Assistant Professor of Communication Job at Central Washington University in Ell

Assistant Professor of Communication

Central Washington University

This position is offered at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington.

Job Summary

Central Washington University is recruiting an Assistant Professor of Communication to join our Communication team in Ellensburg, Washington. This campus‑based role offers a competitive salary ranging from $65,000 to $78,000 per year, along with comprehensive CWU benefits.

What we offer

Our investment in you begins the day you join our team. Benefits include 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.

The Role

The Department of Communication seeks an Assistant Professor for a tenure‑track position in strategic communication and media, beginning in September 2026. Primary teaching responsibilities include courses on strategic communication and multimedia content creation. Faculty are expected to contribute to the core curriculum, engage in scholarship, and provide service to the university, community, and profession.

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 degree completion and strong research record may be considered, provided the terminal degree is completed within one year of the 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 prepares the candidate to contribute to CWU's commitment to engaging students from a variety of backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional or 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, curriculum development, new course design, and program assessment in strategic communication and media.
• A commitment to providing a community‑engaged learning experience for students.
• Experience working with diverse student bodies and a demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary and academic service learning.
• Experience in a collaborative environment and utilization of a variety of teaching methods designed for broad student success.
• Research program that demonstrates the ability to contribute to CWU's vision of 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.

Annual Salary

$65,000 to $78,000, commensurate with education and experience, based on a full‑time nine‑month appointment.

Appointment

Full‑time, tenure‑track, 9‑month appointment. Additional summer teaching may be available. CWU 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.

Additional Information

For additional information about the University, visit: http://www.cwu.edu

For additional information about Ellensburg, visit: http://www.myellensburg.com

For additional information about Kittitas County Chamber, visit: 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 online application and attach the following:

• A detailed cover letter explaining your interest in this position and clearly demonstrating how your education and experience qualify you to perform the responsibilities as described by the posting. The 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; (c) share a research statement describing your plans for developing a research program at CWU.
• Curriculum Vitae, including work history, education, training, and contact information for three professional references (at least one who can 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.
• Contact information for three references will be asked later.

Screening Begins

January 15, 2026

Seniority level

• Not applicable

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Education

Industries

• Higher Education