(Début d’évaluation des dossiers: 17/01/2022) Job Market: The University of Memphis – Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Public Relations

The Department of Journalism & Strategic Media at the University of Memphis is seeking an outstanding colleague for a tenure-track assistant professor in public relations, beginning August 2022. The successful candidate will bring a balance of research, teaching and service, as well as a desire to engage in our robust public relations community in the city of Memphis. The accomplishments of candidates for this position must reflect their commitment to working with an inclusive student population, and their ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural academic goals of the university.

The selected candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate classes in online and traditional formats and have conceptual and professional expertise in at least one of the following areas: public relations writing, public relations campaigns, crisis communication, social media strategy/analytics, strategic planning, event planning, media relations, music/entertainment public relations, nonprofit public relations. Any area of public relations research specialization will be considered but preference is for research that will engage our Obsidian PR Social Media Lab. The University offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in STEM, social science, humanities, agriculture, or defense. Pursuit of grant-funded research is highly encouraged. Service responsibilities include mentoring graduate students, advising undergraduate public relations students, and serving on committees as needed. The successful candidate will be expected to work with our student agency, Meeman 901 Strategies, and our PRSSA chapter. In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to participate in Memphis PRSA and to connect with the Memphis public relations industry.

This tenure-track position requires a doctorate in mass communication or journalism (preferred) or a related field. ABD candidates with a record of publication demonstrating research capacity and expected Ph.D. completion date within a year of starting the position will be considered. A minimum of three years professional experience in any area of public relations is also required. Being accredited (APR) is a bonus. Previous teaching experience is preferred. Individuals of diverse backgrounds are particularly urged to apply.

Screening will begin on January 17, 2022, and may continue until the position is filled. The successful applicant will join the faculty in August 2022. Applicants should submit a letter of application, current curriculum vitae and contact information for three references at https://workforum.memphis.edu/postings/29705. If you have questions, contact the search committee chair, Kim Marks Malone, APR, Fellow PRSA, 619-316-5498 (mobile) or ksmarks@memphis.edu.

The Department of Journalism & Strategic Media is a dynamic, ACEJMC-accredited program that works hard to offer our students cutting-edge knowledge and skills for the changing media landscape, while retaining a strong focus on the core values of quality media. Undergraduate programs include Advertising, Creative Mass Media, Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, Public Relations and Strategic Social Media. The Public Relations major is one of the few programs in the country that boasts both ACEJMC accreditation and PRSA CEPR certification. In 1995 we pioneered the first online journalism/mass communication master’s program in the nation and continue to offer our M.A. and public relations B.A. online as well as on campus. We boast the student-run strategic communication agency Meeman 901 Strategies, an active PRSSA chapter, a new social media lab and multiple international exchange programs. Journalism and Strategic Media is one of six departments in the College of Communication and Fine Arts.

Memphis is a dynamic metropolis of more than 1.3 million and has a noteworthy place in the history of American music as the home of the Blues and the birthplace of rock ’n‘ roll. The city has a thriving arts and music scene, both on renowned Beale Street and the annual Beale Street Music Festival and in venues and galleries throughout the city. Memphis has nationally recognized libraries, museums, and parks, including the National Civil Rights Museum and 4,500-acre Shelby Farms Park.