Assistant Professor

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking an Assistant Professor in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations with a strong teaching and research record in public relations. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D., the ability to teach across multiple levels, and a commitment to mentoring students. The position is tenure-track, starting August 1, 2026.

Qualifications

• Strong record of teaching and research in public relations.
• Ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses.
• Subject matter expertise in public relations and/or communication.

Responsibilities

• Teach a range of undergraduate and graduate courses in public relations.
• Conduct research and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Mentor graduate students and engage in interdisciplinary collaboration.

Skills

Teaching effectiveness

Research in public relations

Mentoring graduate students

Education

Ph.D. in mass communication, public relations, or a closely related field

Job description

Posting Number:

F2394P

Working Title:

Assistant Professor

Department:

Grady-Advertising & PR

About the University of Georgia:

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department:

About the Department of Advertising and Public Relations
The Department of Advertising and Public Relations is a Top Five Outstanding Education Program ranked by PRWeek in 2024 and 2025. We have a dedicated team of award-winning teachers and internationally and nationally recognized scholars. As a hub for interdisciplinary research and professional development, AdPR houses the Brain, Body, and Media (BBAM) Lab, the Center for Advanced Computer-Human Ecosystems, the Center for Health and Risk Communication, the Crisis Communication Think Tank, and the SEE Suite for Social Media Engagement & Evaluation. AdPR is the proud home of Talking Dog, a student-led full-service advertising and public relations agency that fosters growth for both clients and members through next-generation perspectives. AdPR offers two undergraduate certificate programs, the Public Affairs Communications Certificate program in collaboration with the School of Public and International Affairs and the Strategic Health and Risk Communications Certificate program in collaboration with the College of Public Health. AdPR also offers diverse study abroad and field study programs in New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, Japan, and Cannes, France.

About the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication
UGA’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2015. The college offers M.A., M.F.A., and Ph.D. degrees, and it offers undergraduate degrees in advertising, entertainment and media studies, journalism, and public relations. The college hosts student chapters of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), the American Advertising Federation (AdClub), the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, Women in Media, the Online News Association, the National Press Photographers Association, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Association for Women in Sports Media. Learn more about the Department of Advertising and Public Relations and the Grady College at www.grady.uga.edu.

About Georgia
Georgia is well known for its quality of life, and for outdoor, urban, cultural and arts activities (www.exploregeorgia.org). Athens, the home of UGA, is consistently rated as one the nation’s best college towns and is a vibrant, diverse place to live (www.visitathensga.com). The University of Georgia is a land/sea grant institution located approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, in close proximity to major media outlets, global agencies, national and international government and nonprofit organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and the world’s busiest international airport. More information about UGA is available at www.uga.edu.

Posting Type:

External

Employment Type:

Employee

Benefits Eligibility:

Benefits Eligible

Anticipated Start Date:

08/01/2026

Job Posting Date:

06/10/2025

Open until filled:

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Screening of applications will begin on September 12, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit the following:

• a cover letter
• a curriculum vita
• the names, emails, and phone numbers of three references
• up to two academic writing samples/publications

Questions regarding the search should be directed to Dr. Michael Cacciatore, the search committee chair, at [e-mail] of Vacancy:

Athens Area

EEO Statement:

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement:

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Classification Title:

Assistant Professor

Faculty Rank:

Assistant Professor

Contract Type:

Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status:

Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in mass communication, public relations, communication, or a closely related field. ABD candidates will be considered.

Position Summary:

The Department of Advertising and Public Relations in the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty appointment at the rank of assistant professor in public relations. The faculty start date for this position will be August 1, 2026.

The ideal candidate must have a strong record of teaching and research in public relations and the ability to teach a range of undergraduate and graduate courses across our curriculum, such as Public Relations Management, Public Relations Communications, Public Relations Ethics and Leadership, Public Relations Campaigns, Advertising and Public Relations Theory, and Advertising and Public Relations Research. Mentoring graduate students is also expected.

Additional Requirements:

• Subject matter expertise in public relations and/or related areas.
• Record of teaching effectiveness in courses related to public relations and/or other communication-related areas.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification:

• Some industry background is also a plus, as is expertise in grants writing and seeking external funding, including via interdisciplinary collaboration.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• An active research agenda and a proven strong research record/potential in public relations that includes publication of peer-reviewed articles in leading scholarly journals in public relations, communication, mass communication, media, journalism, and/or related fields.
• We welcome all research methods but are especially interested in qualitative and/or historical perspectives. Those with a qualitative and/or historical perspective are strongly encouraged to apply.

Is this a Position of Trust?:

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?:

No

Does this position require a P-Card? :

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?:

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications):

Yes

Credit and P-Card policy:

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy:

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.