Associate Professor of Public Relations

Job Title Associate Professor of Public Relations

Job Description Summary, Duties and Responsibilities, Required Qualifications and Preferred Qualifications 

The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by January 21, 2025. Applications received after January 21, 2025 may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs but are not guaranteed full consideration.

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The Department of Journalism and Public Relations at the University of Rhode Island is hiring an Associate Professor of Public Relations. The department seeks a teacher-scholar to join the dynamic faculty in the Harrington School of Communication and Media to begin Fall 2025. The ideal candidate will have teaching experience and a record of scholarly publications to join the faculty at the rank of Associate Professor. The faculty member will have the opportunity to teach advanced courses in public relations as well as required lower-level undergraduate courses. We aim to find a scholar with expertise in areas such as short-form video content, CSR/CSA, health/risk communication, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), public diplomacy, international PR, internal/employee PR, or non-profit public relations. In addition to teaching and scholarship, faculty will engage in advising and service. Applicants with experience advising a PRSSA chapter or an honor society are encouraged to apply. Faculty members have opportunities to collaborate with a diverse group of scholars within the Harrington School, which offers programs in Communication Studies, Film/Media, Journalism, Library and Information Studies, Public Relations, Sports Media and Communication, and Professional and Public Writing. Students in the Harrington School learn how to become creative communicators, engaged citizens, and leaders in the communities they serve. The newly formed Department of Journalism and Public Relations includes Journalism with its long and distinguished history, producing award-winning practitioners for over 50 years; and its innovative and growing Public Relations degree program featuring three different professional tracks.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Teach required courses in the public relations major as well as courses within the faculty member’s area of specialty.
• Conduct and publish research in the faculty member’s area of scholarship.
• Advise students on course selection, academic progress, and career planning.
• Undertake curriculum development and revision to help shape the public relations program and focus areas within the PR major.
• Participate in departmental, school, and university service.
• Establish external relationships with industry practitioners and alumni.
• Develop field-relevant experiential learning opportunities for students.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Ph.D. in Communication, Public Relations, or a related field.

2. Research record of past and ongoing scholarly distinction in Public Relations or a closely related communication/media field.

3. Demonstrated strength in classroom teaching, academic advising, and inclusive pedagogy for a diverse student population.

4. Sustained fidelity to campus and professional service.

5. Prior experience working as Associate Professor or evidence of advanced experience working as Assistant Professor.

6. Evidence of well-developed professional communication skills.

7. Record of successful curriculum development.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Academic leadership experience.

2. Experience securing external funding for research.

3. Industry experience in public relations, social media marketing, or event management.

4. Experience advising a PRSSA chapter.

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ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

The University of Rhode Island occupies the traditional stomping ground of the Narragansett Nation and the Niantic people. Situated in spectacular South County along Narragansett Bay to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, URI is ideally located for outdoor pursuits and cultural endeavors alike. The region boasts extensive wooded hiking trails, golf and sports clubs, and more than 100 miles of coastline, including 20 pristine public beaches. Amtrak service right in Kingston serves cities along the Northeast Corridor, including Boston an hour north and New York three hours south; the award-winning T.F. Green Airport is a 25-minute drive away, connecting Rhode Island to metropolitan areas around the country.

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ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.

Union AAUP – American Assoc of Univ Professors

Status Academic Year, Full-time, Tenure-track, Permanent

End Date of Restriction or Limitation 

Department Harrington School

Contact(s) 

Please note: Job applications must be submitted directly online only at: (https://jobs.uri.edu)

Contact Email 

Campus Location Kingston

Grant Funded No

Extension Contingent on Funding Date 

Special Instructions to Applicants 

Please attach the following 5 (PDF) documents to your online Employment Application:

(#1) Cover letter/Letter of Interest addressing both teaching effectiveness and scholarly activity (as one complete document).

(#2) Curriculum Vitae.

(#3) A Diversity Statement with examples, that summarizes your contributions [from scholarship, teaching/mentoring, service, or other activities] to diversity, equity and inclusion in your discipline (all as one complete document).

(#4) Other Document – an example of scholarly work.

(#5) Other Document – References – the names and contact information of three professional references. (Note: this document is required even though references may be listed on the application).

Position Number 106479

Posting Number F00449

Posting Date 11/15/2024

Closing Date 

Open Until Filled Yes

Quicklink for Posting https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/14281

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