Job Description for the Assistant Professor of Journalism position. Review job description, requirements, and qualifications. Apply or register interest for the position.

Assistant Professor of Journalism

Elon University’s School of Communications, Journalism Department, invites applicants for a tenure-track position as assistant professor of journalism, with an expected start in fall 2026. Primary teaching responsibilities will be in undergraduate courses in the journalism major.

We seek a colleague committed to excellent teaching, student mentoring and active participation in the life of a vibrant, nationally accredited school. Candidates should demonstrate professional experience in journalism and an ability to help students learn how to report and produce compelling, ethical and impactful work across platforms. While the area of specialization is open, we are especially interested in candidates who can contribute in video and digital production. In addition to journalism courses, the appointee may (according to background and interests) also teach courses in our school’s Communications Core Curriculum, additional communications majors and the Elon Core Curriculum. Faculty in the Journalism Department are expected to support students outside of the classroom through their work in undergraduate research, student media and other co-curricular experiences. We appreciate and value experience in using emerging media technologies for journalism.

Minimum qualifications are a terminal degree (Ph.D. preferred) completed by May 2026 and relevant professional industry experience. Evidence of engaged and effective teaching at the college level is strongly preferred. The appointee must be able and willing to maintain a strong, regular presence on campus. Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to teach, advise and mentor engaged students, maintain a program of independent and collaborative scholarly and/or professional work, and contribute to the life of the university through service. Elon values and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences and perspectives of our community members. As an equal opportunity employer, Elon’s principles of diversity extend to race and gender identity, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion, and other aspects of one’s identity. At Elon, our employees respect human differences, passion for lifelong learning, emphasis on personal integrity and an ethic of service.

Applicants must submit a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a teaching statement, and a list of at least three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by Monday, November 3, will be assured of consideration.

School of Communications

Established in 2000, Elon University’s School of Communications inspires graduates to be thought leaders committed to the public good in today’s rapidly evolving landscape of digital communications. Teacher-scholar-mentors with decades of collective professional experience educate students across seven majors: cinema & television arts, communication design, digital content management, journalism, media analytics, sport management and strategic communications.

The School of Communications is home to approximately 1,100 students and nearly 80 faculty and staff, all centered around a 105,000-square-foot quad that functions as a dynamic learning laboratory. Facilities feature state-of-the-art television studios, video editing suites, classrooms and faculty offices, a movie theater, and a virtual studio with a green hard-wall cyclorama.

Nationally recognized by organizations such as the Broadcast Education Association, PRNEWS and the Society for American Baseball Research, the school has been touted for preparing industry-ready professionals who grasp the changing nature of communication, entertainment, news and sport. Alumni work worldwide at organizations such as Amazon, CBS Sports, Coca-Cola, CNN, ESPN, Golin, NASCAR, Nike, The New York Times, “The Tonight Show” and numerous other employers.

Since 2007, the School of Communications has housed the Sunshine Center, the educational arm of the N.C. Open Government Coalition, which promotes transparency in government through outreach and education.

Elon University’s School of Communications is among 18 private colleges and universities accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC). Additionally, its Department of Sport Management is accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA).

Elon University

Elon University is a nationally recognized leader in engaged, experiential learning that prepares graduates to be creative, resilient, ambitious and ethical citizens of our global culture.

At Elon, more than 7,000 students learn through hands-on experiences and close working relationships with faculty and staff whose priorities are teaching and mentoring. The Elon curriculum is grounded in the traditional liberal arts and sciences with an emphasis on global experiences and career development. More than 70 undergraduate majors are complemented by professional and graduate programs in law, business, education and health care. Elon is ranked among the top national universities by U.S. News & World Report, with a No. 1 ranking for excellence in undergraduate teaching for five consecutive years.

As a pioneer and leader in engaged learning, Elon has refined a scholarly model built upon collaboration, mentorship and innovation. Central to this model are five signature programs that comprise the Elon Experiences — study abroad, internships, undergraduate research, service and leadership. To learn more about Elon, please visit the university website at https://www.elon.edu.

Elon University is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to a diverse faculty, staff and student body and welcomes all applicants.