Louisiana State University
Associate Dean for Research & Strategic Initiatives
Special Instructions
A cover letter, Curriculum Vitae, personal statement, and a list of three references with contact information. The personal statement should include a discussion of administrative experience and a description of research in the area science communication. Applicants should also discuss their research trajectory broadly in the area of science communication.
The statement should be no longer than 500 words.
The applicant’s name should appear in each uploaded file name. Cover letters may be addressed to the Search Committee Chair, Dean Kim Bissell. Questions about the position should be directed to the search committee chair at
Application review will begin on January 15, 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled
Job Description
The Associate Dean for Research and Strategic Initiatives serves as a leader for the Manship School on matters related to scholarly and institutional research, including coordinating with School faculty and staff on assessment and accreditation compliance with the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. Service to the community or the profession beyond. This position will also serve as an Associate Professor in Science Communication.
This will be a 5-year term beginning in AY 25-26 with a renewal option.
Job Duties:
The Associate Dean for Research and Strategic Initiatives is responsible for developing strategies to seek and secure extramural funding opportunities for Manship School faculty; coordinating Manship School research and creative initiatives; fostering innovation in research and creative activity in collaboration with the directors of the School’s research labs (Media Effects Lab, Public Policy Research Lab, Social Media Analysis & Creation Lab and other labs as created) and research centers (e.g., the Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs, research groups and individual faculty members; promoting collaboration within the School and with other partners in scholarship and practice. Helping Manship faculty partner with internal and external partners on external funding opportunities.
Oversee and coordinate reporting assessment and accreditation data (especially for the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication). For grants, recruitment and special projects initiated by faculty and administration, serve as the school’s data resource for data related to enrollment as well as retention and graduation data (providing PDFs and analysis upon request). Other strategic initiatives and responsibilities developed in consultation with the Dean. -45%
Produce scholarly research and publish in the broad area of Science Communication, including but not limited to environmental and crisis communication, risk communication, science journalism, public communication around science and environmental risk, media effects in the context of science communication and related areas. -25%
Teach a 1/1 load in the area of Science Communication each semester. Courses can be offered in any of the Manship School’s four areas–Public Relations, Digital Advertising, Journalism, and Political Communication. These courses can be graduate or undergraduate level. -25%
Service to the Manship School, university and community. -5%
Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Mass Communications or related degree. Must be a tenured faculty member in the Manship School of Mass Communications
Additional Information:
Must be willing to work nights/weekends especially during peak months in fall or spring
FERPA: As with all LSU employees, due to this position title and/or responsibilities, this position has an obligation to assist students in the acquisition of necessary services. Should a student appear in need of or seek assistance with issues of an emotional, behavioral, or mental health related matter they should be referred to the proper service within the Student Health Center. In situations where the student creates an impression that they are a danger to themselves or others, the advisor should immediately contact the Care Team, the Dean of Students or the appropriate law enforcement agency. The employee outside of those rights contained within FERPA should create no impression of client or patient confidentiality.
