Assistant Professor, Communication Studies

Otterbein University; Westerville (OH); On-site; USD 53,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Otterbein University invites applications for the position of a full-time, tenure track Assistant Professor of Communication Studies. The appointment begins August 2027, at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio.

The candidate will teach seven courses annually, advise students, engage in scholarship and service, and support the university’s speech and debate team. Ph.D. or J.D. with relevant background is required for tenure-track; salary is $62,226 plus full benefits.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Speech Communication, Communication Studies, Rhetoric, or a J.D. with speech and debate background.
• Experience in competitive speech and debate.
• Teaching experience in a liberal arts setting.
• Commitment to excellence in teaching and to diversity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Teach seven courses each year in Communication Studies.
• Advise students and mentor their academic progress.
• Maintain a program of scholarship and service.
• Support Otterbein's award-winning speech and debate team.

Skills

Mentoring students

Strong communication

Leadership

Team collaboration

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Ph.D. in Speech Communication / Communication Studies / 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.

Job Type: Faculty

Job Number: 00530

Location: 1 S Grove St, Westerville, OH

Division: Academic Affairs

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: For the rank of Assistant Professor (terminal degree) - $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 is a 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.

Otterbein University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. 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.

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.