Assistant Professor of Communication and Media Studies

The School of Communication and Journalism (COJO) at South Dakota State University (SDSU) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position with the start date beginning in August 2023. This is a nine-month, full-time, benefit-eligible position. We seek a dynamic and energetic teacher-scholar who will enhance our culture of excellence through collegiality, innovation, and collaboration. We are open to candidates using any methodology (critical/cultural, qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, etc.) and focusing on any of the following areas (critical media studies, media ecology, social media, media effects, and/or public relations) that can strengthen the School’s research and teaching profiles. Teaching responsibilities may include but are not limited to Introduction to Mass Communication, Mass Media and Society, Public Relations Principles, Social Media Management, International Media, and other courses related to specialization. The position is supervised by the Director of the School of Communication and Journalism.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.

U.S. sponsorship is available for this position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Teach on-campus and online graduate and undergraduate courses (i.e., Introduction to Mass Communication, Mass Media and Society, Public Relations Principles, Social Media Management, International Media, and other courses related to specialization (3-3 teaching load).
• Mentor and advise graduate and undergraduate students completing independent research projects (e.g., theses or projects).
• Maintain an active program of research and scholarship through the dissemination of peer-reviewed scholarship and/or creative activity.
• Provide discipline-related service to the School, College, and University as well as local, regional, and national-level service, given the land grant mission of SDSU.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Doctorate in mass communication, media studies, public relations, or a closely related field completed by the first day of employment.
• Experience teaching at a college or university.
• Potential for a promising program of research and scholarly activity.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and across differences.
• Excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to excel in undergraduate and graduate teaching at a college or university.
• Ability or experience with undergraduate or graduate student advising or mentorship.
• Potential for and interest in grant-funded research.
• Demonstrated discipline-related professional experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge and evidence of application of domestic and global diversity concepts germane to communication and media studies.

SALARY: Commensurate with qualifications.

BENEFITS:

South Dakota State University offers a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.

UNIVERSITY AND THE BROOKINGS COMMUNITY:

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with more than 200 academic programs, an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students, and over $60 million annual research expenditures.

South Dakota State University offers a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusion and access through inspired, student-centered education, creative activities and research, innovation and engagement that improve the quality of life in South Dakota, the region, the nation and the world. Its employees embrace the university’s core values of being people-centered, expanding knowledge through creativity, embracing organizational and personal integrity, commitment to diversity of thought, and excellence through continuous improvement.

Formed in July 2018 through combining previously independent academic units, the School of Communication and Journalism offers undergraduate majors in advertising, agricultural communication (in collaboration with the College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences), communication studies, journalism, and public relations, and minors in advertising, communication studies, digital and social media, health communication, journalism, marketing (in collaboration with the Ness School of Management and Economics), and public relations. In addition, COJO offers two master’s programs: the on-campus M.A. in communication & media studies and the completely online, AEJMC-accredited master’s in mass communication (M.M.C.).

As the state’s 1862 Morrill Act land-grant institution, the work of South Dakota State University is carried out on its main resident campus in Brookings, at sites in Sioux Falls, Pierre, Rapid City, and Aberdeen, and through Extension offices and Agricultural Experiment Station research sites across South Dakota.

Jackrabbits Athletics competes as an NCAA Division I member with membership in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the Summit League and the Big XII for wrestling.

Brookings is home to approximately 24,000 residents and is located 60 miles north of Sioux Falls and 200 miles west of Minneapolis. Brookings is listed as an ideal community for families, students, young professionals and retirees, and is rated among the safest and most vibrant cities in South Dakota.

The Brookings Public School District educates approximately 3,300 K-12 students and ranks among the state’s highest academic achieving school districts. The district includes three elementary schools, an intermediate school for fourth and fifth grade, one middle school, and a high school.

The city also boasts an abundance of attractions and activities, including the Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Dakota Nature Park, South Dakota Art Museum, McCrory Gardens, South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, Outdoor Adventure Center and the Brookings Summer Arts Festival.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position is open until filled with full consideration given to applications received by October 3, 2022.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

South Dakota State University accepts applications through an online employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, Curriculum Vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact South Dakota State University Human Resources at 605-688-4128 if you require assistance with this process. 

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is university policy to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14. 

For questions on the position, contact Jennifer Anderson at (605)688-4171 or Jennifer.Anderson@sdstate.edu.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status that may become protected under law against discrimination in the offering of all educational programs and employment opportunities. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007, 605-688-4128.