About the Department of Advertising and Public Relations

The Department of Advertising and Public Relations is a Top Five Outstanding Education Program ranked by PRWeek in 2024 and 2025. We have a dedicated team of award-winning teachers and internationally and nationally recognized scholars. As a hub for interdisciplinary research and professional development, AdPR houses the Brain, Body, and Media (BBAM) Lab, the Center for Advanced Computer-Human Ecosystems, the Center for Health and Risk Communication, the Crisis Communication Think Tank, and the SEE Suite for Social Media Engagement & Evaluation. AdPR is the proud home of Talking Dog, a student-led full-service advertising and public relations agency that fosters growth for both clients and members through next-generation perspectives. AdPR offers two undergraduate certificate programs, the Public Affairs Communications Certificate program in collaboration with the School of Public and International Affairs and the Strategic Health and Risk Communications Certificate program in collaboration with the College of Public Health. AdPR also offers diverse study abroad and field study programs in New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, Japan, and Cannes, France.

AdPR offers two undergraduate certificate programs, the Public Affairs Communications Certificate program in collaboration with the School of Public and International Affairs and the Strategic Health and Risk Communications Certificate program in collaboration with the College of Public Health. AdPR also offers diverse study abroad and field study programs in New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, Japan, and Cannes, France.

Position Summary

The Department of Advertising and Public Relations in the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty appointment at the rank of assistant professor in public relations. The faculty start date for this position will be August 1, 2026.

The ideal candidate must have a strong record of teaching and research in public relations and the ability to teach a range of undergraduate and graduate courses across our curriculum, such as Public Relations Management, Public Relations Communications, Public Relations Ethics and Leadership, Public Relations Campaigns, Advertising and Public Relations Theory, and Advertising and Public Relations Research. Mentoring graduate students is also expected.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in mass communication, public relations, communication, or a closely related field. ABD candidates will be considered.

Additional Requirements

• Subject matter expertise in public relations and/or related areas.
• Record of teaching effectiveness in courses related to public relations and/or other communication-related areas.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

• Some industry background is also a plus, as is expertise in grants writing and seeking external funding, including via interdisciplinary collaboration.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• An active research agenda and a proven strong research record/potential in public relations that includes publication of peer-reviewed articles in leading scholarly journals in public relations, communication, mass communication, media, journalism, and/or related fields.
• We welcome all research methods but are especially interested in qualitative and/or historical perspectives. Those with a qualitative and/or historical perspective are strongly encouraged to apply.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Screening of applications will begin on September 12, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit the following: a cover letter, a curriculum vita, the names, emails, and phone numbers of three references, up to two academic writing samples/publications.

Questions regarding the search should be directed to Dr. Michael Cacciatore, the search committee chair, at mcacciat@uga.edu.