"Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Practice in Public Relations"

The Department of Communication Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte invites applications for an open-rank (Assistant, Associate, or Full) Professor of Practice in public relations position beginning August 15, 2026. Professor of Practice position descriptions and ranks are available on the University's website: https://provost.charlotte.edu/policies-procedures/academic-policies-and-procedures/special-faculty-appointments/.

Required qualifications include the following criteria:

• A master's or doctoral degree in public relations, business communication, or related areas of communication.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in public relations, business communication, or related areas of communication.

Assistant, Associate, or Full rank will be determined by professional experience above the minimum required, teaching experience, current rank (if any), scholarly record (if any), or some combination of these.

Expectations include teaching four classes in the fall and spring semesters. Public relations courses may include Principles of Public Relations, Public Relations Writing, Public Relations Ethics, Communication Campaigns, and topics courses in public relations within the Department of Communication Studies. Public relations courses will be taught predominantly, if not entirely, in person.

The successful candidate will also advise the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and collaborate with the public relations faculty on curricular initiatives. In addition, the position involves serving on a small number of faculty committees within the Department of Communication Studies, as well as at the college and/or university levels.

The department also seeks a committed teacher who can situate themselves within the University's Strategic Plan, which has a particular focus on providing education that has profound social and economic value and lifelong impact for students from all backgrounds. Finalists will be asked to discuss how their teaching practices engage, include, and eliminate barriers to learning for UNC Charlotte students, and how their educational approach helps increase the engagement and success of all students regardless of their entry pathway into the university.

Minimum Experience / Education: UNC Charlotte gives primary consideration to the earned masters and/or terminal degree in the teaching discipline or a related discipline.

Preferred Education Skills and Experience: Preferred criteria include: education in public relations and/or business communication; at least three years of experience in public relations or business communication (including teaching and/or professional experience); evidence of successful teaching in public relations and/or business communication; evidence of effectiveness in online teaching; evidence of professional engagement (including but not limited to involvement in one or more relevant professional associations); and knowledge of AP style. Candidates who can teach a course in digital design may mention this in their application.