Assistant Professor/Instructor of Media Communication

West Texas A&M University; Canyon, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, invites applications for an Assistant Professor (tenure-track) or Instructor (non-tenure-track) in Media Communication. The ideal candidate excels in teaching undergraduate media communication and contributes to service and professional activity.

The role involves teaching in areas like media trends, news production, basic video, and coordinating practicum experiences, with potential travel and ongoing scholarly engagement for tenure-track candidates.

Qualifications

• proven track record of high-quality teaching in media communication
• at least 2 years of professional, media-industry experience
• ability to develop and teach traditional and web-based courses with excellence
• strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills, initiative and student-centered approach

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in media communication, media trends, news production, basic video
• Lead students in practicum experiences like Prairie News or Sports Broadcasting (may include travel)
• Maintain active involvement in discipline-specific associations and conferences (BEA, AEJMC)
• Engage in scholarly research and service to department, college and university

Skills

Teaching experience

Interpersonal communication

Leadership

Curriculum development

Public speaking

Student mentorship

Education

Master of Arts in Media Communication

PhD in Media Communication

Master's in Mass Communication

Tools

News production equipment

Video editing software

Web-based course development tools

Job description

**Job Summary:**The Department of Communication at West Texas A&M University invites applications for an Assistant Professor (tenure-track) **or** Instructor (non-tenure-track) in Media Communication. The position requires excellence in teaching and professional service; tenure-track candidates would also have research expectations. A qualified applicant should have an established record of successfully teaching undergraduate media communication courses. Candidate may begin employment in either January or August 2027, depending on candidate qualifications and department needs. **Work Performed:*** Teaching undergraduate courses in the areas of media communication, media trends, news production, basic video, and similar courses.* Leading students, possibly in the Prairie News or the Sports Broadcasting practicum, which includes some travel.* Teaching load is dependent on entering rank.* Participating actively in discipline-specific professional associations and conferences (e.g., BEA, AEJMC) to maintain current knowledge of the field.* Remaining up-to-date through scholarly research for tenure-track applicants. Rank of assistant professor requires regular production of peer-reviewed, scholarly conference presentations and journal publications.* Supporting the department, college, and university through regular professional service and community outreach.**Necessary Qualifications:*** Candidate must have a Master of Arts in Media Communication or Mass Communication (or a master’s degree in a related course of study). To be considered for the tenure-track rank of assistant professor, candidates must have a Ph.D. in hand at the time of the contract.* Candidate must demonstrate high-quality teaching experience in media communication.* Candidate must have at least 2 years of professional, media-industry experience.* Candidate must demonstrate the ability to develop and teach traditional and web-based courses with excellence.* Candidate should have strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills, initiative, and the ability to excel in a student-centered environment.**Preferred Qualifications:*** Experience advising and mentoring students.* Experience in news production or broadcasting sporting events.* Ph.D. in Media Communication or related field.**Applicant Instructions:**We require the following:* Letter of interest or cover letter* Curriculum Vitae* Portfolio of creative work (where applicable)* Personal statement to include teaching philosophy and plans for teaching and service; any tenure-track applicants should also address their plans for research, in addition to their teaching philosophy and plans for teaching and service* Samples of unpublished works or works in progress (tenure-track applicants)* Unofficial Transcripts (Official transcripts are expected to be submitted promptly by the successful candidate)* List of three professional referencesPlease attach all documents in the attachment box at the bottom of the “My Experience” page before continuing through the application. Please use the “Upload” button to add each document individually. All revisions must be made prior to application submission. If you need assistance with uploading documents, please contact WTAMU Human Resources at [e-mail]. Texas law requires that males age 18 through 25 be properly registered with the Selective Service System in order to be eligible for employment.All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. The A&M System strives to maintain a competitive, high-quality benefit package to support the health and wellness needs of our workforce. This includes comprehensive health and welfare insurance plans, additional health and lifestyle programs, and optional retirement savings opportunities. Eligible employees will have access to paid leave programs in addition to 13-15 paid holidays each year. For more information regarding the benefit package go to: West Texas A&M University: Human Resources Benefits All applicants must attest they are not employed by and do not have any connection or continuous connections to any government entity or political apparatus of a country listed in 15 C.F.R. § 791.4. Due to budgetary reasons, West Texas A&M University will not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. For additional questions or information regarding this position, please contact:Search Committee Chair: Dr. Emily KinskyDepartment: CommunicationPhone: 806-651-2800Email: [e-mail] positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.