Professor of Practice - Public Relations

Syracuse University; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications invites applications for a full-time Professor of Practice in Public Relations beginning Fall 2027.

The candidate will teach and maintain industry connections to keep our department current with professional practices and innovation, while serving the School and University. The role emphasizes teaching, mentorship, and strong industry ties to advance the curriculum and partnerships, with a commitment to on-campus presence and

Qualifications

• The successful candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree.
• A master’s degree is preferred.
• An APR designation and at least 10 years of progressively responsible public relations experience, including substantial senior leadership experience, is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teaching six courses per academic year at the undergraduate or graduate level.
• Strengthen industry connections to keep the department and School current on professional practices and innovation.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students and contribute to curriculum development.

Skills

Public relations

Leadership

Teaching

Mentorship

Strategic communications

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Professor of Practice - Public Relations

Job Title Professor of Practice - Public Relations

Location

Campus

Commitment to On-Campus Experience

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range

Pay Range $90,000 - $110,000

Salary offers at Syracuse University will be based on education, experience, and relevant skills, as well as the academic or professional discipline of the position in the context of the home department, school, or college. Salary offers may also be influenced by prior relevant work or industry experience, where applicable. Faculty pay ranges are for 8.5 months’ salary unless otherwise specified.

FLSA Status

FLSA Status Exempt

Hours

As determined by department chair and associate dean.

Job Type

Job Type Full-time

Rank

Rank Professor of Practice

Unionized Position Code CF

Job Description

The Public Relations Department at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications invites applications for a full-time Professor of Practice (PoP) position beginning in Fall 2027.
We seek a public relations professional with substantial industry experience. Primary responsibilities include teaching, maintaining industry connections to keep the department and School current on professional practices and innovation, and service to the department, School, University, and community. This position offers an accomplished practitioner the opportunity to shape the next generation of public relations professionals, bring current industry challenges into the classroom, and help advance the department’s curriculum and professional partnerships.
This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by a union, SEIU Local 200 United.

Qualifications

The successful candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree is preferred.
An APR designation and at least 10 years of progressively responsible public relations experience, including substantial senior leadership experience, is preferred.

Job Specific Qualifications

Candidates should have extensive professional experience and a record of leadership in public relations, primarily in agency and corporate settings. The successful candidate will maintain and strengthen relationships with public relations professionals and organizations while building new connections. Areas of particular interest include executive counsel, financial communications and investor relations, and the effective and ethical application of artificial intelligence in public relations. Candidates should demonstrate success in advising senior leaders, exercising sound ethical judgment, and achieving measurable communications outcomes that advance organizational goals.

A strong commitment to teaching and student mentorship is essential. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to translate professional experience into engaging, rigorous instruction and to support students with varied backgrounds, experiences and career goals. Evidence may include college teaching, professional training and seminars, or structured mentorship of emerging professionals. Candidates are expected to bring diverse domestic and international perspectives to their teaching and demonstrate proficiency in digital and social media. A record of engagement with one or more leading professional communications associations, such as PRSA , Page, IABC , CPRE , or the Global Alliance, is preferred.
Public relations professionals with a strong passion for teaching and significant experience in public relations are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Teaching responsibilities may include courses in public relations campaigns and management, as well as financial communications and investor relations. Additional teaching opportunities may include ethics, writing, public relations principles or other areas aligned with the candidate’s professional experience.

Professors of Practice teach six courses per academic year at the undergraduate or graduate level in our residential programs. Depending on qualifications, the successful candidate may also have opportunities to teach in the School’s online master’s degree program or online undergraduate program in Strategic Communications.

Service responsibilities include mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students; advising and supporting the student-run agency Hill Communications; serving on department, School and University committees; contributing to curriculum development; and conducting community and industry outreach. Industry engagement should help create opportunities for client projects, guest speakers, professional mentorship and connections to internships and employment.

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

About the Newhouse School

The S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University trains the next generation of communications leaders to enter a rapidly changing media industry and to shape its future. Called one of the “very best schools” in its field by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications ( ACEJMC ) in an April 2023 re-accreditation report, Newhouse has been lauded for providing an excellent educational experience due to its outstanding students, faculty, staff, leadership and facilities. The Newhouse School is committed to expanding academic excellence through experiential learning and professional opportunities for students and support for faculty research and creative activity.

Newhouse is home to approximately 2,150 undergraduates residentially and online, 230 residential master’s degree students, 50 online master’s degree students and 20 doctoral degree students. They are among the best in the country, having secured a place in the class through a highly competitive admissions process. The typical admitted first-year student has a 3.9 GPA .

The school’s 250,000-square-foot, three-building complex is a leading-edge learning environment where students are exposed to top-notch tools and technologies used by professionals in the field. Features include Dick Clark Studios, a high-tech entertainment production facility that rivals many Hollywood studios; the Diane and Bob Miron Digital News Center, complete with a contemporary news set, a virtual studio that accommodates green screen production and state-of-the-art lighting systems and cameras; the Newhouse Startup Garage, a co-working space that provides services and resources for student startups and student creators; the Weiss Center, a student, faculty and industry-powered incubator that complements classroom curriculum through immersive, real-world application; and the Center for the Creator Economy, which builds real-world skills in media, entrepreneurship and digital strategy through a first-of-its kind academic initiative.

To learn more about the Newhouse School, visit https://newhouse.syracuse.edu .

About the Public Relations Department at Newhouse

The Public Relations program at Newhouse is one of the oldest and most highly regarded in the country and one of the few to offer PR education on all levels. Programs include:

• undergraduate (BS, Public Relations);
• master’s (MS, Public Relations);
• executive education to mid-career executives;
• a public relations specialization in the online Communications master’s program;
• a joint master’s program in public diplomacy and global communications with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs that emphasizes the interaction of communications and international relations.

Current faculty in the department have professional experience in corporate, agency, government, not-for-profit and academic sectors. Research interests include crisis communication, ethics, gender and diversity, reputation and relationship management, digital communication and public diplomacy. Faculty hold positions of leadership in professional and academic organizations and are award-winning teachers and researchers.

The Public Relations Department is consistently ranked as a top program by PRSA and PRWeek, and holds a PRSA Certification in Education for Public Relations for its undergraduate and master’s programs. In keeping with Syracuse University’s commitment to be a community welcoming to all, the Department and the Newhouse School pride themselves on ensuring that its graduates are well versed in engaging with multiple audiences and perspectives.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement

Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/10 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community

Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.