Instructor, Public Relations

WPU The William Paterson University of New Jersey; Wayne (NJ); Hybrid; USD 69,373 - 79,781; Full time

Job summary

WPU The William Paterson University of New Jersey invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track Public Relations Instructor. The position begins on August 15, 2026, and involves teaching responsibilities across in-person and online modalities.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Communication or a related field, with professional experience in public relations being essential. Salary ranges from $69,373.45 to $79,781.83, and may offer a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required; doctorate preferred in Communication, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• Experience teaching in online or accelerated formats (e.g., 7-week courses).
• Teaching experience at the college level, including online instruction.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Public Relations and Integrated Marketing Communication.
• Deliver courses in various modalities: in-person, online synchronous, and online asynchronous.
• Engage in professional development to stay current in the field.

Skills

Professional experience in public relations

Ability to teach across modalities

Commitment to applied teaching

Familiarity with digital media

Education

Master’s degree in Communication or related field

Doctorate preferred

Job description

Job Summary

William Paterson University invites applications for a full‑time, non‑tenure‑track Public Relations Instructor in the Department of Communication, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, beginning August 15, 2026. The position is a 10‑month appointment, renewable annually based on satisfactory job performance, with opportunities for promotion and multi‑year contracts after the first five years.

Position Overview

This role supports one of the department’s most professionally oriented areas, contributing to consistent, high‑quality instruction in a growing program. The position includes teaching responsibilities and administrative duties that may offset teaching time.

Program Context

The Public Relations and Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) areas represent a significant portion of the department’s instruction, spanning undergraduate PR courses on the main campus, graduate IMC courses delivered through WPOnline in 7‑week sessions year‑round, and additional online undergraduate offerings. The IMC program alone delivers approximately eighteen graduate course sections annually, with additional PR sections offered across modalities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required; doctorate preferred in Communication, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• Professional experience in public relations, integrated marketing, or strategic communication.
• Ability to teach across modalities, in‑class and online, and engage diverse student populations.
• Commitment to applied, career‑oriented teaching.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching in online or accelerated formats (e.g., 7‑week courses).
• Familiarity with digital media, social platforms, and emerging communication tools.
• Interest in contributing to a professionally oriented curriculum aligned with industry needs.
• Teaching experience at the college level, including online instruction.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Public Relations and Integrated Marketing Communication across main campus and WPOnline formats.
• Deliver courses in a variety of modalities, including in‑person, online synchronous, and online asynchronous formats.
• Courses may include: Public Relations Principles, Public Relations Writing, Strategic Communication, Social Media Strategy, Integrated Marketing Communication, Branding and Advertising, Crisis Communication, and Digital Content Strategy.
• Maintain consistency and quality across multiple course sections, particularly in high‑demand areas.
• Support curricular alignment with current industry practices and career pathways.
• Engage with faculty to ensure efficient organization of courses and coursework consistent with professional standards; develop courses and curriculum.
• Support students in their academic endeavors.
• Participate in a variety of opportunities within the department, college, and university community, including mentoring students where required.
• Engage in formal and informal processes of departmental assessment of student learning and programming.
• Attend department and college meetings as required and engage in departmental activities.
• Engage in professional development to stay current and academically prepared in the field.
• Perform other teaching or administrative duties as appropriate depending on departmental needs.

Personal Attributes and Traits

• Demonstrated dedication to supporting student success.
• Ability to commit to the creative development of others and help them recognize and expand upon their talents.
• Ability to collaborate with peers in a diverse environment.
• Ability to adapt to a constantly changing higher education environment.

Benefits and Salary

Salary Range: $69,373.45 – $79,781.83 (AFT).

This position may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental insurance and retirement plans.

EEO Statement

William Paterson University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, sex/gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, civil union status, familial status, religion, national origin or citizenship, military service status, or any other category protected by law. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.