Assistant Professor of Communication

SUU; Cedar City, Northern (UT, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Utah University’s communication department seeks an Assistant Professor of Strategic Communication for a fall 2027 start in a tenure-track role. The appointment includes a 4-4 teaching load focused on strategic communication.

Candidates should demonstrate a research or creative agenda and participate in service to the department, university, and wider professional community. ABD with expected completion date is acceptable.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Communication or related field (ABD considered with completion date prior to appointment).
• Willingness to teach a 4-4 load, primarily in strategic communication with crossovers to sports communication.
• Demonstrated ability to publish/creative agenda and engage in service to department and university.
• Experience with social media video editing is preferred; ability to teach video editing for social platforms.

Responsibilities

• Teach a 4-4 load with emphasis on strategic communication and related courses.
• Advise Master’s theses in the MA in Professional Communication.
• Represent the department professionally and engage in service to the university and community.
• Support program development and cross-disciplinary teaching as needed.

Education

Ph.D. in Communication or related field

Job description

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.

• 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.

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.

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.