"Chair, Communication Studies"

Job Details

Position Title: Chair, Communication Studies

Job Posting Number: 2026028TTL

Job Location: San Marcos

Department: Department of Communication Studies

Position Description: Texas State University invites applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Communication Studies. The position includes a concurrent appointment as a faculty member with tenure at the rank of associate or full professor based on alignment with departmental criteria. The Chair (a 12-month position) of the Department of Communication Studies reports to the Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication. The Department of Communication Studies at Texas State University is a dynamic and growing academic community that offers both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, along with minors that complement a wide range of fields. Students engage in diverse areas of study and benefit from a curriculum that blends theory, research, and real-world application. With approximately 500 undergraduate majors and a robust, award-winning graduate program, the department is home to more than 25 dedicated faculty members who are nationally recognized for their teaching, research, and service. Located in the heart of the beautiful Texas Hill Country, the university’s San Marcos campus offers a vibrant and inclusive environment. Students thrive in a close-knit academic community while enjoying access to one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., with unique cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities.

The Chair is expected to exercise vision and leadership in scholarly activities, faculty development, curriculum, and professional service, placing emphasis on the continuing development and maintenance of outstanding on-campus and online programs in the undergraduate and graduate programs. The Chair will engage in scholarship, university service, and teach in the department. The Chair should support a welcoming departmental climate that respects and values a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. The Chair is responsible for the following administrative oversight and management tasks:

• provide academic leadership in the department;
• provide support for increased scholarship and grant activity;
• develop and implement short- and long-range strategic plans;
• maintain high quality instructional programs that promote academic standards with clear learning outcomes;
• collaborate with campus and community stakeholders;
• prepare, execute, and monitor the departmental budget;
• recruit, retain, and evaluate distinguished faculty;
• promote professional development for faculty and staff;
• advise, recruit, and retain students from a variety of backgrounds;
• provide oversight of curriculum and student degree plans; and
• establish and maintain an efficient office management system;
• foster a culture of collegiality and cohesion.

Required Qualifications:

Required Qualifications for Appointment to the Rank of Associate Professor:

• Ph.D. in Communication Studies or a closely related field of study.
• Have a distinguished academic record (scholarship, teaching, and service) that merits appointment with tenure at the rank of associate professor.
• Provide evidence of successful administrative leadership.

Required Qualifications for Appointment to the Rank of Professor:

• Ph.D. in Communication Studies or a closely related field of study.
• Have a distinguished academic record (scholarship, teaching, and service) that merits appointment with tenure at the rank of professor or associate professor with eligibility for promotion to professor based on departmental standards (including at least 5 years as associate professor).
• Provide evidence of successful administrative leadership.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications for Appointment to the Rank of Associate Professor:

• Demonstrated leadership and experience in building alliances and/or partnerships across the academic unit, college, university, and academic and business communities.
• Demonstrated successful experience with general administrative duties such as strategic planning, budget, facilities, personnel management, recruitment/retention/enrollment management, and scheduling of classes.
• Successful record of teaching and mentoring undergraduate, graduate students, and graduate instructional assistants.
• Experience teaching in a doctoral program.
• Experience with internal and external funding including grants and donor development.
• Ability to advocate for the importance of a fundamental/basic communication course within the department and university community.
• Demonstrated support for co-curricular department activities such as the speech and debate team, as well as other student organizations.
• Demonstrated support of participation with professional organizations.
• Experience and commitment to developing a culture of engagement among all faculty ranks.

Preferred Qualifications for Appointment to the Rank of Professor: (Same as above for Associate Professor)

Application Procedures: Only applications submitted through the Texas State University website will be accepted and considered, https://jobs.hr.txstate.edu/postings/53931. To ensure full consideration for the position, online applications must be received by October 15, 2025. The committee will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. A complete application will consist of: a letter of interest (3 page maximum) that states the applicant’s administrative philosophy and how the applicant meets the required and preferred qualifications; a current curriculum vitae; unofficial transcripts, and a list of three to five references with phone numbers and email addresses.

Proposed Start Date: Summer 2026

Posting Date: 08/29/2025

Review Date: 10/15/2025

Open Until Filled?: Yes