"Associate Teaching Professor in Public Relations"

Job Description Summary, Duties and Responsibilities, Required Qualifications and Preferred Qualifications

The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by January 1, 2026. Applications received after January 1, 2026 may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs but are not guaranteed full consideration.

The Department of Journalism and Public Relations at the University of Rhode Island invites applications for a teaching professor position at the rank of Associate Teaching Professor specializing in public relations strategies and strategic communication. We seek a dedicated teacher and colleague to join our vibrant faculty in scenic New England. The teaching professor will teach required and elective courses in our Public Relations program. Successful candidates should be well versed in public relations theories, practices, and media relations. The candidate will be expected to teach courses in media relations, PR strategies, and strategic communication.

The faculty share a commitment to providing a safe space for constructive conversation and increasing voices of all students in the classroom. Thus, we encourage applicants who can reflect that commitment to apply.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and deliver new courses in public relations and strategic communication at the undergraduate level and graduate level. Teach and enhance existing or new course offerings, advise students, develop a scholarly or creative agenda, and perform service at the department/program, school, college and/or university level(s) as appropriate.
• Advise undergraduate students on course selection, academic progress and career planning.
• Develop curriculum as needed to help shape the major and keep it at the cutting edge of the industry.
• Perform service duties to the department, university and profession.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED:

1. Ph.D. in communication studies or a related field.
2. An academic record of sufficient distinction for appointment to the rank of Associate Teaching Professor.
3. Experience directing online academic programs.
4. Ability to develop and deliver courses at the undergraduate level in public relations.
5. Proficiency in oral communication skills.
6. Proficiency in written communication skills.
7. Proficiency in online pedagogy.
8. Ability to work with diverse groups/populations.

PREFERRED:

1. Prior experience managing online programs in public relations or strategic communication.

Union:

AAUP - American Assoc of Univ Professors

Status:

Academic Year, Full-time, Non-tenure-track, Limited

Department:

Journalism and Public Relations

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please attach the following 3 (PDF) documents to your online Employment Application:

• (#1) Cover letter.
• (#2) Curriculum Vitae.
• (#3) Statement of Teaching Philosophy

Note: References will be upon request by the search committee.

Position Number:

107046

Posting Number:

F00505

Posting Date:

11/21/2025

Closing Date:

Open Until Filled: Yes

To apply, visit https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/16004

ABOUT THE HARRINGTON SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA AT URI

Administratively housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, URI's largest college and home to the University's Phi Beta Kappa chapter, the Harrington School of Communication and Media aims to grow students into creative communicators who become engaged citizens and leaders in the communities they serve. Alumni thrive in media industries, digital journalism, sports enterprise, public and community relations, corporate communication, human resources, and education. The Harrington School offers programs in Communication Studies, Film/Media, Journalism, Library and Information Studies, Public Relations, Sports Media and Communication, and Professional and Public Writing.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

The University of Rhode Island enrolls approximately 17,000 students across its graduate and undergraduate programs. It is the State's flagship, public R1 research university as well as the land grant and sea grant university for the state of Rhode Island. The main campus is located in the historic village of Kingston with our Bay campus located in nearby Narragansett. Both campuses are near major beaches in a beautiful coastal community. URI is just 30 minutes from Providence, RI and within easy reach of Newport, Boston, and New York City.