Assistant Professor in Public Relations

San José State University•San Jose, CA

10d•$90,000 - $94,000•Onsite

About The Position

San José State University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communications seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Public Relations beginning August 2027. The successful candidate will bring practical and scholarly expertise in public relations and strategic communication, with possible areas including public relations writing, media relations, digital and social media, research and analytics, crisis communication, campaign planning, emerging technologies, or related fields. The faculty member will teach in both the on-campus and SJSU Online Public Relations degree programs, with courses potentially including Principles of Public Relations, Public Relations Writing, Social Media Strategies, Public Relations Research, Strategic Communication Planning, and Campaigns. The position includes developing an active program of research, scholarship, or creative activity; designing inclusive, engaging, applied learning experiences; advising and mentoring students; contributing to curriculum development, assessment, accreditation, and program improvement; and building relationships with industry, community, and professional organizations. The faculty member will also participate in shared governance and organize classes in Canvas. The role requires awareness of and experience addressing the needs of a diverse student population through inclusive course materials, teaching, and advisement. The appointment is based in California and requires establishing an on-campus presence. Employment is contingent on US residence, proof of eligibility to work in the United States, and satisfactory completion of a background check.

Requirements

A master's degree (MFA, MA, or MS) in Public Relations, Strategic Communication, Mass Communication, Communication, or a closely related discipline by the start of the appointment. ABD candidates may be considered if the degree is completed by that date.
Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to the educational goals of a socially and economically diverse student population, gained through cross-cultural study, training, teaching, or comparable experience.

Nice To Haves

A PhD in Public Relations, Strategic Communication, Mass Communication, Communication, or a closely related discipline by the start of the appointment; ABD candidates may be considered if the doctoral degree is completed by that date.
Experience teaching public relations courses online (synchronous or asynchronous), in hybrid formats, and in person.
Ability to teach core public relations courses, particularly writing, crisis communication, research methods, digital and social media, strategic planning, and campaigns.
Professional experience in agency, corporate, nonprofit, government, or community-based public relations.
A developed or developing research or creative agenda in public relations, strategic communication, digital media, artificial intelligence, or emerging communication technologies.
Experience integrating artificial intelligence, social listening, media monitoring, digital analytics, multimedia production, or data visualization into public relations teaching, research, or professional practice.
Experience with client-based projects, experiential learning, community-engaged learning, or other innovative teaching approaches.
Evidence of scholarly, teaching, or professional achievement, such as publications, grants, awards, accreditation, or industry recognition.
Experience mentoring and advising students from varied educational, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Engagement with professional or scholarly organizations such as PRSA, PRSSA, AEJMC, ICA, or NCA.
Breadth of experience supporting curriculum development, internship programs, student-run agencies, or partnerships with professional and community organizations.

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate Public Relations courses in the on-campus and SJSU Online degree programs.
Teach core and elective courses in areas such as public relations writing, research, media relations, digital and social media, strategic planning, crisis communication, and campaigns.
Develop and maintain an active program of research, scholarship, or creative activity contributing to public relations or strategic communication.
Design and deliver inclusive, engaging, applied learning experiences suited to in-person and online instruction.
Advise and mentor students on academic progress, internships, professional development, and career preparation.
Contribute to curriculum development, assessment, accreditation, and ongoing program improvement.
Cultivate relationships with public relations professionals, community partners, and professional organizations to support experiential learning and student opportunities.
Participate in shared governance, including department, college, and university committees and other service assignments.
Organize all classes within the Canvas Learning Management System.
Address the needs of a diverse student population through inclusive course materials, teaching strategies, and advisement.