Affiliate Professor of Communication Studies

Position Description

Eastern University, a university of the liberal arts and sciences located in suburban Philadelphia, invites applications for an affiliate faculty position in Strategic Communication and Digital Media in the Department of Communication Studies, to begin August 2026.

The Department of Communication Studies is a close-knit community of four full-time faculty who genuinely enjoy working together and take real pride in knowing our approximately 60 majors well. We are situated on Eastern’s campus in the western Philadelphia suburbs, giving students and faculty easy access to one of the country’s most vibrant media and communication markets. We are looking for a colleague who brings depth and passion in strategic communication and digital media and who is excited about the kind of teaching and mentoring that happens when a department is small enough to matter.

Eastern University is a Christian university of the liberal arts and sciences that integrates perspectives of faith, reason, and justice across its undergraduate, graduate, Seminary, urban, professional, and international programs. Applicants should hold a religious commitment compatible with our institutional mission.

Position Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Teach a 3:4 load of undergraduate courses in the department’s curriculum.
• Teach courses including Public Relations, Social Media in Organizations, Writing for the Media, Photography, and Podcasting, with flexibility based on departmental need and candidate expertise.
• Bring real-world professional experience into the classroom through applied assignments and hands-on student mentoring.
• Advise and mentor students in their academic and professional development.
• Serve the department.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. (ABD considered) in Communication, Media Studies, or a closely related field; or an MFA with specialization in digital media production and professional experience in strategic communication.
• Specialization in strategic communication or digital media.
• Experience with DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Creative Cloud, as well as Canon video equipment.
• Expert knowledge of social media and website platforms, such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.
• A genuine love of undergraduate teaching and a track record of, or clear commitment to, student mentorship.
• Evidence of, or strong potential for, an active scholarly or creative agenda (peer-reviewed publications and/or professional creative works).
• A religious commitment compatible with Eastern University’s mission.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional industry experience in public relations and social media strategy with digital media production, podcasting, or visual/photographic communication skills.
• College-level teaching experience.
• Experience integrating faith and learning in an academic setting.

Application Process

Review of applications will begin May 1st; applications submitted by this date will receive priority consideration, though later submissions may be reviewed. To be considered, applicants must create a profile and upload all materials.

Complete applications will include:

• A cover letter addressing teaching philosophy and a brief statement of one’s faith journey
• Curriculum vitae
• Unofficial copies of all graduate transcripts
• Three professional letters of recommendation