College Faculty: Mass Communication: Corporate Communications/Public Relations/ Media Literacy

*Must be a member of the First Church of Christ Scientist in Boston, MA

Title: Mass Communication, Corporate Communications/Public Relations/ Media Literacy Faculty

Department/Location: Mass Communication Department, Principia College

Organizational Relationship: Reports to Department Chair, Division Head, Dean of Academics

Summary:  Teaches 18-21 semester hours per academic year.  Typically, this is 6-7 three-semester hour courses, potentially including both general education offerings and courses in public relations, corporate communications, multiplatform storytelling and media literacy. Additional duties include advising students, on-going professional development, serving on campus-wide committees, contributing in scholarly ways, assessment of academic programs, supporting Principia activities, and promoting Christian Science-based character education in accord with Principia’s mission as outlined in Education at The Principia.

Work Performed - Essential Duties*:

• Teaches 18-21 semester hours per academic year in courses that emphasize or teach the fundamentals of corporate communications, public relations and related writing skills and their application across media platforms. These fundamentals include audience assessment, selection of media platforms, press releases, media relations, feature stories, PR campaign development, proposals and speech presentations, social media, online copy and blogging, writing mechanics, style and editing. This position also includes teaching an awareness of the cultural and economic forces that shape the media and its messages and how to respond to these effectively;
• Actively works to promote interdisciplinary thinking and initiatives, sharing and integrating elements of the Mass Communication program with other programs/departments across the College;
• Is an active character educator in accordance with Principia’s mission;
• Supports metaphysically the mission and goals of the institution and its operations;
• Maintains office hours;
• Meets with students for academic advising, conferences, and academic support;
• Works actively with others in performing the general business and decision making of the department and academic division;
• Assists in departmental work, including assessment, program review, and development of curriculum;
• Teaches courses within the context of Principia's philosophy of liberal arts education;
• Serves as faculty sponsor for internships and independent studies within a range of mass communication-related fields;
• Serves as faculty advisor for Mass Communication practicums and co-curricular activities, as needed.

Additional Duties:

• Serves on academic committees;
• Supports general education, Freshman Year Experience, and writing program expectations;
• Works closely with students to further develop their thinking, writing, research, and communication skills;
• Maintains professional activity.

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others;
• Diversity - Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences while providing a safe learning environment;
• Oral and Written Communication - Speaks and writes clearly; listens effectively; responds well to questions; participates in meetings; varies writing style to meet needs;
• Interpersonal - maintains confidentiality; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position;
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time;
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree, MFA or PhD in mass communication or related field preferred; or proven, tested experience in mass communication or a related field. Professional and/or college teaching experience in two or more of the following areas is highly desirable: corporate communications, public relations, social media marketing, branding, advertising or journalism;
• Experience in program management highly desirable, e.g., department leadership, strategic planning, curriculum development, program review;
• Familiarity with digital technologies and their applications in marketing, public relations and journalism, with specific understanding of social media;
• Active (or pending) membership in the First Church of Christ, Scientist and/or in a Journal-listed branch church or society of the First Church of Christ, Scientist
• Christian Science class instruction preferred, but not required 
• Willingness to be an academic generalist who is able to teach multiple areas within the discipline;
• Ability to work with a range of students and skill levels;
• Classroom teaching experience or work with college-aged students preferred.

* The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, but are not to be seen as a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.