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Assistant/associate professor of public relations

Employer
University of Southern Mississippi
Location
Mississippi, United States
Salary
Salary Commensurate with experience
Date posted
Dec 22, 2021

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The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant/Associate Professor of Public Relations.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Please provide a cover letter addressing qualifications and experience for the position, CV, three references addressing professional/academic work, and a statement of research/creative work agenda.

 Job Summary 
The University of Southern Mississippi invites applications for a nine-month, tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of public relations in the School of Communication within the College of Arts and Sciences to begin Fall 2022.

Applications are welcome from those with experience teaching a wide array of topics within the strategic communication fields, including basic writing, social media, visual and other public relations skills, as well as advanced theory and practices.


The successful candidate will teach courses in the public relations program, serve as an academic adviser and complete other school or university service as needed. Opportunity exists to work with the student PRSSA chapter or The Agency (a student organization). Primary teaching responsibilities will include introductory and upper-level undergraduate public relations courses as well as graduate courses. Additionally, the candidate will also actively participate in the newly created online public relations master’s program in teaching, advising and recruiting graduate students.


The expectation is that the successful applicant will demonstrate an active research agenda consistent with the goals of the school and the university.

This position is part of the second year of a multi-school effort in the College of Arts and Sciences to make a cluster hire in diversity, equity, and inclusion, for which we invite applications for faculty positions in public relations, sound recording/media entertainment arts, and journalism. The University of Southern Mississippi maintains a proud tradition as one of the most representative and diverse public institutions of higher education in the state. As part of this initiative, we seek applicants who demonstrate research or teaching expertise in issues of race, racial equity and inclusion, social justice, race and intersectionality, the African diaspora, and/or African American Studies as related to their disciplines. Applicants are asked to comment in their application letters on how their work contributes to one or more of these areas. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to diversify the teaching, research, and creative activities of the College; promote a culture of equity and inclusion throughout the campus, community, and region; and support efforts to recruit and retain diverse faculty, students, and staff. Faculty who are hired through this initiative will serve as members of their home schools, potentially affiliate with the Center for Black Studies, and participate in interdisciplinary collaborations and student mentoring. For more information about university initiatives in diversity, equity, and inclusion, visit https://www.usm.edu/diversity-inclusion/.

Because of the diverse make-up of the USM student body, the school’s faculty recognizes the school’s opportunity to give voice to groups that have been historically underrepresented in the mass media, and the school embraces the opportunity to educate students who are the first from their families to attend college or are from demographic groups lacking representation in the mass media.

 Primary Duties and Responsibilities  

  1. Teach undergraduate courses in the public relations program
  2. Build and maintain an active, nationally recognized research and/or creative project agenda
  3. Engage in student recruitment and advising
  4. Contribute to the mission of the school, college, university, and wider community through campus and professional service
  5. Seek external and campus funding when needed and appropriate
  6. Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications 
  1. Terminal degree (Ph.D.) in communication or journalism, with specialization in public relations, which must be completed by the time of appointment (August, 2022);
  2. Evidence of effective teaching at a university in a public relations program;
  3. Evidence of a line of research that would lead to peer-reviewed scholarship, funded research, or juried creative activities for appointment at the rank of assistant professor; appointment at the rank of associate professor requires a record of scholarship or creative activities commensurate with requirements for promotion at USM;
  4. The ability to work with diverse groups/populations.
  Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Use of the Adobe Creative Cloud, especially Premier, InDesign and Photoshop.
  • Familiarity with industry-standard credentialing, such as Google Ads, Hootsuite and other programs.
  • Ability to build and maintain industry and client relationships.
  Preferred Qualifications  
  • Prior experience teaching or working in an online public relations program
  • At least three years of professional experience
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with fellow faculty members to advance the program
  • The ability to teach courses in writing, design, and new media and technologies.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills and demonstration of familiarity with industry tools and software
  • Experience working on hands-on experiential projects that engage students in community service
  • As part of this initiative, we seek applicants who demonstrate expertise in issues of race, racial inequality, race and social justice, race and intersectionality, the African diaspora, and/or African American Studies as related to their disciplines.

 

About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 131 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education's "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity" designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and large event venue safety and security, among others.  USM is also one of only 37 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of more than 14,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 37 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 27 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.

 

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