Assistant Professor of Communication and Media Studies

The Department of Communication and Media Studies at the University of Southern Maine in Portland, Maine, invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor in Strategic Communication or a related field, in the Fall 2027 semester, beginning August 30, 2027.

We seek an accomplished and enthusiastic teacher-scholar who will contribute to the continued development of our Communication and Media Studies programs and provide leadership for a new concentration in Strategic Communication.

The candidate will teach three courses per semester, including existing courses such as Introduction to Strategic Communication, Public Relations Cases and Campaigns, and Topics in Public Relations. The candidate will also develop new courses in areas such as social media strategy, crisis communication, digital content production, and other areas aligned with their expertise. In addition, the faculty member will utilize the department’s Production Center Lab to support experiential learning in social and digital media production. 

The faculty member will serve as a faculty advisor and mentor to students in strategic communication, public relations, and the Communication major. The faculty member will also build and maintain relationships with professional and community partners, including the university’s Office of Marketing and Strategic Communication, the Maine Public Relations Council, and regional public relations and strategic communication organizations to foster experiential learning and internship opportunities for students.

About our Department of Communication and Media Studies:

The Communication & Media Studies Department integrates scholarly theory with real-world practice, offering students twin pathways: a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a BA in Media Studies. Rooted in liberal arts and social science traditions, the department explores a broad spectrum of topics—gender and intercultural communication, ethics, health communication, multimedia, media policy, and more. 

Pay and Benefits:

The targeted starting date for this position is Fall 2027 and will pay a base salary of $65,000 plus benefits. 

When hired, candidates must reside within a 90-minute commutable distance from the USM campuses. This requirement is essential for the ability to participate in supporting and building upon our university culture of "student focused every day" and allows for regular participation in on-campus activities, meetings, and fulfills the responsibilities of the role effectively. 

The University of Southern Maine provides highly competitive benefits that include health, dental and vision insurance; life insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; a tuition waiver program for employees and tuition discounts for spouses and eligible dependents; a 403(b)-retirement plan with 10% employer contribution; and more. To learn more, please review our Benefits Information Summary.

About the University:

The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond.  USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University. 

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement.  We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.

We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness. 

Required Qualifications 

• Earned doctorate in Communication or a related field, or ABD with evidence of completed doctoral degree to be provided at least 30 days prior to start date.
• Evidence of excellence in teaching undergraduate students in person and online. 
• Evidence of, or clear potential for, mentoring and advising students from diverse backgrounds. 
• Evidence of, or clear potential for, research and scholarly activity.

To apply, please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button or visit USM Careers and submit the following materials: 

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae/Resume
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy, with plans for research and service.
• If invited as a finalist, candidates will be asked to provide the names and contact information of three references.

Questions should be directed to search committee co-chairs Professor Dan Panici at [email protected] or Professor Maureen Ebben at [email protected] 

We will begin reviewing candidate packages immediately. 

Application materials must be received by January 17, 2027.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

At this time, the University of Southern Maine is unable to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator.

Clery Act:

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. View the University’s Annual Security Report (PDF). If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.