Chair, Communication Studies, Tenure-Track Faculty

Middle Tennessee State University; Murfreesboro (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick Leave

Vacation Leave

University holidays

Health insurance

Retirement plans

401K/403B

Educational benefits

Job summary

Middle Tennessee State University’s College of Liberal Arts invites applicants for the position of Chair of the Department of Communication Studies.

The successful candidate will lead a department offering BA/BS degrees with concentrations in Culture and Social Influence, Health Communication, and Organizational Communication, and will engage in interdisciplinary minors and a vibrant debate program; anticipated start date is August 1, 2027.

Qualifications

• Terminal degree in communication or a closely related field is required by the appointment date.
• Candidates should demonstrate leadership abilities and a commitment to equitable student success.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Department of Communication Studies with focus on teaching excellence and scholarship.
• Oversee quotidian operations while pursuing long-range growth and program quality.
• Advocate for diverse student and faculty concerns and foster collaborative leadership.
• Budget management, assessment, recruitment and fundraising may be part of the role.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Strategic planning

Education

Terminal degree in communication or related field

Job description

Job Title

Chair, Communication Studies, Tenure-Track Faculty
Department

Communication Studies

University Expectation

MTSU seeks candidates committed to innovative teaching, robust research/creative activity, and meaningful service. We also seek to attract culturally and academically diverse faculty who value working with diverse students.

Salary

The salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Job Summary/Basic Function

The College of Liberal Arts at Middle Tennessee State University invites applicants for the position (#631005) of Chair of the Department of Communication Studies. Applicants must meet the criteria for the rank of either associate professor or professor. Expedited tenure upon appointment is possible. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2027.

The successful candidate will lead a department that offers B.A. and B.S. degrees in Communication, with concentrations in Culture and Social Influence; Health Communication; and Organizational Communication; participates in several interdisciplinary minors; and has a vibrant debate program. The department seeks candidates who emphasize collaborative leadership and the ability to manage quotidian operations while focusing on long-range plans to foster growth and sustain quality programs. The selected candidate will prioritize excellence in teaching, have a distinguished record of scholarship, and be committed to equitable student success. In addition, the successful candidate will have demonstrated leadership abilities, strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, and the ability to advocate for diverse student and faculty concerns.

Required Education

A terminal degree in communication or a closely related field is required by the appointment date.

Other Desirables

Applicants with prior administrative experience, including budget management, assessment, and an interest in recruitment and fundraising, may receive special consideration.

MTSU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

• Sick Leave
• Vacation Leave for Administrative/Classified Staff/12-month Faculty
• 13 paid University holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Retirement plans
• Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
• Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents

MTSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligibility for U.S. employment is required before employment (Immigration Control Act of 1986). Clery Act crime statistics for MTSU are available at https://police.mtsu.edu/annual-security-report/ or by contacting MTSU Public Safety at [phone].

MTSU is a Tobacco & Drug-Free campus.

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you will be required to provide information about your criminal history to be considered.

For individuals requiring reasonable accommodation to apply:In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with MTSU, please call 615-898-2929 or email [e-mail].

Application Review Date:12/02/2026