Professor of Public Relations

Roles and responsibilities

• 1. Expertise in Public Relations and Communication Theory

• Foundational Knowledge: A deep understanding of key public relations theories and concepts, including media relations, crisis communication, stakeholder engagement, reputation management, brand communication, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and advocacy.
• Communication Models: Expertise in communication models such as the two-way symmetrical model, public opinion theory, and the situational theory of publics.
• Strategic Communication: Knowledge of strategic communication practices, such as message framing, media strategy, and communication campaigns tailored to different stakeholders (e.g., internal and external audiences).
• Media Relations: Understanding media dynamics, how to work with journalists, crafting press releases, and building relationships with media outlets to ensure favorable coverage.
• Ethical Practices: Teaching ethical public relations practices, including transparency, truthfulness, and social responsibility in communication.

• 2. Teaching and Curriculum Development

• Course Design and Instruction: Developing and teaching undergraduate and graduate-level courses in public relations, strategic communications, media writing, crisis communication, social media management, and corporate communication.
• Hands-On Learning: Incorporating case studies, role-playing, simulations, and project-based learning to give students real-world experiences in PR and media relations.
• Skill Development: Helping students develop practical skills in writing press materials, crafting messages, media pitching, and working with digital and social media tools.
• Advising Students: Advising students on their academic progress, career development, internships, and helping them navigate the professional public relations world.
• Assessment and Feedback: Designing exams, assignments, and projects that assess both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in public relations. Providing timely, constructive feedback to students.

• 3. Research and Scholarly Activity

• Independent Research: Conducting original research in the field of public relations, exploring areas like public perception, media impact, communication strategies, and PR ethics.
• Applied PR Research: Researching the impact of PR campaigns on organizational reputation, brand management, crisis communication effectiveness, and public opinion.
• Industry Trends: Investigating the latest trends in digital media, influencer marketing, social media campaigns, and the integration of traditional and new media in PR strategies.
• Publishing: Publishing research in leading academic journals and presenting findings at national and international conferences focused on public relations and communication.
• Grant Writing: Writing and securing funding for PR research projects from government agencies, industry partners, or academic institutions.

• 4. Industry Engagement and Application

• Real-World PR Experience: Bringing practical PR experience into the classroom through guest speakers, case study analysis, and industry partnerships, which provide students with a closer look at how public relations operates in the business world.
• Professional Networks: Maintaining strong connections with PR professionals, agencies, and corporate communication departments to ensure the relevance of the curriculum and to provide students with internship and employment opportunities.
• Consulting: Offering consulting services to organizations seeking advice on PR strategy, crisis communication, media outreach, and reputation management.
• Collaborative Research with Industry: Partnering with businesses, non-profits, or government entities to conduct research on public relations campaigns, communication strategies, or brand perception.

• 5. Supervision and Mentorship

• Graduate Student Mentorship: Supervising graduate students working on theses, dissertations, and research projects, offering guidance on developing their research questions, methodologies, and academic writing.
• Capstone Projects: Overseeing student capstone projects, in which students develop full-scale PR campaigns or work with clients to design communication strategies.
• Internship Oversight: Assisting students in securing internships with PR agencies or communication departments and helping them apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world experiences.

Desired candidate profile

• Develop and deliver online courses to students in the specified discipline areas of study.
• Evaluate and monitor individual student progress and provide feedback to sustain student success.
• Supporting and expanding curricular development in Public Relations and/or Corporate Communication
• Maintain relationships with students that are conducive to learning and industry experience.
  

Job Requirements:

• Ph.D. in communication, mass communication, or relevant discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of industry experience in Public Relations or a marketing communication field.
• Evidence of ability to teach in one or more of the following areas: Reputation Management, Digital Public Relations, Public Relations Campaigns, Corporate Communication Skills.
• Previous teaching experience in Public Relations at a graduate level is a plus.
• Previous involvement in online teaching is a plus.
• The candidate must be able to communicate fluently in English.
  

Skills Required:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English orally and in writing.
• Dedication to continued professional development.
• Evidence of scholarly work is a plus.
• Ability to connect with industry organizations.