Associate Professor, Public Relations Leadership

The Department of Advertising and Public Relations, housed in the College of Communication and Information Sciences at The University of Alabama, invites applications for a nine-month tenure track faculty appointment at the rank of associate professor beginning in the 2023-2024 academic year. The ideal candidate will be a thought leader in public relations leadership and have a proven publication record with a research agenda focused on public relations leadership, which may include specific topical foci such as legal and ethical issues, communication management, or considerations of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.

The ability to teach courses in public relations strategy, theory, management, ethics and leadership, and/or campaigns at the undergraduate and graduate levels is desirable, as is the ability to teach multimedia content production and strategy, writing for digital and social media, and/or other courses related to digital and social media. Applicants must display an ability to be an active and involved member of a highly collaborative faculty team.

The University of Alabama is home to The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations whose mission is to develop and recognize outstanding leaders and role models in public relations. The Plank Center seeks to advance knowledge of professional leadership values and skills; to support research, teaching, service, and continuing education efforts to develop responsible and trustworthy leaders; bridge the interests and vision of the practice and education; and nurture the ethical and effective public relations practice.

The University of Alabama is the state’s flagship public university and offers a full course of academic programs and social life to its nearly 40,000 students. It is located in Tuscaloosa, a diverse city with a population of more than 115,000, and offers an excellent quality of life with many cultural events and attractions, outdoor activities, and multicultural resources and opportunities, as well as a reasonable cost of living.

To apply, go to https://facultyjobs.ua.edu and provide the following.
1)    Cover letter
2)    CV
3)    Names and contact information for three references

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; however, review of applications will begin February 15, 2023. Questions regarding the search should be directed to the search chair, Dr. Karla Gower at gower@apr.ua.edu.

The University of Alabama is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women and individuals from historically underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
•    Doctorate in Public Relations, Mass Communication, Communication, or closely related field completed by start date of appointment.
•    Strong scholarly activity in flagship journals, university presses, or other ranked publication outlets consistent with departmental expectations for the rank of associate professor.
•    Record of teaching effectiveness, with experience in teaching relevant undergraduate and/or graduate courses.
•    Potential for publishing public relations research that has implications for public relations leadership.

Preferred Qualifications (considered after all minimum qualifications are met):
•    An established scholarly agenda in public relations leadership.
•    Potential for and interest in leading research teams.
•    Demonstrated mentorship experience.