Assistant Professor - Public Relations

Position Function:

This is one full-time, 9-month, tenure track faculty position requiring the successful candidate to teach, conduct research, and perform service. See below for more specifics.

Salary Grade:  UC

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges.  For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

The department (www.comm.msstate.edu) is one of the largest on campus. Approximately 575 majors are in concentrations of Broadcast & Digital Journalism, Communication Studies, Print & Digital Journalism, Public Relations, and Theatre. Students may choose concentrations in more than one area, and minors are offered in each concentration.

Area of Specialization:

Public Relations

Anticipated Appointment Date:

August 16, 2021

Tenure Track Status:

Tenure Track

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will teach courses in the Public Relations Concentration that has approximately 300 majors. Courses may include Public Relations & Multimedia, Public Relations Production, Research in Public Relations & Advertising, Public Relations Writing, Public Relations Case Problems, Principles of Public Relations, as well as the capstone course, Public Relations in Organizations. The candidate should be familiar with Adobe products (e.g., Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere, Dreamweaver) and working in a Macintosh environment. Additionally, the candidate should have some experience with Google/social media analytics, podcasting, photography, and/or videography. The ability to teach courses in other concentrations, while not required, would be a benefit to the department.

The typical course load for an assistant professor with an active research agenda is three courses per semester. During the first two years of employment, an additional course equivalent reassignment per semester for tenure track positions may be granted (for an overall 2-2 load) thus, encouraging the individual to initiate or continue a strong research program.

Research is defined by the university, college, and department in a broad content. Excellence in research or creative achievement must be established by critical peer evaluation, using standards prevailing in the discipline. More information on promotion and tenure is available in the faculty handbook which can be found at http://www.provost.msstate.edu/pdf/faculty_handbook.pdf.

Service includes advising majors and student organizations, developing curriculum, and serving on committees. Service activities within the community and professional disciplines also are recognized as aspects of faculty achievement.

Minimum Qualifications:

For tenure track positions, the appropriate terminal degree and a strong record of or potential for successful teaching and scholarly research are required. Highly qualified ABDs will be considered, but a communication-related terminal degree must be completed within one year of the appointment date.

ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):

Yes

Preferred Qualifications:

Teaching experience in public relations courses and public relations professional practice are preferred. The APR credential is also preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The successful candidate must have a thorough knowledge of the field and a willingness to participate collegially in a broad department. Colleagues must be able to communicate that knowledge in a classroom and performance/production environment to students as well as to other important groups through scholarship and service. See above for overall duties and responsibilities.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

The successful candidates must be able to teach in a classroom setting, conduct research, and provide service in the profession.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply:  https://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/en-us/job/500620/assistant-professor

All applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter, current resume or curriculum vitae, and the complete contact information for at least three professional references. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.