Public Relations and Strategic Communication - Professional in Residence

Rhode Island Bar Assn.; Smithfield, Northern (RI, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island, invites applications for the position of Professional in Residence in the Department of Communication and Language Studies. The role emphasizes teaching four courses per semester with a core focus on public relations strategy, media relations, and strategic communication, complemented by courses aligned to the candidate’s expertise.

The ideal candidate will hold a master’s degree in Communication or related field or substantial professional

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Communication, Public Relations, or related field or substantial professional experience.
• Meaningful record of professional practice in PR/strategic communication.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable learning environment and enrollment impact.

Responsibilities

• Teach four courses per semester in the Communication program with focus on PR strategy, media relations and strategic communication.
• Develop and enhance courses to align with industry practices and trends.
• Advise and mentor students on academics, career paths and professional development.
• Engage in recruitment efforts, program promotion, and industry partnerships.
• Provide department and university service through meetings, committees, and governance activities.

Skills

Public relations

Strategic communication

Media relations

Data-driven communication

Social media management

Education

Master's degree in Communication

Tools

AI tools

Content creation

Analytics

Job description

Job Duties

The Professional in Residence will teach four courses per semester in the Communication program and contribute meaningfully to departmental and university service. Core teaching responsibilities will center on public relations strategy, media relations, and strategic communication, with additional courses shaped by the candidate’s areas of expertise, as well as courses assigned to meet departmental needs. The position also involves active engagement with recruitment efforts, program promotion, professional outreach, and industry partnership development.

Specific Duties

• Teach four courses per semester in the Department of Communication and Language Studies, with a focus on public relations, strategic communication, and media relations.
• Develop and enhance course offerings to keep the curriculum aligned with current industry practices and emerging trends in the field.
• Model inclusive communication approaches that align with contemporary professional standards in public relations and strategic communication.
• Advise and mentor students on academic planning, career pathways, and professional development in public relations and strategic communication.
• Provide service to the Department of Communication and Language Studies and Bryant University, including participation in departmental meetings, committees, and governance activities.
• Help facilitate open houses, information sessions, and recruitment events both on and off campus to attract future Public Relations focused students to the program.
• Maintain and develop active industry connections to support student internship and career placement opportunities.
  Collaborate with faculty on curriculum development, experiential learning initiatives, and department programming.

Minimum Qualifications

Potential candidates should, at a minimum, hold a master’s degree in Communication, Public Relations, or a related field; or possess an equivalent level of substantial professional experience in the industry. Candidates should also have a meaningful record of professional practice in public relations and/or strategic communication. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates who will inspire students, bring an impactfocused approach, promote our programs, and have a positive impact on enrollment. We welcome applicants who are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable learning environment; supporting students from diverse backgrounds; and contributing to a collaborative departmental culture.

Additional qualifications are listed on Bryant University’s employment page linked below.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated professional experience in public relations, strategic communication, or a closely related field, with a strong network of industry contacts.
• Expertise in media relations, PR campaign strategy, social media management, and data-driven communication.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies and AI tools reshaping the public relations industry, including content creation strategy, digital messaging, and analytics.
• Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) preferred.
• Background in risk and/or crisis communication, including experience managing organizational reputation during high-stakes or sensitive public situations, is a plus.
• Experience in sports communication, public relations within professional or collegiate athletic contexts, or media relations in the sports industry is a plus.
• Teaching, public speaking, professional mentoring, training, or other related “educational leadership” experience desired but not required.

Applying for the Position

Candidates should provide academic transcripts or documentation of equivalent professional credentials, a current vitae or resume, and a letter of application that speaks to professional practice and experience. Candidates should also be prepared to provide two references upon request. Applicants are also encouraged to submit a brief teaching statement summarizing instructional experience, course offerings they are prepared to teach, and their approach to mentoring students in a professional communication program.

The review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. Find out more about us at: https://www.bryant.edu/undergraduate/academics/academic-departments/communication-and-language-studies-department

For any further information, please contact Julie Volkman, Communication Search Chair, [e-mail].