Assistant/Associate Professor, Communication and Public Relations

SUMMARY

Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA), a private Christian institution located in West Palm Beach, Florida, seeks an Assistant/Associate Professor of Public Relations and Communication. Preference will be given to those candidates who have professional experience in Public Relations and are active in the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

The Public Relations program recently was awarded Certification in Education for Public Relations (CEPR) by PRSA and offers a growing student chapter (PRSSA) on campus. This academic unit is located in the College of the Arts, which includes programs of study in Cinema, Communication, Dance, Digital Media, Gaming, Graphic Design, Journalism, Music, Preparatory Department, Public Relations, Sports Broadcasting, Theatre, and Visual Art.

The typical teaching load is four courses each semester; this position reports to the Chair of the Department of Communication, Journalism, and Public Relations. Rank will commensurate with credentials and experience. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• According to expertise, primary focus in Public Relations coursework and secondary focus in Communication coursework.
• Courses taught may include Foundations of Public Relations, Public Relations Writing, Strategies, and Campaigns, Social Media Management and Strategy, Advertising, and Persuasion, as well as lower- and upper-level Communication classes. 
• Participates in university service, faculty development programs, and student advising.
• Develops and deliver interdisciplinary courses.
• Contributes to scholarly and/or proprietary activity.
• Integrates Christian faith and pedagogy.
• Oversees experiential learning projects with external organizations, such as internships and senior capstone campaign.

EDUCATION:

A Ph.D. in Public Relations or Communication with a concentration in Public Relations, required. Doctoral Candidates who are ABD will be considered, but all degree requirements must be completed by Summer 2026. 

EXPERIENCE:

• 3 years of teaching experience at the university level.
• 3 years professional experience in Public Relations.
• Knowledge of Public Relations as an academic discipline and a professional practice.
• Proven success in online course development and instruction, as evidenced by student and administration evaluations.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES:

• Possesses the interpersonal and professional skills necessary to work effectively with a diverse community of students and colleagues.
• Demonstrates a commitment to creating, fostering, and sustaining a culture that celebrates collaboration in and out of the classroom.
• Exhibits a strong attention to detail and clear, effective oral and written communication skills.
• Engages productively in consensus building and creative problem solving.
• Demonstrates professionalism, initiative, and a strong work ethic.
• Possesses the ability to bring the inspiration and enthusiasm to advance growth and creative momentum of the Department of Communication, Journalism, and Public Relations.
• Commitment to teaching excellence and service to the college, university, and community.
• Demonstrates Christian commitment and the ability to integrate faith into coursework. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

All applications must be submitted through the university’s career portal at pba.edu. At least three (3) references should be included within the CV.

About Palm Beach Atlantic University: 

Palm Beach Atlantic University is a private, nondenominational Christian university in West Palm Beach, Florida, known for its faith-guided academics and ocean-side location. It offers a liberal arts curriculum with a focus on developing character and promoting spiritual growth. PBA has a main campus in downtown West Palm Beach and an online program.