Assistant Professor/Student Media Adviser

NC Central University; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

A historic university in North Carolina is seeking a faculty member for the Department of Mass Communication. This role involves teaching Journalism courses, advising the student news publication, and conducting research. Candidates must possess a terminal degree in mass communication and have experience in student media. This position offers a chance to influence the future of aspiring journalists within a supportive and innovative academic environment.

Qualifications

• Commitment to the history and culture of HBCUs.
• Experience in guiding student news media.
• Familiarity with curriculum design methods.

Responsibilities

• Teach core and concentration courses in Journalism.
• Advise the student news publication.
• Engage in scholarly research for promotion.

Skills

Effective communication

Knowledge of student media trends

Media production techniques

Problem-solving skills

Organizational skills

Education

Terminal degree in mass communication or related field

Job description

Position Overview

Be an Eagle - Where Purpose Takes Flight! Are you ready to make an impact? At North Carolina Central University (NCCU), we are more than an institution— we are a community rooted in a legacy of excellence and transformation. A historically Black university located in Durham, North Carolina, also known as “The City of Medicine,” NCCU has been a cornerstone of education since 1910, fostering innovation and progress. Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and exclusive perks designed to support your work‑life balance. At NCCU, your professional growth will be nurtured, and your contributions will help shape the future for our students and the community we serve. Become part of a legacy that drives change and achievement. An opportunity awaits you at NCCU, where your purpose can take flight. Visit NCCU.edu.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

The mission of the Department of Mass Communication is to prepare students for careers and study in mass communication. The department offers engaged learning, student media and research experiences and connections to professional practice opportunities. The department values the comprehensive preparation of graduates with an understanding of the ethical, practical, and theoretical foundations in the field and an understanding of and appreciation for a variety of cultures. The Department of Mass Communication offers a B.A. degree with five concentrations: Broadcast Media, Digital Filmmaking, Journalism, Media Studies, and Public Relations. The department also includes the award‑winning student media outlets the Campus Echo newspaper, the Central News student newscast, and the web‑based student radio station AudioNet. The department also maintains student NABJ and PRSSA chapters, and a recently renovated television studio, and has access to NPR radio station WNCU‑FM 90.7. The department is also responsible for providing courses that meet the General Education Curriculum speech requirement.

Primary Purpose of Position

The person in this position serves as a faculty member in the Department of Mass Communication and teaches core and concentration courses in the department’s Journalism concentration. The faculty member also serves as adviser for the department’s student news publication, the Campus Echo. As student media adviser, the faculty member is expected to translate their professional expertise in multimedia writing, reporting, storytelling, and production into teaching and mentoring student journalists. They are also expected to recruit and train student media staff members, promote and guide external student competition, advocate for student press freedom, manage the budget, and develop innovative approaches to the challenges facing student media. In addition to being an effective teacher, a mentor, and director of co‑curricular student media experiences, the faculty member is expected to be actively involved in scholarly research and/or creative activity at a level leading to promotion and tenure at the University, to be active in professional organizations that help the department enhance its co‑curricular student media experiences, and to participate in service activities in the department, the college, the university, and the profession that help advance the department’s vision and mission, including contributing to curriculum assessment and accreditation.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• An awareness of, understanding of and commitment to the history, culture, and traditions of a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
• A willingness to stay current with student media trends and issues.
• Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design in mass communication, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups.
• Knowledge of measurement of instructional outcomes.
• Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods, including alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
• Understanding of appropriate learning strategies as well as problem‑solving and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• A terminal degree in mass communication, communication studies, media studies, or a closely related field.
• Multiple years of experience in guiding student news media or appropriate related professional experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer

North Carolina Central University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

Key Responsibilities and Related Competencies

Instructional

Engage in teaching, evaluation, and other instruction‑related duties and responsibilities that help the department achieve its mission and meet the goals of the University—including recruitment and retention, supporting and guiding external student competition, participating in assessment activities related to instruction, and helping students develop high‑quality portfolio content related to their concentration of study.

• Serve as adviser for student media.
• Educate administrators, faculty, and others about the role of student media, student media leaders, and the adviser.

Research

Participate in scholarly research and/or creative activity at a level that would lead to promotion and tenure at the University.

Public Service

• Serve as academic advisor for students, providing educational guidance and assistance for students by planning schedules, recommending courses and determining appropriate education solutions for students in the department’s various concentrations.
• Provide service to the department, college, and University as appropriate to help achieve their respective missions, including attending departmental staff meetings and college faculty meetings regularly; participating in activities appropriate to the academic field or profession; and attending Convocation, Commencement, and other all‑University functions.

Budgeting

• Develop and oversee budget planning and processes for student media.
• Review and approve publication budget requests.
• Allocate funds to different functions.
• Optimize budgets based on spend data and performance.
• Present annual budgets to campus administrators.

Advocacy Skills

• Clearly and preemptively communicate advising philosophy and style to administrators so they know what to expect when something occurs.
• Establish collegial, professional relationships with networks of people on campus.
• Conduct or assist student leaders in conducting public relations and keeping the community informed about the organization’s successes.