Assistant Professor - Journalism

CIC School of Journalism and Mass Communications Advertised Salary Range: $80,000 - $100,000 Part/Full Time: Full Time Hours per Week: 37.5 Position Category: Full-time Equivalent (FTE) Basis: 9 months Work County: Richland Tenure Information: Tenure-Track/Tenured Job Search Category: Faculty About University of South Carolina From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond. Veterans' Preference Statement The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities. Advertised Job Summary The School of Journalism and Mass Communications (SJMC) at the University of South Carolina invites applications for a nine-month, Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Journalism, with an anticipated start date of August 16, 2027. The school has a unique opportunity to strengthen a signature area of excellence by hiring a teacher-scholar whose research advances the theory and practice of journalism. We are seeking a scholar whose work examines journalism in the context of citizen engagement, public deliberation and democracy. The scholar will join faculty and students who are invested in ensuring journalism engages communities, facilitates public dialogue, and encourages citizen participation in addressing issues of public concern. The University of South Carolina is an ideal location. It is home to a biennial symposium that welcomes scholars from various disciplines and approaches who address the vital relationship between civil rights and civic, public communication from local/national/transnational contexts, perspectives, and time periods. SJMC is within walking distance of the state’s Capitol and news broadcasters, with whom students and faculty work to help residents identify and solve community problems. Responsibilities Maintain an active research agenda directly related to journalism, citizen engagement, public deliberation, and democracy. Teach core undergraduate journalism courses, including daily and longform writing in the multimedia news capstone. Teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students. Advise student journalism organizations such as National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) or Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). Support and advance the school’s symposium efforts. Pursue external research funding. Contribute service to the school, college, university, and profession. Required Education and Experience Ph.D. in Journalism or Mass Communication by the employment start date Emerging record of scholarly publications related to civic journalism Demonstrated teaching expertise in daily and longform journalistic writing, major components of the multimedia news capstone Three years of professional journalism experience Preferred Qualifications Evidence of, or strong potential for, excellence in teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels Demonstrated potential for securing external research funding Desired Start Date: 08/16/2027 Job Open Date: 11/09/2026 Open Until Filled: Yes Special Instructions to Applicant Applications are due by January 3, 2027. The position will remain open until filled. Applicants must upload the following documents: Letter of application addressing their interests and qualifications for the position. Curriculum vitae. List of three references, including each references name, telephone number, and email address. Three letters of recommendation signed and on letterhead (only for candidates selected as finalists) should be emailed directly to Rachel Rolli at rachelrolli@sc.edu . While these letters are listed as optional on the application, they are required prior to interviewing. However, letters may be uploaded to USCJobs at the time of initial application. Inquiries about this position may be directed to Search Committee Chair Dr. Nina Brook at nmbrook@mailbox.sc.edu . Positions are advertised for a minimum of forty-five (45) days on our job website. After forty-five (45) days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. Benefits The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to: Health and Life Insurance Retirement Programs Paid Tuition Dependent Scholarships Annual Leave Sick Leave 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday) Paid Parental Leave Professional Development Opportunities Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC. Quicklink for Posting: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/214971