The School of Journalism and Strategic Media (SJSM) in the Fulbright College of Arts and
Sciences at the University of Arkansas invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Social and
Digital Media in Journalism to start in August 2027. This is a standard nine-month faculty appointment.
SJSM seeks a scholar of Social and Digital Media with familiarity of the professional practice of social and digital
media in journalism. SJSM is particularly interested in candidates whose areas of focus expand into any of the
following: strategic communication, digital and platform cultures, media audiences and engagement, online
communities, influencers and creators, digital advertising and public relations, algorithms and platforms,
artificial intelligence and media, misinformation, or the social and cultural implications of digital media.
The successful candidate will maintain an active program of research and/or scholarly/creative activity and
contribute to the School's undergraduate and graduate curricula. Teaching responsibilities may include existing
courses in social and digital media as well as courses in the candidate's areas of expertise across the School's
journalism, multimedia, and advertising/public relations programs. The successful candidate will have
opportunities to develop new courses that complement and expand the School's curriculum in social and digital
media.
The position carries a 2-2 teaching load and includes requirements for research and service.
Faculty hired in this position will have an opportunity to be a part of Fulbright College’s multidisciplinary
Democracy as a Public Good cluster hire at the University of Arkansas. Through its Democracy as a Public Good
Initiative, the College will advance the University’s land-grant mission by expanding capacity to generate
knowledge that informs public understanding, contributes to policy and practice, and connects Arkansas to
national and international conversations about societal good. Building on existing campus expertise in issues
ranging from norms of democratic communication, free speech, media ethics and literacy, humanitarian
governance and civil society, risks that AI poses to democratic governance, immigration, and public law, new
faculty members participating in the cluster will advance their research agendas through mentoring and
opportunities for collaboration—both with other scholars and with communities in the state—that may result in
peer-reviewed publications, external funding, and new approaches to the pressing challenges that democracy
faces. The successful candidate for this position will have an opportunity to join a community of scholars
committed to confronting major issues, generating new knowledge, and providing research-based solutions that
investigate and strengthen democratic culture for people living in Arkansas and beyond.
This is an in-person position. Most university classes are offered face-to-face, and extensive in-person
engagement in such activities as office hours, student advising, and departmental, college, and university
committee meetings is essential to advancing student success and departmental effectiveness.
Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain
collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.
About the Department:
The School of Journalism and Strategic Media at the University of Arkansas is fully accredited by ACEJMC,
offering a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with concentrations in Broadcast Journalism, Journalism, and
Multimedia Storytelling and Production, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations. SJSM
also offers a Master of Arts in Journalism and Strategic Media – in total serving about 1,000 undergrads and
grads in AY25-26.
Duties will include:
• 40% Teaching or Professional Performance
• 40% Research/Scholarly and/or Creative Activities
• 20% Academic Service Activities
Minimum Qualifications:
• A terminal degree in journalism or a media-related field from an accredited institution of higher
education conferred by the date of initial appointment.
• At least two years of professional, research, or relevant experience in digital journalism, digital and
social media advertising, and public relations.
• Evidence of, or a demonstrated potential for, an active research agenda and/or scholarly/creative
activity related to social media, digital media, or related areas of media and communication.
• A demonstrated ability to develop and deliver course content related to social and digital media in faceto-face and/or online environments.
Preferred Qualifications:
• At least five years professional journalistic experience in digital and social journalism, digital and social
media strategies for news and/or strategic media, social media influencing.
• Significant experience in the fast-changing world of social media and related digital media.
• Experience with online teaching and educational technology, including in writing Open Education
Resource texts to be used across course sections by other faculty.
• A strong record of successful publication and external funding in the thematic and/or methodological
areas of the position focus.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Completed applications received by October 15, 2026, will be assured full consideration. Late applications will be
reviewed as necessary to fill the position.
For additional inquiries, please contact the search committee chair, Raymond McCaffrey, at rmmcaff@uark.edu.
For a complete position announcement and information regarding how to apply, visit:
https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UAF_External_Career_Site/details/Assistant-Professor-of-Socialand-Digital-Media-in-Journalism_R0091587-1?q=R0091587
Applicants must submit:
• A curriculum vitae
• A cover letter/letter of application
• A statement of teaching philosophy, which may include evidence of teaching effectiveness (not to
exceed three pages)
• A list of three professional references (name, title, email address, and phone number) willing to provide
letters of recommendation if requested during the application process
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that
promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental,
life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate
leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of
employee salary.
EMPLOYER INFORMATION
The University of Arkansas: Founded in 1871 as a land grant institution, the University of Arkansas is classified
by the Carnegie Foundation among the top two percent of universities in the nation with the highest level of
research activity. Ten colleges and schools serve more than 27,100 students with more than 200 academic
programs. University of Arkansas students earn nationally competitive awards at an impressive rate and
represent 50 states and more than 120 countries. The University of Arkansas is committed to providing an
educational and work environment in which thought, creativity, and growth are stimulated, and in which
individuals are free to realize their full potential.
Fulbright College: The Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences is a vital public good. We provide a
transformational education that prepares all students to lead and thrive in a complex world. Our research,
scholarship, and creative expression address society’s great challenges and push the boundaries of human
understanding. As the largest and most academically diverse unit on campus, with 3 schools, 16 departments,
and 43 academic programs and research centers, Fulbright College brings the world to Arkansas and Arkansas to
the world.
The Community: Fayetteville is home to the University of Arkansas campus and is known for its spectacular
views and ample green spaces. Fayetteville is considered one of the country’s finest college towns, and the
surrounding northwest Arkansas region is regularly ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Some of
the nation’s best outdoor amenities and most spectacular hiking trails are within a short drive of campus.
For more information, visit: https://diversitynwa.com/
Culture in Northwest Arkansas
About Fayetteville
About University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its
education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status
protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military
service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Federal law prohibits the University from
discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits
discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S.
Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United
States on the first day of employment. All application information is subject to public disclosure under the
Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.