Assistant/Associate Professor

Position Details

Classification Information

• FLSA: Exempt
• Position Class (Extract From Banner or PA): 80090

Position Overview

Primary Purpose of the Position

Faculty in the Department of Communication and Media Studies seek applications for a full-time, nine-month tenure-track Assistant Professor of Multiplatform Journalism in the College of Arts, Sciences and Education. The start date for this position is August 2027. Job responsibilities include teaching undergraduate courses, serving as a faculty advisor, mentoring and coaching students inside and outside the classroom; producing scholarly research that results in publications in peer-reviewed journals within the discipline area or engaging in professional, creative activities that demonstrate innovative use of multimedia in the discipline; facilitating presentations at well-respected professional conferences; serving on committees at the department, College and university levels; College and university service as well as engaging in service to one’s professional discipline and the larger Winston-Salem and Forsyth County community.

Position Information

• Working Position Title: Assistant/Associate Professor
• Building and Room No.: Hall- Patterson
• Appointment Type: Permanent Full-Time
• If Time Limited: No
• Appointment Length: 9 Months
• Position Number: 001759

Requirements and Preferences

• Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies: No
• Normal Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, Various Class and Meeting Times

Department Required Skills

Faculty in the Department of Communication and Media Studies seek exceptional candidates who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching journalism as well as communication and media studies courses to undergraduate students. The following qualifications and skills are required for this position:

• Applicants must have a doctoral degree in journalism (or a related discipline), or an equivalent terminal degree from an accredited institution in journalism (or a related field).
• Evidence of professional experience in multiplatform journalism, including digital media, television, radio, newspapers/magazines and multimedia storytelling.
• Evidence of successful teaching in the field at the college/university level is required.
• Demonstrable evidence of teaching undergraduate students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• Evidence of utilizing various technologies that engage students in the learning process.
• Evidence of situating undergraduate students in and mentoring them through educational experiences where they must leverage their content knowledge to benefit the larger community.
• Demonstrable evidence of participating in interdisciplinary teaching and research collaborations with professional colleagues at the university, across universities, or within the broader public.
• Candidates must also demonstrate a commitment to liberal education in a culturally pluralistic community, and they must illustrate a commitment to their professional growth and development via engagement in professional organizations and professional conferences.

We welcome candidates with a background in journalism (or a related field) who demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to enhance communication curricular and co-curricular programs. Candidates must possess effective written and verbal communication skills, illustrate effective interpersonal skills and demonstrate the ability to work well with teams on mass media projects. Candidates must also demonstrate a range of journalistic skills and proficiency in mass media applications, use computer technology effectively as a teaching tool, promote electronic learning activities for students, advance digital literacy through course content, and have experience with course management learning systems (e.g., Canvas).

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

We welcome candidates with a background in journalism (or a related field), as well as a demonstrated commitment to diversity, social justice, innovation, and collaboration in working with university colleagues and professionals in the discipline.

• Evidence of innovative instruction, ongoing scholarship and continuous service within an academic department is preferred.
• Evidence of at least three years of successful teaching in the field at the college/university level is preferred; Demonstrable instructional success at all levels of the undergraduate level curriculum, ranging from general education courses to upper-level courses in communication and media studies.
• Evidence of an active research agenda that supports publication in peer reviewed journals or publication venues appropriate for the discipline.
• Evidence of proficiency in social media applications.
• Evidence of utilizing Adobe Suite applications to engage students in the learning process.
• Valid US Driver's License: No
• Commercial Driver's License Required: No
• Physical Required: No

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

The successful candidate will perform specific duties and responsibilities at a consistently high level. These duties include but are not limited to the following:

Teaching and Advising

• Teach face-to-face undergraduate courses in journalism, digital storytelling, graphics and design, news writing and reporting, critical and persuasive writing, public affairs reporting, copy editing, sports journalism, global communication, social media and culture, and other special topics related to communication and media studies.
• Communicate effectively with students and monitor their academic progress through EAB and other student success management systems.
• Construct sufficiently detailed course syllabi prior to the first class.
• Teach each class section, create and present relevant course activities, assess assignments by providing written feedback in a timely fashion, and evaluate student performance.
• Hold office hours each week.
• Advise students in selecting proper courses in the major and building academic pathways to graduation.
• Foster student success and assist students in reaching their fullest academic, personal and professional potential.
• Assist with curriculum development and strategic planning.

Scholarship, Research, and Creative Activity

• Articulate an active research agenda that guides scholarly activity.
• Produce scholarly research that results in publications in peer-reviewed journals within the discipline area or engage in professional, creative activities that demonstrate innovative use of multimedia in the discipline.
• Facilitate presentations at well-respected local, state, national, and international professional conferences.
• Collaborate with faculty within the department, across the university, or at other institutions to procure sponsored research that will advance the department’s mission.

Department, College, University, Professional, and Community Engagement

• Attend consistently departmental, College and university meetings.
• Participate in service activities for the department, university, and community.
• Collaborate with community stakeholders and other professional organizations.
• Maintain membership in discipline-specific professional organizations.
• Assist discipline-specific professional organizations with reviews of conference proposals, peer-reviewed journal articles, and other professional engagement opportunities.
• Serve on community-oriented committees, boards, and commissions relative to communication and media studies.
• Percentage Of Time: 100

Posting Details

• Internal Posting Only: No
• Position Type: Faculty
• Time Limited Position: No
• Appointment Length: 9 Months
• Salary: Commensurate with experience
• Open Date: 10/14/2026
• Close Date: 01/14/2027
• Open Until Filled: No

Special Instructions Summary

Please Note: A criminal background check will be conducted on candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment.

If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and T&E requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered.

Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being considered for the vacant position.

Your application for the position will not be complete until you receive an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a position.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at OHR@wssu.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodation in the application and interview process, please call 336-750-2834

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Document

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Unofficial Transcripts
4. Letter of Reference 1
5. Letter of Reference 2
6. Letter of Reference 3

Optional Documents

1. Resume
2. Transcripts
3. References List