ASSISTANT PROFESSOR of Digital Journalism / UMKC School of Humanities & Social Sciences / Depar[...]

University of Missouri System; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a passionate Assistant Professor of Digital Journalism to join their faculty. This exciting tenure-track position offers the opportunity to teach and mentor students in innovative multimedia reporting techniques, including AR, VR, and data journalism. The successful candidate will engage in interdisciplinary research and contribute to a vibrant academic community. With a focus on fostering a diverse student body, this role promises a rewarding career in a dynamic environment that values research, teaching, and community service. Join a university that champions creativity and collaboration in one of America's most entrepreneurial cities.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan

Educational Fee Discounts

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in journalism or related fields required by August 1, 2026.
• Active research agenda in digital journalism preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach digital journalism courses and mentor students.
• Develop new multimedia reporting courses in AR, VR, and AI.

Skills

Digital Journalism

Multimedia Reporting

Research Skills

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in Journalism or Mass Communication

ABD Candidates Considered

Job description

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR of Digital Journalism / UMKC School of Humanities & Social Sciences / Department of Communication & Journalism

Job Description

The Department of Communication and Journalism in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Missouri-Kansas City seeks applications for a 9-month, benefit-eligible, tenure-track, full-time faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Digital Journalism beginning Fall 2026.

The department will consider candidates with an active research agenda in digital journalism and those who can assist the department in developing new multimedia reporting courses in AR, VR & Mixed Reality journalism, data journalism, drone reporting, and AI-driven innovations in digital journalism applications to add to the department’s curriculum. The preferred candidate will teach existing digital journalism courses at the undergraduate level and mentor students in areas such as video-based social media content, on-camera skills, interviewing, and social media content editing. Additionally, the preferred candidate will demonstrate an ability to forge working relationships with other departments and schools at UMKC (e.g., School of Science and Engineering, Bloch School of Management, etc.).

The successful candidate will have an active and promising research agenda (for example, publications, conference papers, conference presentations, or other evidence of research), and a desire to conduct interdisciplinary research and secure grant funding. The successful candidate also will be committed to helping create a nurturing departmental environment through research, teaching, and service that will attract and sustain a diverse student body, serve a variety of student populations, and contribute to Kansas City’s many communities.

This position has been created to further the department’s mission of facilitating high-impact research activities that can broaden interdisciplinary research and collaboration. The Department of Communication and Journalism is committed to excellence in teaching, and it values professional experience, research, and community service that benefit our regional communities and populations.

Qualifications

A Ph.D. in journalism, mass communication, or digital media related fields by August 1, 2026, is required. ABD candidates will be considered.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary commensurate with experience, qualifications, evidence of externally funded research, and internal equity.

Application Materials

For consideration, you must apply online at www.umkc.edu/jobs, click on Academic Positions Job Opening ID (55522)

Please combine all application materials references into one PDF or Microsoft Word document and upload as your resume attachments. Limit document name to 50 characters and do not include any special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.).

1. Cover letter highlighting qualifications for a tenure-track position
2. A research statement, including any funded projects
3. A teaching statement (reflecting teaching experience)
4. Current contact information of three professional references

We will contact references and request educational transcripts for candidates who progress to the finalist stage.

For questions about the position, please contact [e-mail] including the Job Identification number (number) and name of the position.

Application Deadline

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by July 30. The position will remain open until filled.

Community Information

A City on the Rise: Big City Life and Midwest Charm, Kansas City offers the best of both worlds – a vibrant, urban community with midwestern appeal and an affordable cost of living. The university is in one of the most entrepreneurial cities in America, and the metropolitan area has a population of more than 2.4 million. Our UMKC campuses are centered in the hubs of business activity, cultural arts, and health science research engagement. Our community boasts championship professional athletic teams, NASCAR racing, ethnic and local cuisine (some great BBQ!), and a rich history of music and performing arts. Our beautiful state provides rivers, lakes, biking/hiking trails, and mountains for outdoor enthusiasts, all within an easy drive.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.