The University of Southern Mississippi

Assistant Professor Specializing in Communication Studies
Two Visiting Appointment Positions

The University of Southern Mississippi invites applications for two visiting appointment position at the level of assistant professor specializing in communication studies in the School of Media & Communication within the College of Arts and Sciences to begin Fall 2024. In addition to some teaching duties, one of the positions will serve as interim director of the Speaking Center. Applications are welcome from those with experience teaching a wide range of communication topics, including public speaking, interpersonal, small group, crisis, organizational, and other subjects. Opportunity exists to work with a variety of the school’s centers and student groups.

A core value of the school and the university is creating a diverse faculty with multi backgrounds and skillsets. The university is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Those who can articulate such traits are particularly welcome to apply.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in communication studies, depending on qualifications, including public speaking, professional communication, group communication, and other topics.
2. Engage in student recruitment
3. Contribute to the mission of the school, college, university, and wider community through campus and professional service
4. Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree in communication, communication studies or related field, which must be completed by the time of appointment (August 2024)
2. Evidence of effective work in a diverse environment. Such evidence could include teaching modules or projects related to diversity issues.
3. The ability to work with diverse groups/populations.
4. Preferred Qualifications:
   Ph.D. in communication or closely related field.
5. Evidence of effective teaching at a university.
6. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty and administration to advance the program
7. The ability to teach courses in communication research, theory and writing.
8. Excellent written and oral communication skills and demonstration of familiarity with industry tools and software
9. Experience working on hands-on experiential projects that engage students in community service.

About the School of Media & Communication:

The School of Media & Communication is a vibrant intellectual community of 22 full-time faculty members on both the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses and over 375 undergraduate and graduate students. Academic programs include undergraduate majors in Communication Studies, Digital Journalism, Media and Entertainment Arts and Strategic Communication, as well as mass communication, communication study and public relations degrees at the master’s and doctoral levels. The School also has a significant presence on campus, housing the Student Media Center, the USM Speaking Center, a nationally competitive speech and debate team, and a variety of other student organizations. The school is fully accredited by the ACEJMC.