Teaching Professor, Communication and Student Media Advisor
About the role
The USD Department of Communication, in partnership with Student Affairs, invites applicants for a Teaching Professor to serve as the Student Media Advisor beginning in the Fall 2026. Candidates with academic and industry experience specializing in contemporary journalism practice are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
Advising: Provide direct advising and support to the student media managers and/or editors as they work through the editorial process (i.e., attending editorial meetings or organization meetings to determine programming and story ideas.)
Facilitate the integration of theory and practice through reflection and dialogue.
Advise students about laws pertaining to the First Amendment in the context of a private University.
Advise students about current debates and practices related to copyright and fair-use.
Advise student media staff on how to approach topics mindful of the Catholic identity of the University.
Provide information regarding relevant conferences and attend with students if possible.
Be proactive in addressing the changing media environment as related to distribution of news and entertainment content.
Facilitate effective transitions between departing and incoming student managers/editors including establishing clear expectations regarding the role of the advisor.
Training: Facilitate the training of students in all aspects of production across platforms as needed.
Facilitate the training of students in journalistic and design guidelines.
Facilitate the training of students in best practices of entertainment content related to their interest.
Equipment Management: Ensure production equipment is in working order and identify future equipment needs.
Be able to troubleshoot and fix minor equipment failures.
Budget & Administration: Collaborate with Communication faculty teaching related media courses, to ensure a seamless learning experience for students.
Serve as a member of the University’s Student Media Executive Council.
Review budgets and financial reports.
Facilitate communication about budget needs with Associated Students and Student Affairs.
Advise students about how to sell advertising space in the student media.
Actively participate in the selection process for student media leads.
Ability to work nights and some weekends.
Requirements
Advanced degree in communication, journalism or related field.
5 years of experience as a practicing journalist.
Experience teaching undergraduate journalism courses and/or advising college student media.
Qualifications
Terminal degree in communication, journalism or related field.
More than 5 years of experience as a practicing journalist.
Experience teaching undergraduate journalism courses and/or advising college student media.
Skills
Knowledge about, willingness and ability to comply with federal, state and local laws and ordinances, as well as campus policies.
Attention to detail.
Commitment to the University’s Catholic mission.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Ability to perform complex administrative functions independently with a minimum of supervision.
Flexibility, enthusiasm and commitment to student development.
Excellent interpersonal skills with a diverse population, including possessing the ability to develop and use empathetic listening skills, communicate with clarity and maintain an attitude that conveys respect, assistance, honesty and resourcefulness.
Benefits
The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers.