Assistant Professor in Public Relations

CSU Careers • San José, CA

8d • 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 17, 2027. The successful candidate will bring practical and scholarly expertise in public relations and strategic communication and teach in both the on-campus and SJSU Online undergraduate Public Relations degree programs. Potential courses include Principles of Public Relations, Public Relations Writing, Social Media Strategies, Public Relations Research, Strategic Communication Planning, and Campaigns.

The faculty member will maintain an active research, scholarship, or creative activity program; create inclusive, engaging, applied learning experiences for in-person and online settings; advise and mentor students; contribute to curriculum and program development; and build relationships with professional and community partners. The candidate will also participate in shared governance and service. Classes must be organized within Canvas. The role requires an on-campus presence, and work may only be performed in California. Employment is contingent on US residence, proof of eligibility to work in the United States, and satisfactory completion of a background check.

Requirements

• 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 then.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to the educational goals of a socially and economically diverse student population, as may be demonstrated through cross-cultural study, training, teaching, or comparable experience.

Nice To Haves

• 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 then.
• Experience teaching public relations courses online (synchronous or asynchronous), in hybrid formats, and in person.
• Ability to teach core public relations courses, particularly public relations 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, and applied learning experiences for 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 program improvement.
• Cultivate relationships with public relations professionals, community partners, and professional organizations to support experiential learning and student opportunities.
• Participate in shared governance, department, college, and university committees, and other service assignments.
• Organize all classes within the Canvas Learning Management System.
• Demonstrate awareness of diverse student needs through inclusive course materials, teaching strategies, and advisement.

Benefits

• Faculty employee benefits described as very competitive for the higher education sector; the posting refers applicants to the CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior