Assistant Professor - Public Relations

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.