New

Assistant Professor of Communication

Utah Tech University
medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, paid holidays, retirement plan

225 South University Avenue (Show on map)
Sep 30, 2026
Position Announcement The Department of Communication at Utah Tech University (UT) in St. George, Utah, is seeking one creative and passionate teacher/scholar for a tenure-track position of Assistant Professor of Communication, with an emphasis in Leadership and Organizational Communication, to begin Fall 2027 semester. The position requires a 4/4 teaching load per academic year, and the successful candidates will be expected to teach courses related to student leadership, organizational communication, and/or professional communication. We invite applicants who teach and develop research on leadership and organizational communication across theoretical and paradigmatic approaches (qualitative, critical, quantitative), with interest areas in including, but not limited to, compassionate leadership, student-led organizing, community leadership and organizing, organizational support, ethics in leadership, public relations, strategic communication (across local/global contexts), and organizational justice and activism. Special consideration will be given to the applicant with a strong commitment to student mentorship and success. Special consideration will also be given to the applicant with a with a desire to reinvigorate the department's current curriculum and design new courses related to the candidate's specialty area(s). The primary consideration for tenure at UT is teaching, with expectations of university- and college-level service beginning at the second year of employment. Maintaining an active research trajectory is highly desired. Utah Tech University is establishing itself as a regional, comprehensive university with an "open, inclusive, comprehensive, polytechnic" mission and the Communication Department plays an important role in fulfilling the university's mission. More information about the department and its programs can be found online at https://communication.utahtech.edu/. Responsibilities Teach 24 credits per academic year (with potential for overload) in Communication. Course assignments include Leadership and Performance Teams, Organizational Communication and System Dynamics, Professional Relationships, Persuasion, and Ethics in Communication as well as introductory communication courses within the department curriculum. Provide regular institutional service as outlined in Regent and University policy. Consult with department chair and college dean in creating and proposing new curriculum. Work with other faculty in program management, including furthering development and campus promotion of the Communication field, department, and programs. Adhere to department, college, and university policies and perform campus-wide faculty responsibilities. Develop and maintain a scholarship agenda in area of expertise that is appropriate to a teaching university like Utah Tech. Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. in Communication or related field required. A specialty that addresses the intersection of leadership and organizational communication is highly desired. ABD may be considered if completion of degree will occur by July 1, 2027. Have experience teaching and/or designing courses related to organizational communication, professional communication, leadership, and other core communication classes such as communication theory and research. Demonstrate excellence or potential in instructing college-level courses, utilizing a variety of teaching techniques and strategies. Demonstrate willingness to participate in college and departmental student recruitment and retention initiatives. Have experience in curriculum development. Ability to collaborate in a collegial, team-oriented workplace. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Sufficient experience in teaching, and working with, students with diverse educational and socioeconomic backgrounds. Demonstrate willingness to integrate active learning and other innovative pedagogical approaches in the classroom (see the University's "active learning, active life" mission online). Prior experience serving on committees or participating in service-related activities. Research trajectory or agenda that would enhance departmental or university recognition via representation in journals and/or at conferences. Previous online teaching experience and/or using online learning platforms. Supplemental Information POSITION DETAILS, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Full-time (9-month) professional-track faculty position. Faculty service, with pay and benefits starting July 1, 2027. Annual salary of $58,000 with additional compensation available for optional summer/overload teaching. Excellent benefits package included that begins on start date; includes medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, employee assistance and wellness programs, retirement plan contributions, and undergraduate tuition waivers for employees and eligible dependents. See https://humanresources.utahtech.edu/employee-benefits/ under "Benefits Summary" for more details. ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Application review begins November 2, 2026; position open until filled.?Please submit the following documents: A Cover Letter that highlights the candidate's interest in and qualification for the position. (no more than 2 pages, single spaced). We ask candidates to be both intentional and concise in identifying key strengths in your teaching, service and scholarship related to leadership and organizational communication. A Curriculum vitae A well-organized Effective Teaching Portfolio about the candidate's teaching experience, which may include a narrative of the candidate's pedagogical philosophy on student success, any quantitative/qualitative evidence of teaching effectiveness, a sample syllabus, and/or other professional experience working with a wide range of student academic preparedness. (no page limit) A brief Research Statement about the candidate's scholarly expertise and future research trajectory (no more than 1 page, single spaced). Contact information for at least three professional references (including email addresses) Unofficial transcripts. Please upload all the requested documents when you submit your application. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and certification of required degrees and upon successfully passing a background check. ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY: Utah Tech University is an open, comprehensive, polytechnic institution, committed to exceptional student learning and success that has adopted an instructional approach of "active learning. active life." and a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. We seek faculty and staff committed to creating an active, applied and career-oriented learning environment that is student-centered. Established in 1911 as a community college and in 2013 as a state university, our University is located in picturesque southwestern Utah, approximately 120 miles northeast of Las Vegas. The area is renowned for its red rocks, desert climate, over 300 days of sunshine annually, and featuring easy access to world-class outdoor recreational opportunities. Click here to learn more about the University. Utah Tech University is a fast-growing Utah public institution of higher education, with more than 13,000 students. We offer over 250 programs, including doctoral, masters, bachelors, associates, certificates, endorsements, minors, and/or emphases. We seek faculty and staff committed to creating an active, applied, and career-oriented learning environment that is student-centered, who bring new ideas, possess values and career aspirations aligned with the University's mission and vision, and are inspired to build a premier open, comprehensive, polytechnic university. All new employees must provide employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Utah Tech is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at hr@utahtech.edu or 435-652-7500. Utah Tech University does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services. For more information or contact information, please visit https://titleix.utahtech.edu/reporting-discrimination/. For important information regarding academics, campus safety, student services, employment laws, and other regulatory requirements, visit Utah Tech University's Right-to-Know https://utahtech.edu/right-to-know/ and Clery Act https://police.utahtech.edu/clery-act websites.