Open Rank, Advocacy and Social Impact Communication

The Division of Public Communication in the School of Communication at American University invites applications for a full-time, Open Rank tenure-line position whose work and expertise focus on transformative, cutting-edge approaches to social change through strategic communication and public relations. This position is open to a broad range of applicants with expertise in creating positive social change. Applicants must demonstrate a track record of developing or evaluating evidence-based communication campaigns for social impact, conducting research, and exploring how advocates and changemakers work to create a more equitable society.

Anticipated start date for this position is August 1, 2024. We welcome applicants with a professional and/or an academic background. Applicants with significant professional experience in the field should have an MA degree; applicants coming from an academic setting should have a PhD in communication, public relations, or a related field or anticipate receiving their PhD by August 1, 2024. We are especially interested in candidates who have teaching experience, and/or work with those underrepresented in the broader spectrum of higher education.

Candidates should be effective teachers and must be strongly committed to excellence in research, creative, or relevant professional work. We welcome applications from candidates engaged in high-quality scholarship and/or professional work in areas including, but not limited to, democracy and public discourse; equity and inclusion; corporate activism; environmental, social & corporate governance (ESG) communications; community empowerment; and social entrepreneurship. Teaching specialization in advocacy communication, issue campaigns, and/or public relations is preferred, though other areas will be considered as well. In addition to scholarship and teaching, responsibilities will include participation in department, school and university service.

This position closely aligns with AU’s strategic objectives, including: inclusivity, community engagement, and social equity. The School of Communication aims to bring a broader understanding of these issues to our students and to society at large. Candidates will possess an active research, publication and/or professional portfolio; potential for success in grant acquisition and other funding; a record that demonstrates the potential for teaching excellence; and a willingness to conduct service in support of the department, university, and field of communication.

Salary and benefits are competitive. Review of applications will begin September 18, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled, subject to on-going budgetary approval. Depending on qualifications, the appointee to this position may be recommended for tenure at the time of hiring, pending successful tenure review and approval by the Board of Trustees. Please submit applications via Interfolio. Application materials sent via email will not be accepted or considered.

Include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, up to three sample publications, as well as a statement of past and/or anticipated contributions to diversity and inclusion through teaching, scholarship, and service. Recommendation letters and evaluations of teaching will be requested at a later stage. Please contact Liz Kan, Faculty Affairs Coordinator, at 202-885-2751 or lizkan@american.edu if you have any questions.

American University is a private institution within easy reach of the many centers of government, business, research, and the arts located within the nation’s capital. For more information about American University, visit www.american.edu.

Established in 1993, the School of Communication offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs www.american.edu/soc/. Learn more about the Public Communication division at www.american.edu/soc/communication.