Mississippi State University
Instructor I – Public Relations
Position Function:
This is one full-time, 9-month, non-tenure-track faculty position requiring the successful candidate to teach and perform service.
Salary Grade: UC
For salary grade UC, these positions are “Unclassified” and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The Department of Communication at Mississippi State University (www.comm.msstate.edu) is one of the largest on campus. There are approximately 500 undergraduate majors across five concentrations: Broadcast & Digital Journalism, Communication & Media Studies, Print & Digital Journalism, Public Relations, and Theatre. Students may choose concentrations in more than one area, and minors are offered in each concentration. The department also offers students a Master of Arts in Communication. https://www.comm.msstate.edu/graduate-program.
Students within the Department of Communication can take part in many different career advancement programs, such as internships and other student clubs and organizations like Alpha Psi Omega, Lambda Pi Eta, Speech & Debate Council, Lab Rats Comedy & Improv, Public Relations & Integrated Student Media (PRISM) agency, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Broadcast Education Association Student Media Club, Take 30 (Tv) News, The Reflector (newspaper), and via campus media partners: WMSV-FM, University Television, Digital Media Center, Hail State Productions (SEC Network/ESPN) and Geosciences (Meteorology).
The successful candidate will be hired at the rank of Instructor I. The university has a promotion system in place for non-tenure track faculty to be considered for and promoted to Instructor II, and subsequently Instructor III, after required time in rank and review by the Tenure and Promotion Committee.
Area of Specialization:
Public Relations
Anticipated Appointment Date:
August 16, 2025
Tenure Track Status:
Non-Tenure Track
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Department of Communication at MSU seeks a non-tenure-track instructor who specializes in public relations. The successful candidate will primarily teach in the Public Relations concentration area and be actively involved in service roles that contribute to furthering the reputation of the concentration, department, college, and university.
The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses (in person and/or online). A sample of undergraduate courses that the successful candidate may be assigned to teach include, but is not limited to, Research in PR & Advertising, Digital and Social Media Analytics, PR in Organizations (Capstone Course), PR Multimedia, PR Case Problems, PR Writing, PR Production, Media Relations, Certificate in Principles of Public Relations (PRSA undergraduate PR certificate preparatory course), or other based on area of expertise.
A typical course load for an instructor is four undergraduate courses per semester.
Service includes advising majors and student organizations, developing curriculum, and serving on committees. Service activities within the community, academic and professional disciplines are also recognized as aspects of faculty achievement.
Minimum Qualifications:
Masters’ degree (in a communication field or a closely related field from an accredited university by hire date) and professional experience in the discipline.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the graduate degree, the ideal candidate would have experience teaching public relations courses with some public relations professional practice. Current active involvement with PR professional organizations, such as PRSA/PRSSA, experience working with a student-led media agency, or obtaining the APR credential is also preferred.
The ideal candidate would be familiar with or have some experience with current technology and trends commonly used in the field, such as Adobe products (e.g., Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere, Express, Rush, Audition, Dreamweaver), social and digital media planning, tracking, and reporting analytics programs (e.g., Meltwater, Sprout, Cision, Google Analytics), podcasting, photography, and/or videography.
Candidates who have experience in, or the potential for building an enriched scholarly environment are strongly encouraged to apply. A demonstrated commitment to working with students of all backgrounds and with students holding a range of worldviews is valued.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The successful candidate must have a thorough knowledge of the field and a willingness to participate collegially in a broad department. Colleagues must be able to communicate that knowledge to students as well as to other important groups through scholarship and service. See above for overall duties and responsibilities.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort:
The successful candidate must be able to teach in a classroom setting and provide service in the profession.
Instructions for Applying:
All applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach (1) a cover letter (1–2-page letter of application summarizing teaching experience and performance, professional experience, (2) current resume or curriculum vitae, (3) contact information for at least three professional references. Review of applications will begin Oct. 28, 2024, and continue until the position is filled.
Questions regarding the position are welcome and can be directed to Dr. Uyanga Bazaa, Search Committee Chair, at
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
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