Teaching Assistant Professor in Advertising and Public Relations

Teaching Assistant Professor in Advertising and Public Relations

School of Journalism & Strategic Media

Location: Fayetteville, AR

Start date: August 16, 2027

Position Summary: The School of Journalism and Strategic Media in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas invites applications for a non-tenure track Teaching Assistant Professor in Advertising and Public Relations, a teaching-focused position beginning August 2027. This is a standard nine-month non-tenure track faculty appointment.

We welcome candidates who can teach a range of core Advertising and Public Relations (ADPR) courses, including Advertising Principles, Public Relations Principles, Public Relations Writing, Media Planning & Strategy, Account Planning, Campaigns, and digital and social media, as well as develop courses in their areas of expertise responsive to evolving industry needs. We particularly welcome candidates with professional experience working with consumer-packaged goods (CPG) brands or clients and managing teams and client-based projects.

The successful candidate will teach a 4–4 load of core and elective courses in the ADPR degree program within the School of Journalism and Strategic Media. The position also includes service responsibilities within the School.

This is an on-campus position. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

About the Department:

The School of Journalism and Strategic Media at the University of Arkansas is fully-accredited by ACEJMC, offering a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with concentrations in Broadcast Journalism, Journalism, and Multimedia Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations. SJSM also offers a Master of Arts in Journalism – in total serving more than 950 undergrads and grads in AY25-26.

Duties will include:Review of applications will begin October 11, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

80% Teaching10% Research 10% Academic Service
Minimum Qualifications:

With submitted materials, the candidate must demonstrate

A terminal degree in advertising, public relations, mass communication, or a closely related field from an accredited institution of higher education conferred by the date of initial appointment. A demonstrated record of effective college-level teaching in advertising, public relations, strategic communication, or a closely related field. A minimum of three years of professional experience in advertising, public relations, strategic communication, marketing, or a closely related field.
Preferred Qualifications: Professional experience working with consumer-packaged goods (CPG) brands or clients, with expertise relevant to advertising and public relations instruction, including areas such as new business acquisitions, new product development and positioning research, brand strategy, consumer insights, media planning, social and influencer marketing, retail media/e-commerce, omnichannel communication, or related areas, particularly in categories such as food and beverages and mass merchandise retail. Professional experience managing teams and/or client-based advertising, public relations, or strategic communication projects. Evidence of effective mentoring or advising of undergraduate, honors, and/or graduate students, including advising applied projects, independent studies, or theses, and advising student organizations such as Ad Club and the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). Evidence of current engagement with the advertising and/or public relations professions through professional practice, consulting, industry partnerships, or professional organizations. Experience developing or updating courses and curricula in response to evolving industry practices and technologies.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) Current knowledge of emerging advertising and public relations practices, technologies, and industry trends, including areas such as artificial intelligence, digital and social media, e-commerce and retail media, and audience analytics. Skilled in using professional-grade tools for content creation, media planning, social media management, analytics, and campaign management (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud, Cision, Meltwater, Sprout Social, Hootsuite, or comparable platforms). Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to integrate real-world professional experience and networks into the academic environment to create a dynamic learning experience for students. Evidence of or potential for scholarly, professional, and/or creative activity relevant to advertising and public relations.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Completed applications received by October 11, 2026, will be assured full consideration. Late applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position. For additional inquiries, please contact the search committee chair, Dr. Sisi Hu, at [email protected]. For a complete position announcement and information regarding how to apply, visit https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UAF_External_Career_Site/job/Fayetteville/Teaching-Assistant-Professor-in-Advertising-and-Public-Relations_R0090702
Applicants must submit:

Curriculum vitae Cover letter/letter of applicationTeaching philosophy statement which may include evidence of teaching effectiveness (not to exceed three pages)List of three professional references (name, title, email address, and phone number) willing to provide letters of recommendation if requested during the application process. Letters of recommendation will be requested only for candidates selected for interviews.Review of applications will begin October 11, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

Annual Salary/Benefits Package: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

EMPLOYER INFORMATION

The University of Arkansas: Founded in 1871 as a land grant institution, the University of Arkansas is classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the top two percent of universities in the nation with the highest level of research activity. Ten colleges and schools serve more than 27,100 students with more than 200 academic programs. University of Arkansas students earn nationally competitive awards at an impressive rate and represent 50 states and more than 120 countries.

Fulbright College: The Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences is the largest and most academically diverse unit on campus with 3 schools, 16 departments, and 43 academic programs and research centers. The University of Arkansas is committed to providing an educational and work environment in which thought, creativity, and growth are stimulated, and in which individuals are free to realize their full potential. The Fulbright promotes these ideals and welcomes applicants who foster an inclusive environment through an open exchange of voices and ideas from populations of diverse backgrounds.

The Community: Fayetteville is home to the University of Arkansas campus, and is known for its spectacular views and ample green spaces. Fayetteville is considered one of the country’s finest college towns, and the surrounding northwest Arkansas region is regularly ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Some of the nation’s best outdoor amenities and most spectacular hiking trails are within a short drive of campus. For more information, visit: https://diversitynwa.com/

Culture in Northwest Arkansas

About Fayetteville

About University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S.

Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.