Assistant Professor, Strategic Communication/Public Relations - School of Communication Studies

James Madison University•Harrisonburg, VA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

James Madison University's School of Communication Studies is seeking a tenure-track faculty member specializing in Strategic Communication/Public Relations at the Assistant Professor rank. The position begins in August 2027. We are looking for an innovative scholar and educator whose teaching, research, and professional experiences will enhance the study and practice of strategic communication and public relations. Ideal candidates will possess strong scholarly potential, excellent teaching abilities, and professional or applied expertise. They should be able to contribute to both the undergraduate public relations curriculum and the graduate strategic communication program. The successful candidate will join a dynamic program that includes an active and award-winning PRSSA chapter and a student-run public relations firm. The School's Public Relations program has received recognition, including an honorable mention for Education Program of the Year by the PRWeek Awards. This environment offers excellent opportunities for faculty to integrate scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional practice.

Requirements

A PhD in Communication or a related field is required; ABD applicants with the degree near completion will be considered with the requirement that the degree be conferred by August 2027.
Demonstrate evidence of teaching excellence.
Possess a record of continued or promising scholarly productivity.

Nice To Haves

Professional experience in public relations, strategic communication, corporate communication, nonprofit communication, public affairs, agency practice, or a related field.
Experience teaching public relations writing, research methods, campaigns, theory, capstone, digital/social media, analytics, or related courses.
Expertise in digital and social media, emerging communication technologies, artificial intelligence, analytics, or other evolving areas of public relations practice and research.
Experience pursuing external research funding or demonstrated potential to develop externally funded research.
Experience with experiential, client-based, community-engaged, or applied teaching and scholarship.

Responsibilities

Teach a variety of public relations courses at the undergraduate level, including public relations writing, theory, research methods, and/or capstone courses.
Teach strategic communication courses at the graduate level.
Incorporate experiential, project-based, client-based, and/or community-engaged learning where appropriate.
Maintain an active research program that contributes to the scholarly study of public relations and strategic communication.
Publish scholarly work in appropriate peer-reviewed outlets and present research at professional and scholarly conferences.
Pursue interdisciplinary research and external funding opportunities as appropriate to the candidate’s research agenda.
Mentor and advise undergraduate and graduate students.
Contribute to the School’s student professional development activities, including opportunities associated with PRSSA and Bluestone Communications, our student-run public relations firm.
Participate in appropriate School, College, University, professional, and community service.