Department of Journalism and Communications, College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Entry-level Assistant Professor (Social Media).

Successful candidate for this position will be responsible for teaching courses in social media, public relations, research and other courses in the Department of Journalism & Communications; conducting and publishing scholarly research in topics related to social media and other areas of expertise; serving on various departmental committees as needed; advising and mentoring students.

Candidates must have: Doctorate in Social Media, Mass Communication, Strategic Communications or related field by date of appointment; demonstrated ability to conduct research and publish scholarly research; demonstrated expertise in social media; demonstrated skills in strategic social media content development and distribution; an understanding of social media use by organizations; ability to teach social media courses in analytics, content development, and campaigns; ability to teach communication research classes; conversant in qualitative and quantitative research and how both are used in the media field, including journalism and strategic communication; ability and willingness to mentor undergraduate students. Required skills and publication/presentation requirements may be earned during advanced educational studies.

Preferred qualifications include: Ability to speak, read, and write in a language other than English; experience in teaching social media analytics, expertise in social media and the ability to teach other courses in the department, especially public relations courses; interest and commitment to developing a funded-research program; interest in assisting with the development and growth of the social media emphasis; and interest in developing interdisciplinary collaborations.

Applications, along with a cover letter, curriculum vita, and a list of at least three references, should be submitted online at http://hr.usu.edu/jobs at the “Join Us” link. More information about this position may be obtained by contacting the Utah State University Human Resources Office, 8800 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322-8800; hr@usu.edu; phone: 435-797-0216; fax: 435-797-1816.

Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  

This Assistant Professor (Social Media) position is located in Logan, Utah, which is situated in a spectacular Rocky Mountain valley approximately one and one-half hour drive north of Salt Lake City.

Utah State University is a Carnegie Research Doctoral Extensive University, an AA/EO employer, and has been chosen as a National Science Foundation ADVANCE Gender Equity Program recipient.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant and space-grant university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion. USU serves approximately 27,500 students throughout the state at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online has served students from all 50 states and 55 countries for over 25 years, and USU Extension provides outreach and service to all counties in Utah.  

As a land-grant university, USU engages communities and empowers people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. As an R1 research institution, USU provides a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price. Washington Monthly has consistently ranked USU in the top 10 among public universities for contribution to social mobility, research, and public service.  

Utah State is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where different perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

*updated 7/2023

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov