.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-based environment, seeking continuous improvement.
Willingness to teach a wide range of courses at all levels and modalities
Ability to meet or exceed tenure requirements
Teaching, research, service or other experience that has prepared the candidate to contribute to CWU's commitment to the engagement of students from a variety of backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Professional/teaching experience in content creation on multimedia platforms and/or strategic campaigns.
Versatility in teaching related courses such as leadership and/or business (for-profit and non-profit) communication depending on department needs.
Ability to coordinate program development (e.g., curriculum development, new course design, and program assessment in the areas of strategic communication and media).
A commitment to providing a community-engaged learning experience for students.
We particularly welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds, experience working with a diverse student body, and a demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary and academic service learning.
Experience working in a collaborative environment and/or utilizing a variety of teaching methods designed for broad student success.
Research program that that demonstrates an ability to contribute to CWU's vision to be a model learning community of access and opportunity.
Demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for students through teaching and/or mentoring activities.

Responsibilities

teach principle and practice-based courses on strategic communication and multimedia content creation
contribute to the core curriculum that includes introductory courses as well as courses on theory, research, and electives that align with the candidate's expertise and/or serve the department's curricular needs
contribute to the department/program
engage in scholarship appropriate to their field
provide service to the University, the community and their profession
integrate CWU's vision, mission, and values and create a learning environment that fosters student success and institutional excellence.