Job description

Position Available: Full-time, nine-month, Assistant Professor of Media and Communication—Strategic Communication. Salary, based on qualifications and experience, is determined by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and University President and approved by the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO).

Available: August 2026

Northwestern Oklahoma State University is a state-assisted regional institution in the Oklahoma System of Higher Education and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The student population is approximately 2,100 students. Located in Alva, Oklahoma, and with additional campus locations in Enid and Woodward, the university is a center of activity for the region.

The successful candidate will teach 27 credit hours of strategic communication and general communication coursework per academic year. Courses commonly taught by this position include Introduction to Strategic Communication, Principles of Advertising & Marketing, Strategic Communication Writing, Advanced Strategic Communication, Strategic Communication Practicum, and Introduction to Speech Communication. In addition, this position serves as the faculty advisor for our student-led strategic communication agency. The advisor will mentor students, oversee agency operations and client projects, promote ethical communication practices, and guide ongoing efforts to expand the agency’s reach and impact. Additional responsibilities include participation in departmental recruiting efforts, program assessment, academic advising, and committee and university service.

Preferred Qualifications: Terminal degree in strategic communication/public relations, mass communication, or related field; professional experience working in public relations, advertising, or similar field; and teaching experience in higher education.

Minimum Qualifications: Professional experience in public relations, advertising, or similar field or teaching experience in higher education; and master’s degree in strategic communication, mass communication, or related field.

The Media & Communication Program offers a B.S. in Media & Communication, with coursework spanning journalism, broadcasting, video production, and strategic communication. Students gain practical experience by working in one or more of the department’s media outlets, including NWTV (the campus television station), the Northwestern News (print and digital editions), and the student-run strategic communication agency. These applied learning opportunities are integral to the curriculum and prepare students for the rapidly evolving media landscape.

How to apply

Closing Date: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Application Process: An applicant should provide a cover letter, a curriculum vita that includes contact information for at least three (3) professional references, a description of teaching philosophy, the completed NWOSU Application for Faculty, and academic transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for application; official transcripts will be required before appointment.

Email submission of application materials as PDF attachments is preferred. Send information to:

Dr. Steven Maier, Dean of Faculty

Northwestern Oklahoma State University

Email: [email protected]

Only applicants who are authorized to be employed in the United States need apply. Northwestern Oklahoma State University is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome candidates who bring unique insights, backgrounds, and voices to our campus community.

Northwestern Oklahoma State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age religion, handicap or status as a veteran in its employment policies or procedures.