Description

Northwestern College seeks applicants for a full-time, open-rank, tenure-track position in our English and communications department to begin August 2026.  The successful candidate can expect to teach courses in communications with specific emphases in strategic communications and public relations. The teaching load for this position is 24 credit-hours per academic year, normally three to four courses per semester. This position will potentially include the instruction of Mass Media & Society, Organizational Communication, Principles of Public Relations, Advertising Campaigns, Layout & Design, and advanced courses in strategic communications research and public relations strategies. Included in the annual teaching load is a section of our first-year seminar, which is a requirement in our general education program.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:  Candidates must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a communications field. Near-completion ABDs are also welcome to apply. The successful candidate will demonstrate a keen ability to connect with our vibrant undergraduate students, sustain an active research program, build connections with local practitioners, and contribute to the life of the institution through faculty committees and other co-curricular service. 

Preferred Qualifications:  While the primary focus of this position is strategic communications, strongest consideration will be given to those who also have additional experience in public relations.

Our Department: Our English and communications department celebrates professional and multimodal communication alongside literary study and theoretical practice. As the home for our journalism minor and student newspaper, The Beacon, and the forthcoming multimedia literary arts magazine, The Archive, our department promotes how storytelling flourishes in a variety of contexts and media platforms. Our current majors include public relations, writing and digital media, and English teaching.

Northwestern College seeks candidates with an authentic Christian faith who will embrace and live out our mission & values, including our Reformed, evangelical and ecumenical identity as stated in our Christian Identity Statement, Mission Statement, Vision for Learning and Vision for Diversity. We view these statements as complementary and draw from each in fulfilling our mission. 

Apply online and send a letter of interest in which you (1) describe your teaching experience and (2) scholarly trajectory; and (3) discuss how the following statements would inform and shape your teaching and scholarship: our Statement of Christian Identity, Vision for Learning and Vision for Diversity. Include a current curriculum vitae/resume and send to vpaa@nwciowa.edu.