Department/Organization
207201 - Advertising and Public Relations

Rank
Associate Professor

Position Summary
The Department of Advertising and Public Relations, housed in the College of Communication and Information Sciences at The University of Alabama, invites applications for a nine-month tenure track faculty appointment at the rank of associate professor beginning in the 2023-2024 academic year.

Detailed Position Information
The ideal candidate will be a thought leader in public relations leadership and have a proven publication record with a research agenda focused on public relations leadership, which may include specific topical foci such as legal and ethical issues, communication management, or considerations of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.

The ability to teach courses in public relations strategy, theory, management, ethics and leadership, and/or campaigns at the undergraduate and graduate levels is desirable, as is the ability to teach multimedia content production and strategy, writing for digital and social media, and/or other courses related to digital and social media. Applicants must display an ability to be an active and involved member of a highly collaborative faculty team.

The University of Alabama is home to The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations whose mission is to develop and recognize outstanding leaders and role models in public relations. The Plank Center seeks to advance knowledge of professional leadership values and skills; to support research, teaching, service, and continuing education efforts to develop responsible and trustworthy leaders; bridge the interests and vision of the practice and education; and nurture the ethical and effective public relations practice.

Minimum Qualifications
• Doctorate in Public Relations, Mass Communication, Communication, or closely related field completed by start date of appointment.
• Strong scholarly activity in flagship journals, university presses, or other ranked publication outlets consistent with departmental expectations for the rank of associate professor.
• Record of teaching effectiveness, with experience in teaching relevant undergraduate and/or graduate courses.
• Potential for publishing public relations research that has implications for public relations leadership.

Preferred Qualifications
• An established scholarly agenda in public relations leadership. • Potential for and interest in leading research teams. • Demonstrated mentorship experience.

Instructions and Required Materials for Application
To apply, go to https://facultyjobs.ua.edu and provide the following. 1) Cover letter 2) CV 3) Names and contact information for three references. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; however, review of applications will begin February 15, 2023. Questions regarding the search should be directed to the search chair, Dr. Karla Gower at gower@apr.ua.edu.

About the Division/College/School
The College of Communication and Information Sciences is home to state-of-the-art media and research facilities like the Digital Media Center and the Institute for Communication and Information Research. The College's students and programs have won several regional and national awards in multiple areas ranging from forensics and debate to being named PRWeek's Most Outstanding Education Program. The College offers bachelor’s degrees in advertising, communication studies, creative media, news media and public relations; master’s degrees in advertising and public relations, book arts, communication studies, journalism and media studies, and library and information studies; and a multidisciplinary doctoral degree in communication and information sciences. With an award-winning faculty and staff and commitment to innovative scholarship and teaching, the College of Communication and Information Sciences is dedicated to realizing the potential of communication and information to make everyone’s world a better place.

About the University
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus.

A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. The University of Alabama has R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and is among the top doctoral research universities in the United States.

As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.

About Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa is so much more than a college town.

It's a vibrant community that’s filled with legendary history. Located along the Black Warrior River, the city features a walkable downtown that’s complete with live music, locally owned shops, outdoor spaces to explore and local restaurants to meet every palate. With a geography ranging from suburban to rural, the area offers a variety of housing options along with excellent public and private schools and a wealth of recreational and entertainment options.

With a metro area population of 235,000, the Druid City lies about an hour southwest of Birmingham, in west-central Alabama. It’s within a few hours’ drive of Gulf Coast beaches and major cities like Nashville, New Orleans and Atlanta, making it a great base for growing better acquainted with the South’s finest offerings.

Background Investigation and EEO Statement
Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants to and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf

About University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

As the state’s flagship university, The University of Alabama family has always focused on being the best. After all, we are The Capstone of Higher Education. Founded in 1831 as the state’s first public college, The University of Alabama is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service. We provide a creative, nurturing campus environment where our students can become the best individuals possible, learn from the best and brightest faculty, and make a positive difference in the community, the state and the world. You’ll like what you find here. Become part of The University of Alabama family.

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