Assistant Professor of Communication

Southern Utah University; Cedar City (UT); On-site; USD 64,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Utah University in Cedar City, UT seeks an Assistant Professor of Strategic Communication for a tenure-track position beginning fall 2027. The appointment includes a 4-4 teaching load, primarily in strategic communication, with opportunities to cross into sports communication courses. The candidate will pursue a research or creative agenda, advise graduate theses, and engage in service.

A Ph.D. in Communication or a related field is required; ABD considered with completion date prior to

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Communication or a related field; ABD considered with completion date prior to appointment.
• Tenure-track position to begin fall 2027.

Responsibilities

• Teach a 4-4 load, primarily in the strategic communication emphasis; crossover to sports communication courses is possible.
• Advise students on thesis/projects and participate in department and university service.
• Represent the department professionally and contribute to professional organizations.

Education

Ph.D. in Communication or related field

Job description

Salary: $64,000.00 - $66,000.00 Annually

Location: Cedar City, UT

Job Type: Full-time Faculty

Job Number: 202600139

Division: College of Humanities & Social Sciences

Closing: Continuous

FLSA: Exempt

Position Summary

The communication department at Southern Utah University is seeking candidates to fill the position of Assistant Professor of Strategic Communication. The assignment will begin in the fall of 2027. This is a tenure-track position.

Date of first consideration: 11/01/2026.

Essential Functions

• Candidates should be willing to teach a 4-4 load, primarily in the strategic communication emphasis. A candidate that is excited and willing to teach courses that crossover into both the strategic communication and sports communication emphases is preferred (i.e. sports public relations and branding and advertising in sports).


• Other possible courses that will be assigned include introduction to social media, introduction to advertising and public relations, introduction to visual communication graphics, and advertising strategies. A willingness to accept other classes when asked by the department chair is appreciated. Opportunities to teach during summer semesters with an attractive compensation model may be available.


• Candidates should have a research or creative agenda and be ready to work toward these goals upon appointment.


• Service to the communication department, university, and community, as well as participation in related academic and professional organizations is expected.


• Candidates should also be willing to serve as an advisor on various thesis/projects in the Master's of Arts in Professional Communication program.


• Candidates should be prepared to represent the communication department in a professional manner, with a pleasant disposition, integrity, and strong character to complement our collaborative department culture.


• In accordance with Utah State Code 53A-3-410, appointment to this position is contingent upon the successful passing of a background check.

Education & Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Communication or a related field (ABD Considered with completion date prior to appointment).

Preferred Qualifications

• The preferred candidate for this position should also be skilled in social media video editing. For example, an ability to teach students how to professionally edit videos for YouTube, Instagram, and other short- and long-form video platforms is an immediate need in the department. Candidates invited for an on-campus interview will be asked to showcase these skills.


• While not a requirement for the position, a candidate with the experience and/or desire to start and direct a chapter of PRSSA would be a benefit to the department.

Supplemental Information

Due to recent changes in H1B visa fees, Southern Utah University is no longer able to sponsor international faculty and staff that require an H1B visa and are currently living outside of the United States.

Southern Utah University does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment) , sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services. For more information or contact information, please visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination/.

In accordance with Utah State Code 53A-3-410, appointment to this position is ontingent upon the successful passing of a background check.