Assistant Professor position in public relations

Description

The College of Communication at DePaul University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in public relations to begin in August 2024. We seek a dynamic, innovative, and dedicated teacher/scholar who will contribute to our award winning program in public relations (PRWeek 2022 Outstanding Education Program; PRWeek 2023 Second Place Outstanding Education Program).

The ideal candidate will have the ability to teach undergraduate and graduate-level courses in public relations and offer expertise in one or more of the following areas: Research, Data and Insights, PR Campaigns, Crisis Communication Management, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Communication Campaigns for Social Changes, Foundations of Public Relations (graduate level), and Non-Profit Public Relations. The successful candidate will become part of a vibrant faculty who lead and support our progressive B.A. and M.A. degree programs in public relations and advertising. There may also be opportunities to teach courses in affiliated College programs like professional communication and sports communication. 

The candidate will have the opportunity to get involved with the Media Engagement Research Lab and the Center for Communication Engagement. We seek individuals with a strong commitment to excellence in both teaching and research, and the drive to further elevate DePaul’s national profile in public relations and advertising education. Applications are strongly encouraged from people with demonstrated success in working with diverse student bodies.

The College of Communication believes in promoting the values of inclusion and equity of opportunity for all faculty, staff, and students. We strive to create a culture of inclusivity and respect for diversity. Community members promote transparency, accountability, fairness, and integrity. We also will engage in the ongoing work of identifying and interrogating prejudice, injustice, and institutional bias in all forms. 

Our location in the heart of Chicago, the nation’s third largest media market and a cultural hub, provides an unparalleled opportunity to forge strong working relationships with key industry professionals and to offer students cutting-edge, pre-professional training. The city of Chicago serves as both our classroom and research laboratory. 

DePaul University seeks applicants that reflect the diversity of its student body and the city of Chicago. Applicants with experience working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students who can contribute to an inclusive climate are encouraged to identify their experiences in these areas in their application material. Women and members of historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Founded in 1898 by the Congregation of the Mission, which follows the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul, DePaul University is the nation’s largest Catholic institution of higher education and also the largest private university in the Midwest. Anchored in the global city of Chicago, the university is committed to outstanding teaching, academic excellence, real world experience, community engagement, and systemic change. DePaul prepares graduates to be successful in their chosen fields and agents of transformation throughout their lives. 

Guided by an ethic of Vincentian personalism and professionalism, DePaul compassionately upholds the dignity of all members of its diverse, multi-faith, and inclusive community. Through education and research, the university addresses the great questions of our day, promoting peaceful, just, and equitable solutions to social and environmental challenges. Since its founding in 1898, DePaul University has remained dedicated to making education accessible to all, with special attention to including underserved and underrepresented communities. 

A Carnegie doctoral/research institution, DePaul serves nearly 22,000 full- and part-time students. DePaul’s Catholic, Vincentian, and urban character distinguishes it from other universities. Its 863 fulltime and 1,679 adjunct faculty members pursue the preservation, enrichment, and transmission of knowledge and culture across a broad scope of academic disciplines. With one campus in the heart of Chicago’s business district and another in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, the university’s location in a world-class city offers extensive learning and service opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. About 64 percent of DePaul’s 181,000 living alumni reside in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Public Relations, Mass Communication, or a closely related field (ABD candidates may be considered with the expectation of degree completion by the start date).
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and research.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Professional industry experience is highly desirable.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should submit:

• A cover letter detailing their qualifications and interest in the position
• A current Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of teaching philosophy (optional)
• Statement of research interests and goals (optional)
• Proof of teaching effectiveness (unedited teaching evaluations)
• Examples of published research 
• Contact information for three references

To apply, please visit the following link to complete the application form: https://facultyopportunities.depaul.edu

Consideration of completed applications will begin on October 1, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.

For more information about the position or the application process, please email the chair of the search committee: Dr. Nur Uysal, nur.uysal@depaul.edu

DePaul University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equality, and inclusion in all forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

DePaul University is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, martial status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other legally protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local EEO laws.

Safety and Security Statement - Clery Act:

A copy of DePaul University's Safety and Security Information Report and Fire Safety Report is available upon request.  The report includes statistics about crimes that occurred on campus and public property immediately adjacent to campus.  The report includes institutional policies concerning campus security, sexual assault and other matters.  It also includes fire statistics, fire safety practices and standards of the institution.  A copy of this report can be obtained by contacting the Crime Prevention Office at 773-325-7775 or by visiting the DePaul Public Safety website at http://publicsafety.depaul.edu .

Title IX Statement:

Federal Title IX policy requires that all colleges and universities make known the contact information for the person responsible for coordinating its efforts to comply with Title IX responsibilities.  At DePaul University, the Title IX Coordinator is Kathryn Statz.  Her office is located in Lincoln Park on the 3rd floor of the Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Avenue.  She can be reached at 312-362-8970, or titleixcoordinator@depaul.edu.

Required Background Check:

Employment at DePaul University is contingent on passing a background check.  Only final candidates who are extended an offer of employment will undergo a background check. 

Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse & Neglect:

Upon accepting an offer of employment with the university, you will also be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Mandated Reporter Status at the time of hire.  A mandated reporter is required to make a report to the Illinois DCFS Hotline whenever there is a reasonable cause to believe that a child known to them in their professional or official capacity may be abused or neglected.  For more information, please visit the following pages:  

Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS)

Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act