Central Washington University is hiring: Assistant Professor of Communication in
Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA, US, 98926
Central Washington University is recruiting an Assistant Professor of Communication to join our Communication team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. We're offering a salary, depending on experience, from $65,000 to $78,000 annually plus the awesome CWU benefits.
Who we are:
We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.
Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~8,300 students.
Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for seven out of eight years, CWU was a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.
Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.
Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A
What we offer:
Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator .
The Role:
The Department of Communication of Central Washington University (CWU) seeks an Assistant Professor for a tenure-track position in strategic communication and media . This position begins in September 2026.
The Department of Communication offers a Bachelor's degree in Communication, Media and Journalism, and Public Relations. We have 6 full-time faculty with areas of emphasis in intercultural communication, public communication, rhetoric, media, and journalism. Programs focus on courses of high-impact practices, which highlight hands-on learning experiences for students.
Primary teaching responsibility of this position is to teach principle and practice-based courses on strategic communication and multimedia content creation. This position is expected to contribute to the core curriculum that includes introductory courses as well as courses on theory, research, and electives that align with the candidate's expertise and/or serve the department's curricular needs. Faculty are expected to contribute to the department/program; engage in scholarship appropriate to their field; and provide service to the University, the community and their profession. Faculty will integrate CWU's vision, mission, and values and create a learning environment that fosters student success and institutional excellence.
Minimum Qualifications
- A terminal degree (e.g., Ph.D. or M.F.A.) in Communication, Media Studies, Journalism, Mass Communication, or a related discipline (ABD candidates with a clear path to the degree completion and strong research record may be considered; however, the terminal degree must be completed within one year of start date.).
- Scholarly expertise in strategic communication with an active research agenda.
- Demonstrated record of university level teaching experience with successful teaching practices.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-based environment, seeking continuous improvement.
- Willingness to teach a wide range of courses at all levels and modalities
- Ability to meet or exceed tenure requirements
- Teaching, research, service or other experience that has prepared the candidate to contribute to CWU's commitment to the engagement of students from a variety of backgrounds.
- Professional/teaching experience in content creation on multimedia platforms and/or strategic campaigns.
- Versatility in teaching related courses such as leadership and/or business (for-profit and non-profit) communication depending on department needs.
- Ability to coordinate program development (e.g., curriculum development, new course design, and program assessment in the areas of strategic communication and media).
- A commitment to providing a community-engaged learning experience for students.
- We particularly welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds, experience working with a diverse student body, and a demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary and academic service learning.
- Experience working in a collaborative environment and/or utilizing a variety of teaching methods designed for broad student success.
- Research program that that demonstrates an ability to contribute to CWU's vision to be a model learning community of access and opportunity.
- Demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for students through teaching and/or mentoring activities.
- Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines, and work schedules.
- Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.
- Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.
- Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
- Commitment to Belonging: Values the uniqueness of every individual and fosters an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to thrive.
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule
Annual Salary : $65,000 to $78,000 , (commensurate with education and experience), based on a full-time nine-month appointment.
In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.
Appointment: Full-Time, Tenure-Track, 9 Month Appointment. Additional Summer teaching may be available. Central Washington University is on the quarter system with appointments from mid-September through mid-June.
Benefits: CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance. CWU Benefits, Perks & Discounts Overview .
Additional Information: For additional information about the University, visit: http://www.cwu.edu
For additional information about Ellensburg, visit: http://www.myellensburg.com
OR http://www.kittitascountychamber.com
NOTE: Sponsorship is not available for this position at this time.
How To Apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach:
- A detailed cover letter explaining your interest in this position and clearly demonstrating how your education and experience qualifies you to perform the responsibilities as described by the posting. This statement should include three components:
- (a) how you meet the required and preferred qualifications;
- (b) how your teaching, service, and/or scholarship has supported students from pluralistic societies that are underrepresented in their academic fields (applicants who have not yet had the opportunity for such experience should note how their work will further CWU's commitment to access and opportunity);
- (c) share a research statement that describes your plans for development of a research program at CWU.
- Curriculum Vitae including work history, education, training, and contact information for three professional references (at least one who can specifically comment on teaching);
- Teaching statement that includes your teaching philosophy and indicates courses you are willing/able to teach;
- Unofficial copies of transcripts of degrees held; and
- Contact information for three references will be asked later.
**NOTE: Although copies of transcripts are acceptable for application purposes, all job offers are contingent upon verification of highest degree. Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Contact Information
Name: Dr. Eun Young Lee
Title: Department Chair
Email: eunyoung.lee@cwu.edu
Phone: ( 509) 963-1024
Website: Communication Department
Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.
Conditions of Employment
Background Check/Reference Check Process:
Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.
The conditions of employment with Central Washington University are set forth in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Central Washington University and United Faculty of Central, University policies and procedures, and applicable state and federal laws.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement may be found here: CWU Faculty Relations.
Notice to Prospective Employees:
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement
Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. Central Washington University's policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited. The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process. Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies. Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance , 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone 509-963-2050; or email crc@cwu.edu.
Reasonable Accommodations
Central Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at HR@cwu.edu or call 509-963-1202. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the Central Washington University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (i.e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, available online here or call CWU Police and Parking Services at 509-963-2959 for a paper copy.