Posting on March 17, 2026
Full-time, Tenure-Track Position in Public Relations
Full-time, Tenure-Track Position in Public Relations – with a focus on public or private/business arenas. Global Communication Practices (Graduate School), Akita International University.
The Akita International University (AIU) graduate school invites applications for a tenure-track position in public relations at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor level, starting as soon as April 1, 2027.
The ideal candidate will possess a strong general knowledge of public relations and be qualified to teach an Introduction to Public Relations course. Additionally, the candidate should have further specialization in one of the following areas:
- Crisis Communication, Disaster Communication, or Science Communication
(Focus on the public arena)
OR
- Digital Marketing/Digital Advertising or Tourism Promotion
(Focus on the private business arena)
AIU was founded in 2004 as the first public university corporation in Japan. The university offers an all-English-medium education in international liberal arts, designed to prepare its students for responsible leadership in a globalized age. In the most recent Japan University Rankings by the Times Higher Education (THE), out of more than 700 universities, AIU was ranked 10th overall, 1st for its international profile, and 1st for student engagement. We are proud of this recognition of the quality of our programs and seek an individual who can contribute to the ongoing excellence in education at AIU.
The Graduate School of Global Communication and Language was launched in 2008 as a professional graduate school to prepare graduates to contribute to an increasingly complex and integrated world, where effective communication takes on even greater importance. AIU’s graduate school consists of three programs: English Language Teaching Practices (ELT), Japanese Language Teaching Practices (JLT), and Global Communication Practices (GCP). These programs provide specialized courses to support the acquisition of knowledge and practical skills, training highly specialized professionals in their respective fields.
Global Communication Practices (GCP) is designed to train communication professionals in the areas of media, journalism, public relations, and business communication, with the capacity to operate in an international, cross-cultural setting.
We are seeking an individual with a passion for classroom teaching, professional education, and scholarly research, who can also contribute significantly to the GCP program administratively. The ideal candidate will be able to develop and deliver coursework in one or more of the following areas: public relations/strategic communication, advertising/digital marketing, or tourism promotion (private/business arena). The candidate may also have a public arena focus, with expertise in public relations, crisis communication, disaster communication, or science communication. While substantial professional experience in the relevant area is desirable, it is not required.
The successful applicant will belong to the graduate Global Communication Practices program, teaching not only graduate courses but also select undergraduate courses as needed. The total teaching load will be approximately 18 credits per academic year.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ph.D. in public relations, communication or a related field, or equivalent academic credentials and research profile in the field of specialization.
- Professional experience in the area of your expertise is desirable.
- Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to teach at a high level in English
- A commitment to liberal arts education and the AIU Mission Statement
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Contribute to program (GCP) management and administration
- Engage in scholarly activities leading to presentation and publication
- Participate in service to the university, program, and local community
APPOINTMENT:
The initial appointment is based on a three-year, fixed-term contract. The contract is renewable up to two times, and tenure is possible. Salary is competitive within Japan and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Generous benefits are also included as part of the remuneration, including partial rent allowance, health insurance, and a research fund allowance.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
To be considered for the position, please complete the online application form and upload the following documents through the URL below by May 6th, 2026 (JST). Please make sure to merge all the documents and files into a single PDF file and then submit this file through the Application Form. The order is as follows:
- Letter of application
- Curriculum Vitae
- PDF copies of up to three recent publications
- Statements of Teaching Philosophy and Teaching Interests and of Research Interests
- Description of relevant professional experiences
- Syllabi for two courses that you do or could teach in the areas indicated in the list above
- Names and email contact information for three current references.
Application Form: https://forms.gle/mhE1ocHKWczBmWWB6
AIU Jobs and Vacancies: http://web.aiu.ac.jp/en/employment/
Screening of applicants will begin immediately, and applications will be accepted until May 6th, 2026 (JST). After the initial screening, a few selected candidates will be invited to participate in online interviews. Finalists for the position will then be invited to AIU, at the University’s expense, for an interview, a research presentation, a teaching demonstration, and a chance to see the campus and the community.
AIU is an equal opportunity employer and strongly believes in the importance of diversity within its community and encourages applications from all under-represented groups, including ethnic and gender minorities, and female applicants.
Documents submitted in support of your application will only be used for the purpose of making a selection decision. Unfortunately, we are unable to return documents submitted as part of this process.
Faculty Search Committee
c/o Office of Faculty and Staff Support
Akita International University
Yuwa, Akita-city 010-1292 JAPAN
Email: f-search2@aiu.ac.jp
TEL: +81-18-886-5929
Web: https://www.aiu.ac.jp/