Assistant Professor, Communication Studies

About the role

Otterbein University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Communication Studies in the Department of Communication (Division of Academic Affairs). The position is located at 1 S Grove St, Westerville, OH. The appointment begins August 2027. The department houses programs in communication studies, journalism and media communication, health communication, and public relations, and supports robust student co-curricular activities including an award-winning speech and debate team, PRSSA recognition, and awards for journalism and audio/video production.

Responsibilities

• Teach seven courses per year in Communication, selected from Argumentation, Public Speaking, Communicating with Audiences, and Professional and Persuasive Writing.
• Advise students and maintain a program of scholarship and service.
• Play a key role in maintaining and supporting Otterbein’s award-winning speech and debate team (counts as part of the teaching load).
• Pursue additional teaching opportunities in areas of interest, as well as in the Freshman Year Seminar, Integrative Studies, and Senior Year Experience programs.
• Engage in professional and community activities for scholarship, professional development, student advising and mentorship, and service.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Speech Communication, Communication Studies, or Rhetoric OR a J.D. with a background in speech and debate (required for tenure-track appointment).
• Experience in competitive speech and debate (required).
• Teaching experience (required).
• Desire to work with and mentor students.
• Superior communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff from diverse communities and cultures.

Preferred qualifications: experience with and enthusiasm for the student speech and debate team; prior teaching experience in a liberal arts setting; an established program of scholarship; commitment to excellence in teaching. This tenure-track position carries commensurate expectations for teaching, scholarship, and service.

Skills

• Communication
• Leadership
• Organizational skills
• Ability to work across diverse communities and cultures

Pay

Assistant Professor (terminal degree): $62,226 per year, plus full University benefits.