Three-Year Visiting Assistant Professor of Communication Arts

Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) is searching for teacher-scholars who are dedicated to creating a personal, connected, and transformative learning experience for an increasingly diverse student body. We seek creative and adaptable individuals who can establish an inclusive educational environment in which everyone’s voice is heard and appreciated, and individuality is celebrated. W&J is dedicated to the values of a liberal arts education that is both liberating and practical, promotes the close interaction between faculty and students, and supports a community committed to multicultural and global understanding.

Summary

The Department of Communication Arts at Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) in Washington, PA invites applicants for a Three-year Visiting Assistant Professor of Communication Arts beginning July 1, 2021. The faculty member will teach new courses in strategic communication, including public relations and social media courses, as well as contribute to teaching within the core of the major. The department offers a BA in Communication Arts with optional emphases in media studies, public relations, and theatre. We also offer minors in Communication Arts and Theatre. Additionally, we administer an FCC licensed radio station- 91.7 FM WNJR, and the college’s theatre production program.

Duties

The successful candidate will be a creative and collegial scholar in our liberal arts environment, with a commitment to teaching and mentoring undergraduates. Continuation of your research agenda will be encouraged and supported. The new faculty member will offer six courses per academic year (3-3 load). Courses offered may include:

• New courses in integrated campaigns and/or strategic (organizational) communication
• New courses in social media (writing, techniques/analytics/campaigns)
• Public relations courses (intro/research & strategy/campaigns)
• Public speaking
• Other communication courses in candidate’s specialty field.

The visiting professor will be asked to participate in departmental and college life by mentoring  students on careers and internships, encouraging student participation in radio, theatre and other club events, and attending admissions and departmental events as we work together to advance the college’s mission.

Qualifications

A completed Ph.D. or terminal degree in an appropriately related academic field of study such as communication, media studies, mass communication or rhetoric, and a demonstrated excellence in college teaching are required. ABD candidates will be considered. Candidates who also have practical work experience in PR or media, especially in social media, would be of benefit to our program.

We seek a teacher-scholar committed to engaging and inspiring our increasingly diverse undergraduate student population. The search committee asks all applicants to address how their past and/or potential contributions might serve to advance W&J’s vision for cultivating an inclusive community. In your teaching philosophy, please detail your commitment to teaching and mentoring young people from a variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance.

Application Instructions

Candidates should submit 1) a letter of application that addresses your ability to contribute to the liberal arts mission of the College and information about your research agenda 2) your teaching philosophy 3) curriculum vitae 4) names of three people who you will ask to write a letter of reference for you, should you be invited to the interview process. Please submit via this website:  https://washjeff.applicantpro.com/jobs/ . It is recommended that all documents be in PDF format and uploaded at one time. To upload more than one document on the application, please choose file then upload files until all documents are showing in the submitted documents area. Any questions about uploading documents may be directed to hr@washjeff.edu. Questions regarding the position should be addressed to Dr. Melissa Cook at mcook@washjeff.edu. Review of application materials will begin December 15, 2020 and continue until the position is filled. If invited to virtual interview round, candidates will be required to submit three letters of reference and evidence of teaching excellence, such as peer and student evaluations. Instructions for these submissions will follow prior to virtual interviews.

Employee Benefits

Washington & Jefferson College offers a comprehensive benefit package for benefit eligible employees; including health, vision, and dental coverage, group life insurance, AD&D and LTD coverage, retirement plan, generous leave time, and the tuition benefit programs. These benefits add significantly to the employee’s total compensation package.

Getting to Know W&J

Washington & Jefferson College is the best of both worlds: a small-town college setting in historic Washington, Pa., with easy access to the bustling business and cultural districts of nearby Pittsburgh, Pa. just 30 miles to the north. Founded in 1781, W&J College is a private, residential liberal arts college that is focused on student success. Our dedicated, experienced professors are passionate about teaching and work closely with our students to ensure that they receive a quality, comprehensive education. For more than 200 years, our alumni have influenced change in business, politics, medicine, and the arts and sciences as CEOs, lawyers, doctors, researchers, writers, teachers, and in many other equally worthy professions.

Celebrating Diversity

Washington & Jefferson College welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs who wish to participate in a diverse educational community. The College strives to be a place where all students, faculty, administrators and employees are able to live, study and work in an atmosphere free from bias and harassment. The College encourages civil debate and lively exchange of ideas in the belief that such exchanges promote understanding that will grow beyond simple tolerance of difference to embracing and celebrating the richness of diversity. Our graduates acquire knowledge and learn skills that help them thrive in a culturally diverse world.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) is committed to increasing diversity in our community and actively pursues individuals from all backgrounds. Additionally, W&J College complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender identity, or national origin.