JOBS AT EIU

Assistant Professor/Tenure-Track/Public Relations

The Communication Studies Division within the School of Communication and Journalism at Eastern Illinois University seeks a qualified individual for a full-time (9 months), tenure-track assistant professorship in public relations. The successful candidate will primarily teach classes in the core curriculum of the B.A. in Public Relations as well as graduate classes in the school’s graduate programs. The candidate will also be expected to teach undergraduate classes in the undergraduate communication studies program based on expertise and departmental need.

Opportunities for summer employment exist for candidates with an interest in teaching online. Departmental committee and service assignments, research/creative activities, and professionally related service are expected.

Minimum requirements

• Master’s in Communication or related at time of hire.

Job Duties

• Teach classes for the School of Communication & Journalism consistent with the load requirements outlined in the Unit A contract.
• Undergraduate courses in the core curriculum of the B.A. in Public Relations
• Graduate courses in the Communication Studies graduate program
• Undergraduate courses in the undergraduate communication studies program
• Online courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
• Conduct research and creative activities with high relevance to communication studies and public relations with the potential to lead to publications with reputable academic journals and/or presses
• Develop new courses connected to area of expertise such as social media analytics
• Lead students in high-impact learning opportunities
• Participate in departmental committees and complete other departmental service assignments
• Engage in university related service on committees across EIU and Professional/Disciplinary related service
• Participate in the advising of student organizations and teams (such as PRSSA & The Agency)
• Contribute to the growth of the Public Relations major by participating in student recruitment activities.

Salary: $64,800-$69,300

Benefits Overview

Eastern Illinois University offers an excellent benefit package designed to support our employees’ well-being and career goals.               

This position is eligible for the following benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Competitive employee insurance premiums with flexible plan options.
• Vision Insurance: Vision coverage is included with medical at no cost.
• Dental Insurance: Dental plans available to meet your needs.
• Retirement Benefits: Participation in the State University Retirement System, which includes medical insurance benefits upon retirement.
• Tuition Waivers: Opportunities to pursue educational goals through tuition waivers for employees and dependent children.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 12 paid holidays annually, plus earned vacation and sick time.

For more information on our employee benefit programs, please visit EIU Employee Benefits webpage.

Application

A complete application will include a letter of application, current CV, transcripts (official copy required for appointment), teaching portfolio (sample syllabi, teaching evaluations, teaching philosophy), a sample of scholarly writing, and the names and contact information of three professional references. Send application materials to Interfolio at: https://apply.interfolio.com/172166. Review of applications will begin on Oct. 1, 2025 and will continue until interviews are scheduled. For questions regarding this search, please contact Search Committee Chair Dr. Claudia Janssen Danyi at cijanssen@eiu.edu. 

Eastern Illinois University places priority on teaching excellence for a student body in a residential setting. Approximately 7,000 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs. Non-traditional and part-time students are enrolled in programs at both on- and off- campus sites. Eastern offers faculty a wide range of research and public service activities. The University is located in east central Illinois and combines the benefits of a community of 20,000 with access to several large cities, including Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis.

The School of Communication and Journalism is composed of 13 tenure-track faculty and 9 annually contracted faculty. The school has approximately 200 students within its Communication Studies and Journalism Divisions. The school offers five undergraduate degree programs (Communication Studies, Health Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, and TV & Video Production) along with a master’s degree program in Communication Studies and an online graduate program in Communication and Leadership. We enjoy strong university support as one of the largest programs in the university.

Diversity and Inclusion: Eastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The university provides equality of opportunity in all areas of campus life and we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique value of our students, faculty, and staff. Every member of campus has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment, and beyond that, our goal is for all members of our community to develop a strong sense of belonging to Eastern Illinois University. 

The university offers insurance benefits to same-sex domestic partners. The university offers insurance benefits to spouses.

Additional Information available at http://www.eiu.edu/cmnjou/ 

Eastern Illinois University is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer – minority/female/disability/veteran – committed to achieving a diverse community.