Description

Appointment Type: Non-Tenure Track/Temporary
State Title: Clinical Specialist
Bargaining Unit: AFT
Employment Type: 35 hours per week/Full-time
Expected Term: 8/8/2026 - 6/9/2028
Compensation: Range 22/$86,720.75 - $93,659.67

About TCNJ
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is a highly selective institution that is consistently recognized as one of the top comprehensive colleges in the nation. Founded in 1855 as the New Jersey State Normal School, TCNJ maintains the eighth highest four-year graduation rate among all public colleges and universities. It is ranked by Money as one of the top 15 public colleges "most likely to pay off financially," and U.S. News & World Report rates it the No. 1 public institution among regional universities in the northeast.

About the CJF Department
The Department of Communication, Journalism, and Film (CJF) is one of the four departments that are located within the School of Arts and Communication at TCNJ. CJF is itself divided into 5 academic specializations: Mass Media and Social Media, Health Communication, Interpersonal and Strategic Communication, Digital Filmmaking and Television, and Emerging Communication Technologies. From the perspectives of teaching and advising, the successful Clinical Specialist will teach and advise students who could major in any one of these specializations. Through the new Creative State agency, the successful candidate will have ample opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and students from the Department of Design and Creative Technology, another department within the School of the Arts and Communication.

The Department of Communication, Journalism and Film is a department of 275 majors and seven tenure-line faculty members. Consistent with the mission of the School of Arts and Communication, we strive to provide experiences through which our students can become analytical, critical, and creative thinkers, conscientious and active global citizens, and lifelong learners and leaders. Through the entwined roles of teaching and scholarship, we strive to prepare our students to contribute to their communities and pursue their chosen careers.

The Department's mission is to involve our students to the greatest degree possible in the discovery and creation of knowledge, art and information; to encourage independent initiative and inquiry, and to instill a lifelong love of learning. As active, professional scholars and writers, they contribute significantly to the advancement and dissemination of knowledge in their fields of expertise. Finally, JPW faculty seek to promote understanding of the rich cultural diversity of humankind in order to prepare students to go forth with wisdom, skills and knowledge to serve and advance the communities in which they live and work. For more information about the department, visit https://cjf.tcnj.edu/ .

Position Overview:

The Department of Communication, Journalism, and Film (CJF) at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) invites applications for a 10-month, non-tenure track Clinical Specialist in the areas of Strategic Communication/Public Relations beginning in August 2026. The position is offered for an initial two-year appointment, with potential for renewal for a second two-year appointment and subsequent three-year appointments based on performance. The position carries a 4-3 teaching load (7 classes/year) with advising responsibilities. Importantly, the successful candidate will collaborate on the implementation and leadership of a newly instituted co-curricular PR agency, called "Creative State." The agency will draw pro-bono clients from the region surrounding the College, including the state capitol, Trenton. Stemming from this role, the candidate will be expected to play a leading role in developing a PRSSA chapter for the College.

We welcome applicants who are broadly trained within the academic intersections of strategic communication and public relations, and who have significant experience in applying those skills on the corporate and/or client side. The candidate will be expected to teach in the areas of strategic communication, public relations, and also coursework related to the Creative State agency. Specific teaching assignments may include the following:

• COM 260 (Introduction to Public Relations)
• COM 310 (Theories of Persuasion)
• COM 371 (Strategies of Public Relations)
• COM 377 (Conflict and Collaboration)
• COM 270/370 (Special Topics within the candidate's interests)

In addition to these courses, the department will expect the candidate to help develop a course on Research Methods in Public Relations. This is the final course the department needs in order to apply for a PRSSA chapter.

In addition to teaching 7 classes a year (4/3 load), the successful candidate will be expected to provide service by advising students within the Communication and Journalism sides of the department, with no research expectation. TCNJ's standard teaching load is 4/4; however, this position will have reassigned time for advising for the first two-year contract. The reassigned time for advising will be reassessed with each official renewal.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Have a minimum of a completed Master's degree in Communication, Public Relations, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrate cultural competency and ability to foster inclusive learning environments and mutual respect for students and colleagues.
• Have a minimum of 5 years of professional industry experience in public relations

Preferred:

• At least 3 years of experience teaching (as the instructor of record) courses listed above.

Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations in order to perform the essential functions of the position. If the requested accommodation(s) cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, the applicant may not be eligible for the position.

Employer Qualifications

Employment at TCNJ is contingent upon the successful completion of an applicable background check, reference checks, and verification of identity and authorization to work in the United States (Form I-9).

Accommodation: Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview should contact hr@tcnj.edu .

Employee Benefits
As a member of The College of New Jersey Community, you will be a part of an exciting and rewarding public university career. Eligible full-time employees will be able to take advantage of a generous benefits package that includes health, welfare, and retirement benefits, including:

• Comprehensive benefit plans covering medical, dental and prescription plans
• Generous leave entitlements program and Energy Savings Program
• Employee and dependent Tuition Waiver and Reimbursement Program
• Pension, retirement, and deferred compensation plans, group life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee affinity groups
• New Jersey State Employee Discount Program (Pet insurance, cell phone plan discounts, discounted amusement park tickets, etc.)
• Access to extensive learning opportunities

To view a comprehensive list of benefits available to employees, visit our Health Benefits Plans and Programs page to learn more!

How to Apply
Candidates should submit (a) a letter of application highlighting their interest and qualifications, (b) a curriculum vitae, (c) a statement of teaching philosophy/approach (no longer than 2 pages), (d) a statement of commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (no longer than 1 page), (f) unofficial transcripts (graduate), and (g) names and contact information for at least three professional references.

Applications should be submitted electronically online at https://tcnj.taleo.net/careersection/00_ex_faculty/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en .

Review of applications will begin in early September and will continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, applications should be received by January 5, 2026.

The College is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus community that respects and uplifts individuals from all backgrounds. We value the varied perspectives, experiences, and talents of all members of our community and strive to create an environment where everyone has equitable access to opportunities for success. As an equal opportunity employer, we comply with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. We encourage applications from individuals whose lived experiences and professional interests align with our institutional mission of academic excellence, access, and integrity.