Assistant Professor & Associate Director, Center for Media Ethics and Literacy

About the role

The School of Journalism and Strategic Media at the University of Arkansas invites applications for a tenure‑track Assistant Professor who will also serve as the Associate Director of the Center for Media Ethics and Literacy. This position supports the college’s Democracy as a Public Good cluster hire, focusing on research, teaching, and public engagement in media ethics, literacy, civic engagement, and democratic practices. The appointment is a standard nine‑month, in‑person faculty role that requires regular, reliable attendance and active participation in teaching, research, service, and center leadership.

Responsibilities

• Center Administration: Serve as the Associate Director, providing strategic leadership to the College and the University.
• Scholarly Production: Produce high‑impact scholarly research in media ethics, literacy, and theory, especially news literacy, civic engagement, and democratic practices.
• Public Engagement: Actively engage and educate the public and industry professionals on ethics and literacy issues through the Center’s website, social media, and other public‑facing initiatives.
• External Support: Pursue external research support (grants, fellowships, etc.) to advance the strategic goals of the Center, the School, and the University.
• Teaching & Mentoring: Teach undergraduate and graduate students using innovative media literacy pedagogy; mentor and advise SJSM students; serve on thesis and honors committees.
• Committee Service: Participate in departmental, college, and university governance as appropriate for a tenure‑track faculty rank.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in Journalism, Media Studies, Communication (or a closely related field) from an accredited institution of higher education conferred by the date of initial appointment
• A demonstrated record of exceptional teaching and mentoring at the graduate level and/or undergraduate level, especially journalism‑related courses
• Evidence of, or a demonstrated potential for publishing high‑quality, peer‑reviewed research and a clear vision for Center‑led research initiatives
• Demonstrated experience in journalism and reporting, combined with a strong working knowledge of media‑industry ethical standards and practices and evidence‑based media literacy pedagogy

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in the media industry or non‑profit leadership roles
• Experience in securing external funding and managing research budgets
• A track record of public‑facing communication (e.g., op‑eds, public lectures, active media presence)
• Experience in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in independent research

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Current knowledge in the field of media ethics, literacy and theory, especially news literacy, civic engagement, and democratic practices
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to develop media ethics and literacy curriculum and research agendas

Additional requirements:

• Sponsorship available: Yes
• Pre‑employment screening: Criminal background check and sex offender registry check (additional checks may apply as noted in the position listing)

Benefits

• University contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance
• Tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• Immediate leave accrual