Posting on March 20, 2026
Postdoctoral Teaching Scholar in Public Relations
Postdoctoral Associate | Job Code 9546 Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication
College of Liberal Arts University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
The Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication within the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota invites applications for a 9-month (AY26-27 August-May) position as a Postdoctoral Teaching Scholar in Strategic Communication, with a Public Relations focus, beginning Fall 2026 (start date: 8/31/2026). This is a 100%-time appointment as a postdoctoral associate (Job Code 9546).
About the Position
At the University of Minnesota, postdoctoral associates are academic employees who conduct research, teach, or provide service that enhances career skills or allows for opportunities to learn new research or teaching techniques. They are trained by and work with a faculty mentor who collaboratively determines the training agenda. The goal of this position is to provide the candidate with advanced training in teaching courses in the School’s core curricula. Candidates will also have opportunities to join, learn from, and contribute to Hubbard's research community. Candidates who have research trajectories that align with current faculty research is a plus. The identified mentor will also help the postdoctoral fellow position their teaching and research for future opportunities.
Teaching Responsibility: 65%
- Responsibilities include preparing courses, advising students, and teaching a minimum of five undergraduate courses in a 9-month appointment, which may include: Strategic Communication Research & Analytics, Strategic Brand Planning, Digital Strategy in Strategic Communication, Strategic Communication Case Analysis, Management for Strategic Communication, Writing for Sports Strategic Communication, Diversity and Media, and/or other key courses in the strategic communication curriculum.
Research and professional development: 35%
- The incumbent will also engage in training and research development activities, as determined in consultation with a faculty mentor. The postdoctoral associate will work with faculty to develop professional development and research activities associated with the unit’s Strategic Communication Hub and assist the editor of Public Relations Review.
The salary range is $65,000-$68,000, and is based on education, professional experience in public relations, and teaching experience. Additional summer salary may be available over the following summer and depends on student enrollment, funding, department needs and teaching performance. This is a short-term position replacing faculty on short-term leave.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- All candidates must expect to earn a Ph.D. in Mass Communication or a related field (e.g., communication) by the appointment start-date (08/31/2026). In the instance that the Ph.D. is not conferred by the start date, we will consider hiring into a predoctoral position.
- Expertise in public relations, strategic communication or related background.
- Evidence of excellence in teaching in higher education settings.
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. Visa sponsorship, including H-1B, may be considered for qualified candidates whose visa circumstances do not require payment of the $100,000 H-1B fee.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior work experience in public relations or strategic communication professions.
- Prior teaching and research experience in public relations or strategic communication.
- Demonstrated potential to teach courses in the existing undergraduate curricula, including: Strategic Communication Research & Analytics, Strategic Brand Planning, Digital Strategy in Strategic Communication, Strategic Communication Case Analysis, Management for Strategic Communication, Writing for Sports Strategic Communication, Diversity and Media, and/or other key courses in the strategic communication curriculum.
- A demonstrated commitment, knowledge, and skill in working with students to foster an environment of inclusion and belonging.
- Engagement with new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, in classroom teaching and the study of ethics in its use is a plus.
About the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication
The Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota is part of the College of Liberal Arts and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Journalism and Mass Communication. The Hubbard School offers majors in Strategic Communication - Advertising and Public Relations, Professional Journalism, and Media and Information; and minors in Media and Information and Digital Media Studies. The Hubbard School offers an academic M.A. and Ph.D. and a Professional M.A. in Strategic Communication.
Housed in Murphy Hall, a state-of-the-art facility for teaching and research of journalism, strategic communication, and emerging media studies, the Hubbard School is home to the Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law, the Minnesota Journalism Center, the Hubbard Digital Studios, and the Digital Information Research Center/Sevareid Library. Hubbard facilities also include the Murphy Hall conference center, multimedia classrooms, and psychophysiological communication research labs, and a focus group room, which is used to support graduate-level experimental research. For further information, please visit the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication's website, at: https://cla.umn.edu/hsjmc
About the College of Liberal Arts
Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over 20 buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, more than 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.
CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints—so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA
Working in CLA
Working at the University
At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted online. The priority application date is April 3rd.
Directions: Click the Apply button and follow the instructions. Complete an online application for the position and then attach documentation below by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must submit the following materials:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vita
- Evidence of teaching effectiveness, including course evaluations when available
- A list of three professional references with full contact information. References will only be contacted if the applicant is among the finalists for the position.
Please submit all files as PDFs.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
Questions about the role can be directed to the search chair, Dr. Erich Sommerfeldt (esommerf@umn.edu).
Diversity & Equal Opportunity
The University of Minnesota recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the University of Minnesota: http://diversity.umn.edu.
Background Check
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and eligibility to work in the United States. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the United States, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, communication agencies, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.