Assistant Professor of Practice of Mass Communication (Houstonian)

Date Posted	March 25, 2024
Industry	Academia
Specialty	Not Specified
Required Education	Master's Degree
Job Status	Full-time

Description:

The Department of Mass Communication at Sam Houston State University invites applications for an assistant professor of practice in journalism to advise the award-winning Houstonian student newspaper.

With more than a century of history, The Houstonian has a long tradition of thorough reporting and innovative journalism. Extending that legacy could include developing and expanding newsletters, social media and podcast publications as well as fostering collaboration with student radio and television newsrooms, journalism classes and Bearkat Student Media. The ideal candidate has experience advising student media and/or running a digital-first newsroom and a desire to coach and guide enthusiastic student journalists.

The selected applicant will teach a 4/4 courseload, blending hands-on practicum courses coaching Houstonian students with existing journalism courses on news reporting, public affairs reporting, copy editing and/or mobile and social media journalism. The faculty member may also create and implement new courses that provide workforce readiness skills necessary in the current media landscape. As a Professor of Practice, the faculty member should expect to participate in departmental and university service and remain active in the field, reflecting such activity in teaching and student engagement. The position begins Fall 2024.

Minimum Qualifications

• An MA in journalism or a closely related field
• Experience managing a professional newsroom or experience advising student media
• Clear potential for developing and teaching undergraduate journalism courses

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing professional journalists
• Experience developing and teaching undergraduate journalism courses
• Active membership in student media organizations

Application Deadline:

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Application Procedure:

Applications must be submitted online here.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be submitted online and include a cover letter detailing the applicant’s qualifications, relevant experience and interest in the position, a current CV, transcripts, and contact information for three references, addressed to: Dr. Ryan Broussard (rxb055@shsu.edu)

About the Mass Communication Department:

The Department of Mass Communication at Sam Houston State University serves more than 500 students studying journalism, broadcast production, public relations, advertising and film.

Located in the Dan Rather Communications Building, it is home to 90.5 The Kat, Channel 7, Bearkat Student Media, The Houstonian and the annual Heatwave Media and Film Festival. The department blends research-focused and practice-oriented faculty with distinct backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. 

Sam Houston State University:

Located 40 miles north of suburban Houston, Sam Houston State University provides high- quality education, scholarship and service to qualified students for the benefit of regional, state, national and international constituencies. The university is classified as a High Research Activity university and a “Community Engaged” institution by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. SHSU is a growing community serving over 21,000 students across three campuses in Huntsville, Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information, visit https://www.shsu.edu. 

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity or expression. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code § 51.215.