Description

External Retirement Plan Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Underutilization Advertised Salary Anticipated Start Date 08/01/2026 Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings) Job Posting Date 06/10/2025 Job Closing Date Open until filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
Screening of applications will begin on September 12, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit the following:

• a cover letter
• a curriculum vita
• the names, emails, and phone numbers of three references
• up to two academic writing samples/publications

Questions regarding the search should be directed to Dr. Michael Cacciatore, the search committee chair, at mcacciat@uga.edu.
Location of Vacancy Athens Area EEO Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title Assistant Professor FLSA Faculty Rank Assistant Professor Contract Type Academic (9 mo.) Tenure Status Tenure Track Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in mass communication, public relations, communication, or a closely related field. ABD candidates will be considered.
Position Summary
The Department of Advertising and Public Relations in the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty appointment at the rank of assistant professor in public relations. The faculty start date for this position will be August 1, 2026.

The ideal candidate must have a strong record of teaching and research in public relations and the ability to teach a range of undergraduate and graduate courses across our curriculum, such as Public Relations Management, Public Relations Communications, Public Relations Ethics and Leadership, Public Relations Campaigns, Advertising and Public Relations Theory, and Advertising and Public Relations Research. Mentoring graduate students is also expected.
Additional Requirements

• Subject matter expertise in public relations and/or related areas.
• Record of teaching effectiveness in courses related to public relations and/or other communication-related areas.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

• Some industry background is also a plus, as is expertise in grants writing and seeking external funding, including via interdisciplinary collaboration.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• An active research agenda and a proven strong research record/potential in public relations that includes publication of peer-reviewed articles in leading scholarly journals in public relations, communication, mass communication, media, journalism, and/or related fields.
• We welcome all research methods but are especially interested in qualitative and/or historical perspectives. Those with a qualitative and/or historical perspective are strongly encouraged to apply.

Physical Demands Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Is driving a responsibility of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information
4. Writing Sample

Optional Documents