Assistant Professor Mass Communications and Journalism

TITLE: Assistant Professor Mass Communications and Journalism

DEPARTMENT: College of Arts and Sciences

REPORTS TO: Dean College of Arts and Sciences 

CLASSIFICATION: Faculty – 9 Months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 40 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time , Tenure-Track Faculty

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: 

Teach Journalism or Mass Communication classes.

This is a nine-month, tenure-track position. KSU faculty are teacher-scholars with a focus on undergraduate teaching and a commitment to the liberal arts. Teaching faculty are responsible for providing the learning activities and support that will lead to the achievement of the course objectives and enrich the educational environment of the university and surrounding community. Primary responsibilities are to teach introductory and advanced undergraduate courses in the theory and practice of journalism, including public affairs reporting and news editing, in the best manner to facilitate student learning.

The successful candidate is expected to perform the following responsibilities:

1. Teaching undergraduate courses in Mass Communications and Journalism in face-to-face, hybrid, and online modalities, along with advising students within the program.
2. Serving on committees within the department, college, university and/or professional community service.
3. Maintaining a consistent schedule of scholarship/research activity or professional creative activity and productivity.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Responsibilities include teaching a range of required and elective Mass Communications and Journalism classes. 
• Other responsibilities may include advising student media 
• Adapting the journalism curriculum to the rapidly changing practices of the profession 
• Advising Mass Communication and Journalism majors
• Faculty members will teach in the day, evening and online programs; maintain office hours, attend meetings
• Participate in the governance of the college at the department, discipline, campus, and college-wide levels
• Perform other duties within scope of this position as assigned by the supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Mastery of course content and demonstrated leadership ability
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Interest in interdisciplinary teaching, service learning, technology, and adult learning methodologies including collaborative and distance learning
• Ability to develop and implement instructional approaches such as service learning, civic engagement, and the effective use of technology.
• Commitment to diversity in teaching and learning

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

• This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

 OTHER DUTIES: 

Interest or experience in using advanced instructional technologies to improve the teaching/learning process is highly desirable. Proficiency in the Learning Management System, Canvas, and Online Learning Pedagogy is required, consistent with university guidelines (necessary training provided by university).

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• A PhD in journalism, mass communications or a related field is strongly preferred, along with significant professional journalism experience.
• An advanced degree and some professional experience are required.
• Professional experience in digital journalism and other forms of digital communication is also strongly preferred.
• Applicants must have a strong commitment to teaching; preference will be given to those who present evidence of successful classroom teaching experiences in journalism and mass communications or related fields.