SMU #53123 Professor and Chair of Corporate Communication & Public Affairs

Description

The Department of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs at Southern Methodist University invites applications for the position of Department Chair beginning Fall 2026. We seek a visionary, entrepreneurial leader with a distinguished record of scholarship and teaching excellence in an area of Communication Studies including Political, Non-Profit, or Organizational Communication. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership to help chart the department's future, including the development of advanced study and graduate programs and (innovative graduate programs) as well as establishing and maintaining the interdisciplinary, experiential, curriculum.

 

Supported by an Advisory Board comprised of the field’s top industry leaders, we seek a leader who can cultivate and maintain industry relationships. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (“DFW”) is the fourth largest, fifth-most diverse, and among the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the U.S. The region has been identified by Forbes as one of five cities poised to be “the next Silicon Valley” tech hub. With the second largest airport in the U.S., DFW has attracted several major companies over the past decade, with 140 headquarter relocations to the region from across the U.S. and abroad, including more than 45 companies which have moved from California to the “Silicon Prairie.” Twenty-four Fortune 500 companies now make their home in the DFW area.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the department's academic programs, research initiatives, and community partnerships.

• Assist in the strategic development of the foundation of a doctoral program.

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive departmental culture that embraces innovation and academic excellence.

• Collaboratively manage departmental resources, including budget, personnel, and facilities.

• Represent the department within the school and university and to external stakeholders.

• Maintain an active research agenda and contribute to the department's teaching mission.

• Mentor faculty in their professional development and research endeavors.

• Build and strengthen relationships with alumni, industry partners, and community organizations.

Qualifications

Required

• PhD in Applied Communication, Organizational Communication, Political Communication or closely related field.

• Distinguished record of scholarship commensurate with the earned rank of Professor at the time of appointment.

• Demonstrated excellence in teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels.

• Demonstrated administrative, budget, and strategic planning experience within higher education.

• Experience with curriculum development and program assessment.

• Demonstrated collaborative leadership style, grounded in emotional and cultural intelligence.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment that values all faculty regardless of rank.

 

Preferred

• Experience developing or leading graduate research programs.

• Record of successful grant acquisition and management.

• Experience building partnerships with other departmental, industry, and community organizations.

• Background in strategic planning and implementation.

• Experience with faculty mentoring and professional development.

• Active member of a disciplinary association including but not limited to: The National Communication Association, The International Communication Association, The Religious Communication Association, or the Association of Education for Journalism and Mass Communication.

• Understanding of emerging trends in communication and higher education, research, and administration.

Application Instructions

Application Process

Candidates should submit the following materials:

1. Cover letter addressing qualifications and vision for the department

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