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

The University of Alabama • Tuscaloosa, AL

10d

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. The role supports a new initiative to strengthen 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, and innovative professional practice that can be brought into the classroom.

The faculty member will teach four courses each fall and spring semester. Depending on experience and academic qualifications, assigned courses may include undergraduate courses in advertising and public relations, audience analysis, messaging, public relations strategy and writing, management, leadership, campaigns, strategic communications business, and ethics. The faculty member may also teach master's and doctoral courses and is encouraged to develop courses connecting public relations and entrepreneurship. They will be expected to build partnerships with the Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute, The EDGE, and other entrepreneurship programs, and may work with student groups such as PRSSA. Active, engaged participation on a highly collaborative faculty team is expected.

The position is based in the College of Communication & Information Sciences, whose department offers undergraduate and graduate programs and professional learning opportunities. The start date is August 2027. Applications submitted by November 30, 2026, will receive full consideration; review will continue 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 master's and doctoral courses when appropriate based on academic qualifications.
• Develop courses connecting public relations and entrepreneurship.
• Build a partnership with the Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute, The EDGE, and other entrepreneurship programs.
• Contribute as an active and engaged member of a highly collaborative faculty team.
• Potentially work with student groups such as the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).

What This Job Offers

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