Description

Baylor University invites applications and nominations for the position of Department Chair of Journalism, Public Relations & New Media in the College of Arts & Sciences. The successful candidate will be eligible for appointment with tenure at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor (advanced) and will bring a record of leadership, collaboration, and commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service.

The Department Chair serves as the academic and administrative leader of the department and reports to the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. The Chair will articulate and advance a clear vision for the department's future, support faculty and student success, and represent the department to internal and external stakeholders.

The department seeks a visionary, collaborative leader who will empower faculty to prepare highly competent, socially conscious, and engaged communication professionals. The Chair will foster a collegial and inclusive environment while advancing the department's strategic priorities in teaching, research, and professional engagement.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic leadership and vision, including long-range planning and program development
• Supporting excellence in undergraduate and graduate education
• Overseeing faculty recruitment, mentoring, evaluation, and development
• Managing budgets, resources, and operations effectively
• Promoting research, creative activity, and external funding opportunities
• Leading curricular innovation and assessment
• Building and maintaining relationships with students, parents, alumni, donors, and industry partners
• Representing the department within the College, University, and broader professional communities
• Fostering a culture of collaborative governance, transparency, and inclusivity

Candidates who are outside of the United States and do not have other nonimmigrant visa status will not be sponsored for an H-1B petition.

About the Department: Baylor University's Department of Journalism, Public Relations, and New Media prepares students for leadership in a quickly changing media world. The department emphasizes ethical practices, critical thinking, professional skills, and innovative storytelling and strategic communication methods.

We offer three undergraduate majors: advertising and public relations; multimedia journalism, with tracks in writing and reporting, broadcast journalism, and visual media; and sports media, with tracks in writing and reporting, as well as advertising and public relations. These programs replace the department's former journalism major, which included five concentrations: news editorial, public relations, advertising, photojournalism, and broadcast journalism. Each program focuses on practical experience and includes a capstone portfolio and internships.

We are ACEJMC accredited and will celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2027.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Journalism, Communication, Media, or a closely related field
• Qualifications for appointment with tenure at Baylor University at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor nearing promotion
• Demonstrated administrative or leadership experience, including planning, personnel management, and budgeting
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, with a collaborative and collegial leadership style
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with faculty, administrators, students, alumni, and external stakeholders
• A record of scholarly or creative accomplishment consistent with expectations for tenure at Baylor
• Commitment to excellence in teaching and student mentorship
• Support for faculty research, including grant-writing and mentoring
• Commitment to Baylor University's Christian mission and institutional values

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional experience in journalism, public relations, advertising, or related media fields (preferably 5-10 years, though not required)
• Experience fostering industry partnerships, internships, and career pathways for students
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning and program development
• Experience mentoring faculty at different career stages
• Understanding of the rapidly evolving media and communication landscape, including emerging technologies

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials through Interfolio:

• Letter of application addressing interest and qualification, including the following sections:
  • Statement of research interests and accomplishments
  • Statement of teaching philosophy and accomplishments
  • Statement of leadership experience and vision for the department
• Copy of the official transcript from the highest-degree granting institution
• Curriculum vitae
• Names and contact information for at least three professional references
• Self-disclosed Religious Affiliation Form

Review of applications will begin October 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Nothing received after October 25, 2026 will be considered.

For questions regarding the position, please contact search chair, Dr. James Kendrick, at [redacted].