Visiting Assistant Professor of Communication (Public Relations)

Visiting Assistant Professor of Communication (Public Relations)

The Department of Communication’s Advertising and Public Relations (ADPR) program, within the College of Arts and Letters at the University of Tampa seeks a passionate full-time teacher and practitioner/scholar to join a thriving undergraduate program for the 2023-2024 academic year. This is a one-year visiting position.

The University of Tampa is a medium-sized, comprehensive, residentially based private institution of 10,566 undergraduate and graduate students striving for academic and professional excellence.  The University is ideally situated on a beautiful 110-acre campus next to the Hillsborough River, adjacent to Tampa’s dynamic central business district, which is a growing, vibrant, diverse metropolitan area.  UT reflects this vibrancy. With 24 consecutive years of enrollment growth, UT features almost 300 student organizations, a multicultural student body from 50 states and 130 countries, and “Top Tier” ranking in U.S. News & World Report.

The faculty member will teach courses related to public relations, such as media writing, principles of public relations, and communication media ethics, while seeking opportunities for professional achievement, scholarly production, and/or creative exhibition, and mentoring students in creative work. The search committee invites applicants from underrepresented groups, recognizing the importance of diverse voices in strategic communication, and appreciates candidates with academic experiences with diverse populations.

The Advertising & Public Relations undergraduate program fosters three concentrations: Advertising Creative, Public Relations, and the General (combined) concentration. All three concentrations prepare students for professional and academic careers in strategic communication by featuring advanced digital facilities, education in theory and practice, advanced problem-solving, and exploration of communication ethics, as well as critical perspectives on media and culture. Small class sizes at The University of Tampa allow for mentorship connections with students, as well as student engagement with local, national, and international networks in media, advertising, and public relations.

The Department of Communication is home to approximately 800 students in four vibrant majors and participates in delivering two interdisciplinary M.A. programs. Undergraduate programs include Advertising & Public Relations (ADPR); Communication, Media & Culture (CMC); Journalism (JOU), and Speech and Communication Studies (CSS). Graduate programs include the M.A. in Professional Communication (MAPC) and M.A. in Social and Emerging Media (MASEM).

Responsibilities
The faculty member in this position will support the Advertising & Public Relations program in the following ways:

• create an inclusive, equitable classroom environment for a diverse student body,
• deliver a 3/3 teaching load (i.e., three courses of four credit hours each during a 15-week semester), seek opportunities for professional, scholarly, and/or creative growth and achievement
• mentor and advise students about career opportunities and registration,
• fulfill foundational service responsibilities indicated in The University of Tampa’s Faculty Handbook,
• join a collaborative faculty group in continual curriculum and program improvements,
• continually update skills and knowledge to remain current in digital media practices and technologies.

Required Qualifications
Interested candidates should possess:

• a master’s degree or Ph.D. (or equivalent) by August 15, 2023,
• sensitivity to and understanding of diverse socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds,
• knowledge of strategic practices for meeting communication goals,
• expertise in the teaching area, mainly public relations courses,
• critical perspectives on electronic culture,
• commitment to social equity and community well-being.

Past teaching experience and professional experience are preferred

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

For further information, and to apply, please visit our website at ut.edu/jobs
Applicants should be prepared to submit a curriculum vitae, cover letter, contact information for three references, as well as a portfolio, or link to a portfolio, that includes writing samples.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The University of Tampa is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, gender identity, veteran status, or any other non-job related criteria. The University of Tampa recognizes the importance of a multicultural community of students, faculty, and staff who seek to advance our commitment to diversity. The University invites applications from underrepresented groups and those who have academic experiences with diverse populations.