Assistant Professor, Communication Studies

Otterbein-University; Westerville (OH); On-site; USD 56,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

University benefits

Job summary

Otterbein University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Communication Studies. We seek candidates who will contribute to the department’s efforts to enhance diversity and provide an inclusive learning environment for all.

The appointment begins August 2027. Responsibilities include teaching seven courses per year, advising students, and supporting the award-winning speech and debate team, with opportunities to engage in scholarship and service.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Speech Communication, Communication Studies, or Rhetoric OR a J.D. with a background in speech and debate required for tenure-track appointment.
• Experience in competitive speech and debate required; teaching experience required.

Responsibilities

• Teach seven courses per year in Communication.
• Advise students and maintain a program of scholarship and service.
• Support Otterbein’s speech and debate team and engage in faculty activities.

Skills

Teaching

Speech & Debate

Mentoring

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Ph.D. in Speech Communication, Communication Studies, or Rhetoric

J.D. with speech and debate background

Job description

Otterbein University invites applications for the position of a full-time, tenure track Assistant Professor of Communication Studies. We seek candidates who will contribute to the department’s efforts to enhance diversity and provide an inclusive learning environment for all.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Assistant Professor will teach seven courses each year in Communication, advise students, and maintain a program of scholarship and service. The Assistant Professor will also play a key role in maintaining and supporting Otterbein’s award-winning speech and debate team, which comprises part of the teaching load. Courses will be selected from Argumentation, Public Speaking, Communicating with Audiences and Professional and Persuasive Writing. Additional opportunities exist to teach in specific areas of interest, as well as in the Freshman Year Seminar, Integrative Studies and Senior Year Experience programs. Faculty members are also expected to be involved in professional and community activities for the purposes of scholarship, professional development, student advising and mentorship, and service.

WHEN

This appointment will begin August 2027.

QUALIFICATIONS

Ph.D. in Speech Communication, Communication Studies, Rhetoric OR a J.D. with a background in speech and debate required for tenure-track appointment; experience in competitive speech and debate required; desire to work with and mentor students; teaching experience required.

The ideal candidate will have experience with and enthusiasm for the student speech and debate team, prior teaching experience in a liberal arts setting, an established program of scholarship, and a commitment to excellence in teaching. The candidate must also possess superior communication, leadership, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff from diverse communities and cultures. This tenure-track position carries commensurate expectations for teaching, scholarship, and service.

COMPENSATION

$62,226 (plus full University benefits).

DEPARTMENT

The Department of Communication houses programs in communication studies, journalism and media communication, health communication and public relations. The department supports robust student co-curricular activities, which have resulted in speech and debate championships, PRSSA recognition and awards for journalism and audio/video production.

OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY

Historically progressive. That is the hallmark of Otterbein University and those connected to this private university nestled in the picturesque, historic Uptown Westerville district in central Ohio and minutes away from Columbus, Ohio’s largest city. Otterbein has set the pace by providing an educational experience that is progressive, innovative, and inclusive. Students come from towns throughout Ohio, as well as many states and multiple countries, enriching the campus through their individual and collective diversity. As a university that educates students of various racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, we strive for and value a diverse faculty and staff that reflects our student population and Franklin County. Otterbein has been selected as one of 23 universities across the US and the first in Ohio to host a Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Campus Center. Otterbein will work with its own campus community as well as the Columbus City and Westerville City school districts to create positive narrative change about race; promote racial healing activities; and erase structural barriers to equity and opportunity.

For more than a decade, Otterbein has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its academic quality. In the 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, Otterbein ranked #12 among 160 Regional Universities in the Midwest. To learn more about Otterbein, visit www.otterbein.edu.

WHERE

Otterbein University is located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus, and has received notable national designations, including two appearances on Money Magazine’s Top 100 list of Americas’ “Best Places to Live” and recognized as one of Forbes “America’s Friendliest Towns.” Westerville has a population of approximately 38,000 people and combines the beauty and convenience of a medium-sized community with the cultural, educational, and economic benefits of Columbus, the state capital; a thriving and diverse metropolitan area of 2.2 million people. Central Ohio is the fastest growing area in the state with stability provided by a diversified economy.

Otterbein University’s achievement of academic excellence depends on its commitment to inclusion and belonging. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Otterbein University is an EEO Employer.