Professor of Communications

Hannibal-LaGrange University; Hannibal (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Hannibal-LaGrange University invites applications for an Open Rank Professor of Communications. This full-time faculty position involves teaching, mentoring students, and helping shape a forward-looking curriculum across media, digital communication, public relations, and strategic messaging within a Christian higher education context.

The ideal candidate will blend theory with applied practice, support biblical worldview integration, and engage in service to the university while advancing

Qualifications

• Completed master’s or doctoral degree in communication, media, journalism, public relations, marketing, or closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability or potential to teach effectively at the undergraduate level.
• Commitment to the mission, values, and Christian identity of Hannibal-LaGrange University.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses across communication disciplines, including media, digital communication, PR, organizational, or marketing communication.
• Contribute to development and assessment of the Bachelor of Science in Communication curriculum.
• Mentor and advise students academically and professionally within a Christian learning community.
• Incorporate faith-learning integration and support spiritual formation of students.

Skills

Curriculum development

Undergraduate teaching

Student mentorship

Communication theory

Digital/media communication

Team collaboration

Christian higher ed

Education

Master’s or doctoral in communications

18 grad credits in related field

Doctoral degree (preferred)

Higher ed teaching experience (preferred)

Professional/industry experience

Job description

Position Title: Open Rank Professor of Communications

Department: Media Communication Division: Arts & Humanities

Number of hours per week for which this position is budgeted: 40

Number of months per year for which this position is budgeted: 12

Reports to: Vice President of Academic Administration

FSLA Requirement: Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

The Open Rank Professor of Communications is a full-time faculty member responsible for teaching, mentoring students, and contributing to the development of a forward-looking communications curriculum that prepares graduates for the ever-shifting landscape of the field. As Hannibal-LaGrange University grows its communication program, this position plays a key role in shaping academically relevant offerings across areas such as media, digital communication, public relations, organizational communication, and strategic messaging — with marketing communication as a valued area of growth.

The professor integrates strong theoretical foundations with applied practice, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and professional communication skills necessary for leadership and generational impact in a rapidly evolving communication landscape. Through an engaged, student centered approach, the faculty member contributes to a collaborative learning community committed to educational relevance, helping students build the adaptability and breadth of knowledge needed to thrive across diverse communication careers.

In alignment with the University’s Christian mission and core values, the successful candidate models teaching grounded in a biblical worldview, integrates faith and learning, and supports the holistic development of students; intellectually, professionally, and spiritually, preparing graduates to serve others and shape their communities.

Employee must possess a vibrant, personal Christian faith including a clear testimony of Christian conversion and be actively involved in an evangelical, preferably Southern Baptist, church.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teach undergraduate courses across communication disciplines, which may include media, digital communication, public relations, organizational communication, interpersonal communication, or marketing communication, using effective and engaging pedagogical practices.
• Contribute to the ongoing development, assessment, and refinement of curriculum supporting an evolving Bachelor of Science in Communication, ensuring academic quality, educational relevance, and alignment with industry trends.
• Integrate theoretical foundations with applied learning experiences that prepare students for professional and service-oriented careers across a broad range of communication fields.
• Mentor and advise students academically and professionally, supporting their intellectual growth, career readiness, and personal development within a Christian learning community.
• Incorporate faith-learning integration through teaching grounded in a biblical worldview and support the spiritual formation of students in alignment with the University’s mission and core values.
• Participate in divisional and university service; including faculty meetings, committees, assessment activities, and campus events.
• Support experiential learning opportunities such as internships, service-learning, student media projects, or community partnerships that enhance student learning and community engagement.
• Maintain awareness of emerging communication technologies, platforms, and best practices to ensure instructional content remains current and effective.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned in support of the mission and academic goals of Hannibal LaGrange University.

DEPARTMENTAL RELATIONSHIPS

• Academic Division
• Office of Academic Administration

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Broad knowledge of communication theory and practice, including one or more areas such as digital communication, media production, public relations, organizational communication, strategic messaging, or marketing communication, with awareness of emerging trends and technologies.
• Ability to integrate theoretical foundations with applied, experiential learning approaches that prepare undergraduate students for professional and service-oriented careers in digital and media-related fields.
• Demonstrated commitment to effective undergraduate teaching, assessment, and student mentorship within a Christian higher education environment.
• Ability to integrate faith and learning through teaching grounded in a biblical worldview and consistent with the mission and core values of Hannibal-LaGrange University.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills, with the ability to contribute to curriculum development, program assessment, and university service.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAINING

Required:

• Completed master’s or doctoral degree in communication, media, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a closely related field OR a minimum of 18 graduate-level credit hours in communication, media, digital communication, or a closely related field, combined with relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated ability or potential to teach effectively at the undergraduate level.
• Commitment to the mission, values, and Christian identity of Hannibal-LaGrange University.

Preferred:

• Doctoral degree in a relevant field.
• Previous teaching experience in higher education.
• Professional or industry experience in digital communication, media production, digital marketing, or related areas.

Disclaimer

* This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and/or other management as required. HLGU reserves the right to revise or change job duties, required skills, or qualifications as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. The aforementioned job requirements are subject to change to reasonably accommodate qualified disabled individuals.