Lecturer of Strategic Communication/Director for the Social Brand Lab

Southern Utah University • Cedar City, UT

73d

About The Position

The Department of Communication at Southern Utah University invites applications for a full-time, nine-month, nontenure-track Lecturer of Strategic Communication who will also serve as Director of the Social Brand Lab. The position begins August 16, 2026. This faculty member will teach 15 credit hours per semester, including COMM 2030 Social Media Branding and COMM 4930 Social Media Lab, and help deliver other courses across the Strategic Communication emphasis. In addition to teaching responsibilities, the successful candidate will direct SUU's Social Brand Lab. Operated as a student-run branding agency, the Lab serves as a collaborative, professional learning environment that engages students in realistic integrated marketing communication projects for students studying strategic communication. The Director will be expected to bring a clear vision for the Lab, cultivate revenue-generating partnerships that provide students with direct experience working with real clients, and mentor students as they prepare for professional roles in branding, advertising, public relations, and related disciplines. This position carries a 5-5 teaching load, with one course per semester reassigned to directing the Social Brand Lab.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Strategic Communication, Public Relations, Advertising, Communication, or a closely related field.
• University-level teaching experience in strategic communication or related areas.
• Professional experience in strategic communication (e.g., branding, advertising, public relations, social media management).

Nice To Haves

• Graduate degree in a relevant field (as noted above).
• Experience directing or helping lead a professional center, agency, or lab similar to the SUU Social Brand Lab.
• Experience with experiential or project-based learning.
• Evidence of strong student mentorship and engagement.

Responsibilities

• Teach 15 credit hours per semester, including COMM 2030 Social Media Branding and COMM 4930 Social Media Lab, and help deliver other courses across the Strategic Communication emphasis.
• Direct SUU's Social Brand Lab.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight for the Social Brand Lab, including: Creating an agency-style, experiential learning environment for students.
• Offering opportunities for real-world application of branding, advertising, PR, and social media skills.
• Cultivate revenue-generating clients in accordance with the business plan.
• Facilitating collaboration between students, faculty, and campus/community partners
• Participate in department, college, and university service.
• Mentor and advise students within the Strategic Communication emphasis.
• Contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented academic environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees