University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Tenure-track Assistant Professor Public Relations/Strategic Communication
ATTENTION:
The Department of Communication in the College of Arts & Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the area of Public Relations/Strategic Communication. This is a full-time, nine-month appointment beginning in August of 2025.
JOB DETAILS:
The successful candidate will demonstrate ability to teach courses including, but not limited to, advertising or public relations principles, public relations tactics, public relations case studies, campaign planning, and/or advertising and public relations research. Strong preference will be given to candidates who also demonstrate the ability to teach any of the following courses: advertising media planning, advertising copywriting and design, social media optimization, and new classes on the role of artificial intelligence in PR, journalism, or advertising. The successful candidate will have opportunities to teach graduate courses and to propose and teach public relations, advertising, and strategic communication courses in areas of the candidate’s particular expertise. Excellence in teaching; commitment to a communication, mass communication, or journalism research agenda; and a willingness to participate in academic advising and other university service are expected. Normal teaching responsibility is four courses per semester. The department embraces a diversity of research methodologies.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Communication, Mass Communication, Journalism or related area (ABD candidates may apply but must have their degree completed by the contract start date in August 2025; if not, they will be hired on a one-year contract with the understanding that their degree will be completed before January 2026 in advance of their first scheduled review)
- Demonstrated ability to develop and teach public relations, advertising and/or strategic communication courses
- Demonstrated potential to pursue a rigorous program of research
- Ability to contribute service to the department, the college, the university, and the community
Preferred Qualifications:
- Professional experience in public relations, advertising or strategic communication
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to interact respectfully with people with diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds
- Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Full-time teaching responsibilities include teaching four courses per semester. Course assignments may include, but are not limited to: courses in the undergraduate Public Relations and Advertising programs, as well as courses in the department’s fully online graduate program
- Research expectations include publications and conference papers
- In addition, faculty members serve as advisors/mentors to students and are encouraged to engage students in undergraduate research or other scholarly and creative activities
- Service responsibilities include committee service at the departmental, college, and university levels and participation in community organizations relevant to the candidate’s expertise and interest
- Faculty at UW-W may be required to teach online and/or in a hybrid format or courses in the evenings
- Faculty may also elect to teach New Student Seminar or University Learning Communities or participate in other programs geared toward improving student success
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION:
The Department of Communication is the largest department in the College of Arts and Communication and one of the largest at the University. The department serves more than 600 students who major in one of our seven emphases and their corresponding minors: Advertising, Broadcast/Print/Web Journalism, Corporate and Health Communication, Electronic Media, International Journalism, Media Arts and Game Development, and Public Relations. The department’s graduate program serves a diverse population of recent undergraduates and returning professionals.
CAMPUS INFORMATION:
UW-Whitewater is a thriving public university located in southeastern Wisconsin. It leads the way in providing world-class, affordable higher education programs to more students than neighboring regional comprehensives in the University of Wisconsin System. A collaborative team of 1,300 faculty and staff are devoted to the success of the university’s 11,500 students at its main and Rock County campuses. The team provides high-impact practices and academic programs – online and in person – from associate to doctoral levels. Recognized nationally for affordability, inclusion, and career development, UWW serves approximately one-third first-generation students and boasts strength in many areas, especially business and education. The campus and community embrace the Warhawk Family spirit, supporting the university’s arts and nationally recognized NCAA Division-III level championship athletics. As a proud institution of access, more than 10 percent of undergraduate students use the acclaimed Center for Students with Disabilities – a priority mission since the 1970s.
UW-Whitewater’s campuses are located centrally near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, offering easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas. Near both Lake Geneva and the Wisconsin Dells, the area attracts numerous visitors from across the country. Whitewater is a vibrant college community near the Kettle Moraine State Forest offering area residents seasonal outdoor enjoyment. The nearby Rock County campus is located in Janesville, a town of 60,000 located on the Rock River and known as Wisconsin’s Park Place.
Belonging and mattering are central to the university’s culture, and UW-Whitewater strives to maintain an environment where individual and collective efforts are valued and celebrated. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and actively seeks and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and veterans.
ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is part of the 13-campus University of Wisconsin System (https://www.wisconsin.edu).
Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(b) provides that applicants may indicate in writing that their identity should be kept confidential. In response to a public records request, the University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(a).
Per Regent Policy Document 20-19, University of Wisconsin System Criminal Background Check Policy and UW System Administrative Policy 1275 Recruitment Policies, UW-Whitewater requires criminal background checks as a contingency to employment. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. All final candidates must be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions must also be asked.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater requires that all employees be active participants in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills.
For UW-Whitewater Campus safety information and crime statistics/annual Security Report, see Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. If you would like a paper copy of the report please contact the UW-Whitewater Police at 262-472-4660.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary of $53,000.
UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UW System’s comprehensive benefit package, review the UW System Employee Benefits Brochure.
TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION:
Applications received by November 3, 2024 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.
If you have questions regarding this recruitment or if you are unable to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact us at (262) 472-1024 or .
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Professor Corey Davis
Search and Screen Committee Chair
262-472-5026
TO APPLY:
Only complete application packages will be considered. This includes online submission of the following documents:
- Cover Letter/letter of interest
- Curriculum Vita
- Name and contact information for three professional references (letters of recommendation may be solicited at a later time)
- Statement of Teaching Philosophy
- Copies of Teaching Evaluations
- Copies of unofficial graduate transcripts (official transcripts will be required if offered the position)
This Job ID is 21291.
A potential applicant who is NOT currently employed by the University of Wisconsin System, click here:
UW-Whitewater External Applicants
A current employee of the University of Wisconsin System, click here:
UW-Whitewater Internal Applicants
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