Assistant Professor, Strategic Communication/Public Relations - School of Communication Studies

About the role

James Madison University’s School of Communication Studies invites applications for a tenure‑track Assistant Professor in Strategic Communication/Public Relations, beginning August 2027. The position is full‑time, exempt, located in Harrisonburg, VA (Shenandoah Valley, ~120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond). Review of applications begins October 26, 2026. The successful candidate will join a vibrant program with an award‑winning PRSSA chapter, a student‑run public relations firm (Bluestone Communications), and recognition from the PRWeek Awards (honorable mention for Education Program of the Year).

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate public relations courses (writing, theory, research methods, capstone, etc.).
• Teach graduate strategic communication courses.
• Incorporate experiential, project‑based, client‑based, or community‑engaged learning where appropriate.
• Maintain an active research program contributing to the scholarly study of public relations and strategic communication.
• Publish peer‑reviewed work and present at professional and scholarly conferences.
• Pursue interdisciplinary research and external funding opportunities.
• Mentor and advise undergraduate and graduate students.
• Contribute to student professional development activities (PRSSA, Bluestone Communications).
• Participate in appropriate School, College, University, professional, and community service.

Qualifications

Required:

• PhD in Communication or a related field; ABD applicants considered if the degree will be conferred by August 2027.
• Evidence of teaching excellence.
• Record of continued or promising scholarly productivity.

Preferred:

• Professional experience in public relations, strategic communication, corporate, nonprofit, public affairs, agency practice, or a related field.
• Experience teaching public relations writing, research methods, campaigns, theory, capstone, digital/social media, analytics, or related courses.
• Expertise in digital and social media, emerging communication technologies, artificial intelligence, analytics, or other evolving areas of PR practice and research.
• Experience pursuing external research funding or demonstrated potential to develop externally funded research.
• Experience with experiential, client‑based, community‑engaged, or applied teaching and scholarship.