"Ast Inst/Inst/Ast Prof Fixed Term"

Position Summary

This is a fixed-term, nine-month academic year appointment. Rank (Assistant Instructor/Instructor/Assistant Professor) and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, consistent with university guidelines for fixed-term faculty appointments. The position includes standard university benefits.

We seek a dynamic educator and experienced industry professional prepared to teach undergraduate courses in advertising and/or public relations and help prepare students for successful entry into a rapidly evolving communications industry.

We welcome applications from candidates with established academic experience as well as accomplished professionals who are interested in transitioning from industry into a teaching-focused role.

Instructional needs may include:

• Project management.
• Advertising technology (including programmatic systems, AI applications, and emerging platforms).
• Strategic marketing communication.
• Social media strategy and management.
• Writing and content strategy for public relations.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can translate current industry practices into applied classroom learning and who are committed to supporting students’ professional growth and career readiness.

All assigned courses will be delivered in person on the Michigan State University campus in East Lansing, Michigan. Beginning Fall Semester 2026, the standard instructional load for fixed-term faculty in the department will typically be three courses in one semester and four courses in the other (3/4 or 4/3) across the academic year. Salary and rank are commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Required Degree

Terminal -Advertising, marketing, strategic communications, public relations, or a closely related field.

Minimum Requirements

The selected individual will be hired at the rank that aligns with their highest degree.
A bachelor’s degree in the discipline or a closely related field is required for appointment at the rank of Assistant Instructor. A master’s degree in the discipline or a closely related field is required for appointment at the rank of Instructor. A PhD in the discipline or a closely related field is required for appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor.

Desired Qualifications

We welcome applications from experienced communications professionals interested in contributing to an applied, industry-engaged undergraduate program. Candidates must demonstrate the following qualifications:

Professional Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of full-time professional experience in advertising, marketing, strategic communications, public relations, or a closely related field.

Professional Engagement: Strong familiarity with current industry practices, tools, and trends and the ability to integrate those perspectives into undergraduate instruction.

Applied Instruction: Ability to incorporate professional skills, practices, and current industry tools into one or more of the instructional areas described in the position summary.

Professional Guidance & Development: Experience mentoring, coaching, or developing interns, emerging professionals, or early-career colleagues in professional settings.

Teaching & Instruction: Demonstrated interest in undergraduate teaching and the ability to translate professional experience into engaging classroom instruction and applied learning activities.

Learning Environment: Commitment to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences among students.

Required Application Materials

• Curriculum vitae.
• Cover letter (2–3 pages recommended) describing:
  • Your professional background and areas of expertise in advertising, public relations, or strategic communications.
  • Your interest in teaching and how you would bring industry. experience and current professional practices into the classroom.
  • Your approach to working with undergraduate students and helping them connect classroom learning to professional practice and career pathways.
  • Any experience mentoring, coaching, or supporting emerging professionals or students from varied backgrounds.

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin March 31, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

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