Job description

Campus

OSU-Stillwater

Contact Name & Email

Dr. Jared Johnson, [email protected]

Work Schedule

TBD

Appointment Length

12 months or less

Hiring Range

Commensurate with education and experience

Priority Application Date

While applications will be accepted until a successful candidate has been hired, interested parties are encouraged to submit their materials by May 1, 2026, to ensure full consideration.

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply, please submit:

• a letter of application
• curriculum vitae
• teaching philosophy
• contact information from a minimum of three professional references

About this Position

Visiting Assistant Professor and Interim Director of Student Media

The School of Media & Strategic Communications at Oklahoma State University seeks applications for a full-time 12-month visiting Assistant Professor position with a start date of July 1, 2026. This position will also serve as Interim Director of Student Media and teach 2 courses each semester.

Responsibilities:

As Visiting Assistant Professor and Interim Director of Student Media, the successful candidate will be responsible for supervising and managing student editors and reporters at the O’Colly (the daily student-run newspaper), teaching two classes and serving on committees. In addition to these duties, in the summer the successful candidate will manage collections for annual advertising contracts and identify new advertising opportunities. Assigned courses may include AP Style writing, reporting or editing courses and digital essentials courses, based on the candidate’s areas of expertise. This position will have a workload of 30 university-defined credits over 12 months (24 over 9 months and 6 in the summer). The workload distribution is 45% teaching, 45% administration, and 10% service.

A detailed list of responsibilities may be found here:

1. Budgetary / financial oversight that includes account reconciliation, keeping financial records, and monitoring financial activities associated with the O’Colly.
2. Editorial Guidance: Provide editorial guidance and mentorship to student journalists, helping them develop their writing, reporting, and editing skills. Assist in the planning and execution of the editorial calendar.
3. Training and Development: Conduct training sessions and workshops to enhance the skills of student journalists in areas such as journalism ethics, interviewing techniques, news writing, and feature writing. Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages diverse voices and perspectives. Favoritism toward students or student groups is prohibited. All students must be treated fairly (gender) when deciding on assignments, including away games or events. Ensure all students know and adhere to the O’Colly travel policy.
4. Content Oversight: Review and critique articles before publication to ensure accuracy, fairness, and adherence to journalistic standards. Help students generate story ideas and explore innovative approaches to reporting. Account for student pay or practicum credit (documented) according to practices set forth by policy. Certify that all student workers have read and agreed to The O’Colly Orientation guidelines.
5. Publication Management: Work with the newspaper staff on the production process, including layout, design, and distribution. Oversee the adherence to deadlines and ensure timely publication of the newspaper. Adhere to a weekly work schedule including sufficient office hours, as agreed to by the Director of the School of Media & Strategic Communications.
6. Ethical Guidance: Educate student journalists on ethical considerations in journalism, including accuracy, fairness, and responsible reporting. Address any ethical concerns during the reporting process, including showing favoritism toward one person, group, or gender.
7. Community Engagement: Foster relationships with the campus community, faculty, and administration to enhance the newspaper’s access to information and support. Encourage the newspaper’s involvement in campus events and issues.
8. Advisory Board Liaison: Serve as a liaison between the newspaper staff and any advisory boards or faculty committees overseeing student publications. Attend each advisory board meeting and serve as directed by the Director of the School of Media & Strategic Communications. Promote and manage High School Journalism Day. Visit High Schools for recruitment opportunities for Oklahoma State University.

About the School of Media & Strategic Communications

The School of Media & Strategic Communications at Oklahoma State University is nationally recognized for producing outstanding practitioners in all mass communication areas and has been continuously accredited by the ACEJMC since 1948. It is one of the largest programs in the College of Arts & Sciences, the largest college at OSU. The school is home to a vibrant student newspaper and daily newscast. Faculty members represent a wide variety of research interests and provide a nurturing and collegial environment for new faculty.

About Oklahoma State University

With a 130-year history, Oklahoma State University is one of the nation’s most comprehensive land-grant university systems. The OSU System has over 34,000 students, 7,400 employees, and campuses in Stillwater, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Okmulgee.

Exceptional strengths in the sciences, social sciences, and arts and humanities in the College of Arts and Sciences as well as institutional strengths in engineering, agriculture, and business are distinguishing features of the University.

Stillwater is a growing community consistently winning awards for best places to live, most recently in Money Magazine. It is about a 1-hour drive from both Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The addition of commercial air travel, wide availability of gigabit internet, and the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts enhance Stillwater’s vibrant culture. The cost of housing is roughly 80% of the national average.

To apply, please submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, teaching philosophy, and contact information from a minimum of three professional references. For full consideration, please submit application materials by May 1, 2026.

OSU is an AA/EEO/E-Verify Employer

This position is contingent upon available funding.

Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit eeo.okstate.edu.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s

  Journalism or related field.

  (degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date)

• Professional experience in journalism.
• Skills, Proficiencies, and/or Knowledge:

  Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively mentor and collaborate with students and colleagues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D./Ed.D.

  Journalism or related field.

• Experience supervising student newspaper/media.
• Strong background in newspaper advertising sales.
• Active exposure to website management.
• Detail budgeting experience in all areas of newspaper operation.

How to apply

Apply now

Oklahoma State University (OSU) strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, OSU conducts pre-employment background checks on final candidates. Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal (felony and misdemeanor) history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the university, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit eeo.okstate.edu.”