Job Description

Posting Details
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Institution The University of South Dakota
Working Title Chair, Media & Journalism
Posting Number F01728P
Department USD-Media and Journalism
Physical Location of Position (City) Vermillion
Posting Text
The Department of Media & journalism at the University of South Dakota is seeking a highly qualified candidate to assume the position of Chair of the department, with the position to begin Fall 2026. Accredited by the ACEJMC since 1997, the Department offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees with concentrations in Journalism, Strategic Communication, Social Media Marketing, and Sport Marketing & Media. The Department also offers a Master of Communication degree. With 125 students and 6 full-time faculty members, the department is dedicated to preparing students for the challenges of an ever-changing industry.
The Media & Journalism Chair is responsible for the overall management, administration, and productivity of the Media & Journalism Department and programs within the department. This includes assuring the overall academic quality of program offerings, mentoring, supervising, and evaluating faculty and staff, strategic planning and budgeting. Other responsibilities include teaching within the Media & Journalism curriculum, pursuit of independent scholarship, chairing annual meetings of the department's Advisory Council, advocating for the department's interests within the professional community, and participation in department, college, university, community and professional service activities.
The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in Mass Communications, Journalism, Communication, or related fields, with progressive university teaching experience at the rank of Associate or Full Professor. Preference will be given to candidates with evidence of distinguished teaching and curriculum development in an undergraduate/graduate institution.
To be granted tenure at the Associate or Full Professor rank, candidates should meet the USD's current expectations for tenure by demonstrating the capacity and ability to meet the standards of performance expected at this rank. These include appropriate time in rank, an established, externally funded research program, active and significant research publication in the years preceding application, and substantial service record at various levels.
Applications must be submitted online at https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu and should include:

• a cover letter
• a current Curriculum Vitae
• a brief statement of leadership philosophy
• contact information for at least three references

Closing Date: Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Posting Date 09/16/2025
Closing Date
Open Until Filled Yes
First Consideration Date 10/27/2025
Advertised Salary Commensurate with education and experience, plus State of SD benefits package.
Duration of the Term 9 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent 100
Tenure Status Tenured
Proposed Rank Associate Professor
Work Hours
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
Appointment Type Regular
Scope of Search External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
The Department of Media & Journalism is housed in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of South Dakota and is located in the Al Neuharth Media Center, a state-of-the-art facility, featuring a media effects research laboratory as well as the offices and production studios of South Dakota Public Broadcasting. Vermillion is located 30-50 minutes from major media markets in South Dakota and Iowa. For more information about the department visit www.usd.ed/mj.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
USD is committed to fostering a dynamic and welcoming working and learning environment for all. USD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to ideological political or sectarian opinions or perspectives, or race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, disability, national origin or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. USD is committed to the principles of free expression and encourages the timely and rational discussion of topics in an environment that is intellectually and ideologically diverse.
Contact Information

Skills Required