Assistant Professor of Communication Jobs
Assistant Professor of Communication jobs are open across colleges, universities, and community colleges at every level from visiting instructor to tenure-track, with specializations in rhetoric, media studies, interpersonal communication, and organizational communication. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 165+ Assistant Professor of Communication jobs
Department Summary:
Drake University is a forward-thinking community of scholars with a focus on active, collaborative learning and applied scholarship. Drake is in Des Moines, Iowa—a vibrant city that is nationally recognized for its quality of life and a wealth of opportunities for professional, social and civic engagement.
A Drake education couples hands-on training in professional skills with a strong liberal arts education. We strive to create a community of scholars that represents the complexity of the human experience in regards to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, gender identification, religion, age and physical abilities. We are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all our faculty, staff, students and visitors.
We develop and offer innovative programming serving a variety of audiences, including high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as community members, industry professionals, and retirees. The successful applicant will join a collegial, welcoming, energetic and supportive community. Visit our website (drake.edu/sjmc) to learn more.
Job Summary:
The Drake School of Journalism and Mass Communication invites applications for a nine-month, consecutive term appointment of an assistant professor of sports media and communication, beginning in fall semester 2027. Drake’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication is accredited by ACEJMC and offers seven award-winning undergraduate majors: advertising, content strategy and publishing, digital media production, multimedia journalism, public relations, sports media and communication, and strategic political communication. The School also has a successful online Master of Arts in Communication with tracks in brand communication, communication leadership, and public policy and advocacy. The successful applicant will join a collegial, welcoming and supportive community of 14 full-time faculty and staff, and approximately 350 undergraduate and graduate students. We are looking for an innovative colleague who embraces cutting-edge technologies and who can help lead our School in preparing our students for the rapidly changing media landscape.
Professional experience working in sports media is required. Ideally the candidate will have experience in sports production and live broadcasts. Candidates may also bring front-of-camera experience to the role. A portfolio of work is expected. Evidence of teaching effectiveness is preferred. Master’s degree is preferred, but we are open to hiring an experienced professional with a bachelor’s degree for this consecutive-term appointment. Qualified candidates will have a demonstrated ability to train and mentor students and a history of early adoption of new technologies. The ability to work with colleagues across disciplines to lead students in conceiving, creating, delivering, and promoting rich multimedia content packages for all platforms, and for all types of media outlets, is essential. Depending on skills and interest, teaching assignments may include these undergraduate courses, both on campus and online: Sports Writing, Sports Production, Reporting and Writing Principles, Multimedia Lab, Multimedia Sound Design, Electronic Field Production, Reporting for Television and the Web, and special topics courses focused on interactive reality, data visualization, and emerging technologies. The qualified candidate may also teach online graduate classes in Digital Media Strategies, Emerging Media, and Multimedia Storytelling. Course load is seven courses (4/3) over the academic year. Duties also include academic and career mentoring for students, advising a student media organization or student sports production, and service to the University and community.
The search committee is particularly interested in candidates who, through their teaching, scholarship/creative activity, and service, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.
Minimum Qualifications:
- An advanced degree (MA, MS) in Communication, Media, Journalism or a related field or equivalent professional experience, which SJMC defines as “at least three to five years of broad and deep experience in real-world situations relevant to the discipline in which the faculty member would be teaching.”
- Potential for successful teaching of undergraduate courses in sports media production
- Production experience directly related to sports media, media production, television production, news production or related fields
- Record of professional achievement related to sports media production
- Excellent written communication skills
- Expressed desire to provide equal opportunity for all students
Preferred Qualifications:
While not everyone may meet all preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:
- Experience teaching at the college or university level
- Successful experience in the following:
- working collaboratively with others (e.g., committee service, being part of
a production team, co-teaching);
- working independently (e.g., supervising a production, course
development)
- Experience in Live Sports Productions as any of the following:
- Producer
- Director
- Technical Director
- Replay Operator
- Audio Operator
- Camera Operator
- Graphics Operator
- Talent (Play-By-Play/Analyst)
- Experience in Sports Newsrooms/Departments as any of the following:
- Anchor
- Reporter (MMJ)
- Videographer
- Editor
- Producer
- Director
- Demonstrated successful experience teaching undergraduate media production courses
- Experience connecting and collaborating with media industry professionals on the local, regional, and/or national levels
- Effective interpersonal communication skills
- Effective oral communication skills
- Effective classroom management skills
- Expressed commitment to Drake University’s mission and values.
- Terminal degree in communication, media or related field (MFA, PhD)
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please complete the online application and attach (1) a letter of interest, (2) CV/Resume, (3) a statement about your experience in supporting the success of students from diverse backgrounds, and (4) the contact details for three references, including one for teaching (if a teaching position).
Please do not attach additional documents at this time. Supplemental documents may be requested or required of semi-finalists and finalists.
For full consideration, apply by November 9, 2026. The position will remain posted until filled .
Questions about this position can be directed to the search chair: Dr. Kelly Bruhn, dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, kelly.bruhn@drake.edu
Questions about the application process, working at Drake, spouse/partner support, reasonable accommodations, benefits, or additional information about Drake or Des Moines, Iowa, may be directed to Drake Human Resources at jobs@drake.edu .
All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of authorization to work in the United States.
Salary is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.
At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts.
One of our very popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children.
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
About Drake:
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. Drake University is proud to support an equal opportunity, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Learn more about why Drake is an exceptional place to work: An Exceptional Working Environment | Drake University
Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (ph: 515.271.3133; email: jobs@drake.edu ) and let us know how we can assist you.
At Drake University, we highly value a diverse, inclusive workforce. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We stand firmly against discrimination including on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Department Summary:
Drake University is a forward-thinking community of scholars with a focus on active, collaborative learning and applied scholarship. Drake is in Des Moines, Iowa—a vibrant city that is nationally recognized for its quality of life and a wealth of opportunities for professional, social and civic engagement.
A Drake education couples hands-on training in professional skills with a strong liberal arts education. We strive to create a community of scholars that represents the complexity of the human experience in regards to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, gender identification, religion, age and physical abilities. We are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all our faculty, staff, students and visitors.
We develop and offer innovative programming serving a variety of audiences, including high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as community members, industry professionals, and retirees. The successful applicant will join a collegial, welcoming, energetic and supportive community. Visit our website (drake.edu/sjmc) to learn more.
Job Summary:
The Drake School of Journalism and Mass Communication invites applications for a nine-month, consecutive term appointment of an assistant professor of sports media and communication, beginning in fall semester 2027. Drake’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication is accredited by ACEJMC and offers seven award-winning undergraduate majors: advertising, content strategy and publishing, digital media production, multimedia journalism, public relations, sports media and communication, and strategic political communication. The School also has a successful online Master of Arts in Communication with tracks in brand communication, communication leadership, and public policy and advocacy. The successful applicant will join a collegial, welcoming and supportive community of 14 full-time faculty and staff, and approximately 350 undergraduate and graduate students. We are looking for an innovative colleague who embraces cutting-edge technologies and who can help lead our School in preparing our students for the rapidly changing media landscape.
Professional experience working in sports media is required. Ideally the candidate will have experience in sports production and live broadcasts. Candidates may also bring front-of-camera experience to the role. A portfolio of work is expected. Evidence of teaching effectiveness is preferred. Master’s degree is preferred, but we are open to hiring an experienced professional with a bachelor’s degree for this consecutive-term appointment. Qualified candidates will have a demonstrated ability to train and mentor students and a history of early adoption of new technologies. The ability to work with colleagues across disciplines to lead students in conceiving, creating, delivering, and promoting rich multimedia content packages for all platforms, and for all types of media outlets, is essential. Depending on skills and interest, teaching assignments may include these undergraduate courses, both on campus and online: Sports Writing, Sports Production, Reporting and Writing Principles, Multimedia Lab, Multimedia Sound Design, Electronic Field Production, Reporting for Television and the Web, and special topics courses focused on interactive reality, data visualization, and emerging technologies. The qualified candidate may also teach online graduate classes in Digital Media Strategies, Emerging Media, and Multimedia Storytelling. Course load is seven courses (4/3) over the academic year. Duties also include academic and career mentoring for students, advising a student media organization or student sports production, and service to the University and community.
The search committee is particularly interested in candidates who, through their teaching, scholarship/creative activity, and service, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.
Minimum Qualifications:
- An advanced degree (MA, MS) in Communication, Media, Journalism or a related field or equivalent professional experience, which SJMC defines as “at least three to five years of broad and deep experience in real-world situations relevant to the discipline in which the faculty member would be teaching.”
- Potential for successful teaching of undergraduate courses in sports media production
- Production experience directly related to sports media, media production, television production, news production or related fields
- Record of professional achievement related to sports media production
- Excellent written communication skills
- Expressed desire to provide equal opportunity for all students
Preferred Qualifications:
While not everyone may meet all preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:
- Experience teaching at the college or university level
- Successful experience in the following:
- working collaboratively with others (e.g., committee service, being part of
a production team, co-teaching);
- working independently (e.g., supervising a production, course
development)
- Experience in Live Sports Productions as any of the following:
- Producer
- Director
- Technical Director
- Replay Operator
- Audio Operator
- Camera Operator
- Graphics Operator
- Talent (Play-By-Play/Analyst)
- Experience in Sports Newsrooms/Departments as any of the following:
- Anchor
- Reporter (MMJ)
- Videographer
- Editor
- Producer
- Director
- Demonstrated successful experience teaching undergraduate media production courses
- Experience connecting and collaborating with media industry professionals on the local, regional, and/or national levels
- Effective interpersonal communication skills
- Effective oral communication skills
- Effective classroom management skills
- Expressed commitment to Drake University’s mission and values.
- Terminal degree in communication, media or related field (MFA, PhD)
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please complete the online application and attach (1) a letter of interest, (2) CV/Resume, (3) a statement about your experience in supporting the success of students from diverse backgrounds, and (4) the contact details for three references, including one for teaching (if a teaching position).
Please do not attach additional documents at this time. Supplemental documents may be requested or required of semi-finalists and finalists.
For full consideration, apply by November 9, 2026. The position will remain posted until filled .
Questions about this position can be directed to the search chair: Dr. Kelly Bruhn, dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, kelly.bruhn@drake.edu
Questions about the application process, working at Drake, spouse/partner support, reasonable accommodations, benefits, or additional information about Drake or Des Moines, Iowa, may be directed to Drake Human Resources at jobs@drake.edu .
All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of authorization to work in the United States.
Salary is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.
At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts.
One of our very popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children.
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
About Drake:
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. Drake University is proud to support an equal opportunity, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Learn more about why Drake is an exceptional place to work: An Exceptional Working Environment | Drake University
Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (ph: 515.271.3133; email: jobs@drake.edu ) and let us know how we can assist you.
At Drake University, we highly value a diverse, inclusive workforce. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We stand firmly against discrimination including on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.
Assistant Professor of Communication Jobs by Experience Level
See All 165+ Assistant Professor of Communication Jobs
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Find JobsAssistant Professor of Communication Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in assistant professor of communication jobs.
- Ph.D. in Communication or a closely related field required or expected by start date
- Demonstrated record of scholarly research appropriate to career stage
- Experience teaching undergraduate courses in communication
- Ability to teach across core areas such as rhetoric, media, or interpersonal communication
- Evidence of or potential for peer-reviewed publication in communication journals
- Experience with or commitment to interdisciplinary or applied communication curriculum
Tips for Your Assistant Professor of Communication Job Search
Tailor your teaching portfolio to each posting
Committees read dozens of applications, so your teaching statement should directly address the courses listed in the posting. If the job emphasizes media studies, highlight your media studies syllabi first, not your general communication theory courses.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists assistant professor of communication openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Lead with peer-reviewed publications strategically
Your CV's publications section signals research fit before a committee reads your letter. Front-load articles in journals that align with the department's research identity, and list manuscripts under review separately to show active scholarly productivity.
Request a practice job talk before the campus visit
The job talk is frequently the deciding factor at the finalist stage. Run a timed rehearsal with colleagues outside your subfield so you can tell whether your argument lands without specialized background knowledge, then adjust your framing accordingly.
Decode rank and tenure language in each posting
Postings describe very different positions using similar titles. 'Open rank' means they'll consider anyone from assistant to associate. 'Non-tenure-track' usually means a renewable contract, not a path to tenure. Know which category you're applying to before you write your letter.
Negotiate startup funds and course release, not just salary
Once you receive an offer, research support and reduced teaching load in your first year matter as much as base pay for building a sustainable research agenda. Ask what other new hires received so your request lands in the normal range for that institution.
Assistant Professor of Communication Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most assistant professor of communications?
University of Alabama, Lipscomb University, and University of Houston are hiring the most assistant professor of communications right now, with openings concentrated in Texas, California, and Massachusetts, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring activity shifts throughout the academic hiring cycle, so checking listings regularly gives you the most accurate picture.
How many assistant professor of communication jobs are remote?
About 20% of assistant professor of communication openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with online-only or hybrid delivery positions being the most common context for remote arrangements. Communication programs offering fully asynchronous online degrees are more likely to list remote-eligible positions than traditional residential institutions.
How do you become an assistant professor of communication?
You typically need a completed Ph.D. in communication or a closely related discipline, along with a record of scholarly research and teaching experience. Most candidates develop their application materials, including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching statement, and writing sample, during the final stages of doctoral training and apply through the academic job market cycle, which runs primarily from late summer through early spring.
How do you get hired as an assistant professor of communication with little experience?
Candidates early in their careers can strengthen their applications by emphasizing dissertation chapter publications or accepted manuscripts, documented teaching effectiveness from graduate courses they have led independently, and conference presentations that demonstrate an active scholarly agenda. Applying to visiting assistant professor positions or postdoctoral fellowships before the tenure-track market can also build a competitive profile.
What does the assistant professor of communication interview process look like?
The process typically begins with a phone or video screening interview conducted by a search committee, followed by a request for additional materials such as a teaching portfolio or writing sample. Finalists are invited to a full campus visit that includes a public job talk presenting original research, one or more teaching demonstrations, and meetings with faculty, students, and administrators before the committee makes a recommendation.
Where can I find and apply to assistant professor of communication jobs?
You can find and apply to assistant professor of communication jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from colleges and universities across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your research area and teaching background, then apply directly to each position that fits.
See All 165+ Assistant Professor of Communication Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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