Assistant Professor - Public Relations

Job Description

The Zimmerman School of Advertising & Mass Communications at the University of South Florida invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Public Relations, a nine-month, full-time position beginning on August 7, 2026. Salary is negotiable.

We seek an outstanding scholar and instructor with a distinctive and innovative research agenda in public relations and teaching specialization in one or more of the following : campaign strategy, ethics, social responsibility, and strategic communication management. Experience with quantitative research methods and / or social media analytics is a plus. The ideal candidate will have potential for or an established record of success in attracting external research funding, contribute to building the research culture and research activities in The Zimmerman School and have an opportunity to participate in the Media Research Center, which supports teaching and scholarly work in data analytics and emerging technologies.

The Zimmerman School, located in Florida's #1 media market, offers students transformational learning experiences in media and communication through distinctive curricula and hands-on training with award-winning scholars and professionals. Students train in a state-of-the-art virtual production studio, produce award-winning broadcast news shows that air on the local PBS affiliate, direct a student-run advertising and public relations agency that represents local and global clients, partner with local and national organizations to advance community initiatives, travel abroad to gain international experience through classes and internships and train to become certified drone pilots. Our graduate students conduct research and develop professional projects to enhance expertise in their fields and prepare for continued graduate study and success in professional practice.

Responsibilities

Candidates should be qualified to teach in the undergraduate Integrated Public Relations and Advertising (IPRA) program and in the graduate program in Strategic Communication Management. A relevant Ph.D. or equivalent degree is required. Relevant professional experience is desired.

When applying, please submit the following :

Cover letter

CV

Research statement

Teaching philosophy

Provide names and contact information for three (3) professional references

Position is open until filled, and review of applications begins on October 1, 2025. Questions may be directed to Search Committee Chair Travis Bell at trbell@usf.edu.

Conclusion of this search is subject to final budget approval. According to Florida Law, applications and meetings regarding them are open to the public. USF is an Equal Opportunity / Equal Access institution. For disability accommodations, contact Gina Lombardo at glombardo@usf.edu, a minimum of five working days in advance. This position is subject to Foreign Influence Screening. House Bill 7017 ("HB 7017")

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications :

A relevant Ph.D. or equivalent degree from an accredited institution is required. ABD will be considered, but the degree must be completed prior to the appointment start date of August 7, 2026. Prior teaching experience in public relations and / or strategic communication. A record of research in public relations, strategic communication, and / or a relevant disciplinary focus. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Assistant Professor.

Preferred Qualifications :

Relevant professional experience and work with digital and social media communication in public relations contexts is desired.

About Us

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application / interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.