CCIS – Professor of Practice, Renewable Contract, Public Relations and Entrepreneurship, Advertising and Public Relations- 530883

The University of Alabama • Tuscaloosa, AL

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Advertising and Public Relations at The University of Alabama is hiring a renewable-contract, non-tenure-track Professor of Practice in public relations and entrepreneurship to support a new initiative encouraging entrepreneurial activity among students and industry. The successful candidate will bring professional public relations expertise, a commitment to preparing students to contribute to entrepreneurial ventures, innovative professional practice, and the ability to bring that approach into the classroom. The position starts in August 2027.

The faculty member will teach four courses each fall and spring semester. Depending on experience and background, courses may include introductory advertising and public relations, audience analysis, channels and messaging, public relations strategy, writing, management, leadership and campaigns, business for strategic communicators, and ethics and professionalism. The faculty member will also be encouraged to develop courses connecting public relations and entrepreneurship, such as communications for emerging ventures, public relations' role in organizational growth, and starting or managing an agency or independent practice. The successful candidate will be expected to develop partnerships with the Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute, The EDGE, and other entrepreneurship programs, and may work with student groups such as PRSSA. Teaching master's and doctoral courses may be possible depending on academic qualifications.

Relevant entrepreneurial experience may include work at startups or high-growth companies; serving entrepreneurial clients through an agency or consultancy; founding or building a communications business; advising founders and small businesses; supporting incubators, accelerators, or commercialization initiatives; helping launch nonprofits or social enterprises; developing new communications ventures or agency practices; and managing investor, funding, transition, or exit communications. These examples are illustrative rather than exhaustive.

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to be an active, engaged member of a collaborative faculty team. The university is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Applications submitted by November 30, 2026, receive full consideration; review continues until the position is filled.

Requirements

• For Professor of Practice rank, a master's degree in public relations or a related field, including an MBA, and at least three years of professional experience in public relations or a related field, including at least one year involving entrepreneurial communications activities; alternatively, a bachelor's degree and 20 years of significant professional experience outside academia, including 10 years involving extensive entrepreneurial communications activities, with an established record of professional distinction and achievement at the pinnacle of one's career.
• Proficiency in AP style.
• Ability to be an active and engaged member of a highly collaborative faculty team.

Nice To Haves

• Five or more years of public relations experience in senior or leadership roles.
• Three or more years of leadership-level entrepreneurial communications activities.
• Experience teaching college-level classes or leading employee training or workshops.
• Experience using innovative, experiential teaching approaches such as client-based projects, design thinking, venture simulations, pitch development, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Ability to help students develop creativity, adaptability, and comfort with experimentation in entrepreneurial environments.
• Experience working with AI to assist with or create public relations communications.
• Ability to work with student groups such as PRSSA.

Responsibilities

• Teach four courses each fall and spring semester.
• Teach courses in advertising, public relations, strategic communication, management, leadership, campaigns, business, and ethics, as assigned based on experience and background.
• Develop new courses connecting public relations and entrepreneurship.
• Develop partnerships with the Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute, The EDGE, and other entrepreneurship programs.
• Work with student groups such as the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), as appropriate.
• Contribute actively and collaboratively as a member of the faculty team.
• Potentially teach master's and doctoral courses, depending on academic qualifications.

What This Job Offers

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