Bridgewater State University is hiring: Assistant Professor of Public Relations,

Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA, United States, 02324

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Overview

Assistant Professor of Public Relations, Department of Communication

Rank: Assistant Professor

Tenure Information: Tenure Track

The Department of Communication at Bridgewater State University is seeking a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Public Relations to begin fall 2026.

The department invites applications for a faculty member who will teach introductory and upper-level undergraduate courses in the public relations curriculum including capstone PR agency, PR writing, social media management, PR research and measurement, health communication, and additional courses in the applicant’s area of expertise.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic Public Relations program with undergraduate and graduate degrees (including a 4+1 pathway). BSU’s PR program serves public relations majors as well as university-wide integrated communication and digital media minors. The program is committed to providing experiential-learning opportunities for students including a capstone PR agency course, access to industry platforms and credentials, internships/field experience, undergraduate research, and (external) client-based projects.

The Department of Communication at Bridgewater State University offers three majors serving 415 undergraduates (Spring 2025): 53.5% female, 22.9% students of color; 82.4% full-time and 17.6% part-time. Our Public Relations major reflects BSU’s diverse study body. Speaking to our PR undergraduates: 78.6% are female, 19.0% are students of color, 92.9% are full-time, and 7.1% are part-time. Additional characteristics include 33% first-generation, 14% low-income (with 19% income status unknown), 40.5% commuter students, and 11.9% who identify as LGBTQIA+.

Essential Duties

Successful candidates will be engaged in scholarship that advances the field of public relations. As a faculty member, successful candidates will teach in-person, hybrid, and online courses in the fall and spring semesters, advise undergraduate students, participate in department and university committees, and will serve as the Faculty Advisor for BSU’s PRSSA chapter.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in public relations or closely related discipline by August, 2026. ABD applicants who will meet this deadline date will be considered.
College teaching experience (instructor of record) in Public Relations

Preferred Qualifications

Teaching

Demonstrated commitment to the mission of public higher education, including support for access, equity, and student success.
Evidence of effective engagement with a diverse student body through inclusive pedagogies, mentoring, or advising.
Use of innovative, high-impact teaching practices in public relations courses, such as experiential-learning, service-learning, or project-based approaches.

Research

Record of peer-reviewed scholarship in public relations that advances the discipline.
Evidence of interdisciplinary collaborations extending PR scholarship into related fields.
Active participation in scholarly associations (e.g., ICA, NCA, AEJMC) through conference presentations, leadership roles, or editorial service.

Practice

Demonstrated involvement in PRSSA and/or PRSA.
Relevant credentials or demonstrated knowledge of emerging communication platforms and tools (e.g., Hubspot, Hootsuite, Meltwater, APR, etc.).
Professional experience in public relations or a closely related field.

Special Conditions for Eligibility

Please be aware that employment at Bridgewater State University is contingent upon completion of a successful background check. Bridgewater State University is an E-Verify employer.

Posting Number: F00591P

Open Date: 10/15/2025

Close Date: 11/30/2025

Open Until Filled: No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications for the position will be reviewed beginning October 22, 2025, and will be accepted until November 30, 2025.

Please note the following information is required to complete your application for this position:

A minimum of three (3) professional reference entries in space provided on the application form.
a cover letter
a curriculum vitae
a one-page research statement/plan
a one-page teaching statement outlining experience, professional skills, and evidence of fostering an equitable, inclusive learning/work environment

For specific questions about the position and application process, please contact the search committee chair, Dr. Hui Zhang, at hzhang@bridgew.edu.

To apply, visit https://jobs.bridgew.edu/postings/31425

Bridgewater State University is an equal employment opportunity employer and considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition or any other characteristic protected by law.

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