California State University, Fresno
College of Arts & Humanities
Department of Media, Communications and Journalism
https://cah.fresnostate.edu/mcj/index.html

Advertising/Public Relations OR

Broadcast and Digital Journalism Assistant Professor

Tenure Track

Fall 2026 (August 2026)

The College of Arts and Humanities and the Department of Media, Communications and Journalism at California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) invite applications for an Assistant Professor of Advertising/Public Relations OR Broadcast and Digital Journalism. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in advertising and public relations OR broadcast and digital journalism, advise students, conduct scholarly research and creative works, and participate in service-related activities.

Faculty typically teach 12 WTUs per semester. The current faculty contract provides for a course release each semester for the faculty member’s first two years, and faculty may apply for assigned time course reductions to support scholarly/creative work. The successful candidate will conduct independent research/creative activities; serve on department, college, and university committees; engage in community service; and attend Media, Communications and Journalism events. Specific assignments are dependent on the department's needs and the candidate's background.

Our students: California State University, Fresno is committed to serving our students with a focus on inclusion. Fresno State has been recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI); an Asian American/Native American/Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI); and has been designated to the Community Engagement Classification by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Qualifications:

Required Education (from an accredited institution or foreign equivalent):

1. Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in Mass Communication, Journalism, Public Relations or Advertising or a closely related discipline OR

       M.A. in Mass Communication, Journalism, Public Relations or Advertising or a closely related discipline, AND five years of       
       professional experience in a related field.

2. Applicants nearing completion of a Ph.D. in Mass Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or Advertising or a closely related discipline, may be considered;  however, for an appointment, the degree must be completed by August 1, 2026.

Required Experience:

1. Professional experience in the field of advertising, public relations, broadcast journalism or digital journalism.
2. Demonstrated excellence in teaching advertising, public relations, broadcast journalism or digital journalism at the university level.
3. Evidence of active scholarship, creative and/or professional activities. 
4. Ability to demonstrate excellence in teaching and a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and student success.
5. Minimum of one year of university or college-level teaching experience. Teaching assistantship will be considered

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in Mass Communication, Journalism, Public Relations or Advertising or a closely related discipline
2. A demonstrated teaching and/or research background in artificial intelligence, digital communication, statistics, and/or data analytics OR a demonstrated teaching or professional background in data journalism, sports journalism, multimedia journalism, investigative reporting and/or broadcast and digital news production.
3. Specialization in a specific Advertising/Public Relations discipline (agriculture, healthcare, government, education, nonprofit, etc.) OR specialization in a specific Journalism discipline (agriculture, healthcare, investigative, multimedia, sports, etc.)
4. Evidence of or demonstrated potential for an active research agenda and publication in the field of Advertising/Public Relations OR evidence of demonstrated potential for an active creative works or research agenda in the field of broadcast and/or digital journalism.

 Application Procedures:

To ensure full consideration, applicants should submit all application materials by February 25, 2026. Review of applications will begin on January 26, 2026. The committee may elect to review applications submitted after this date. All positions automatically close on March 31, 2026. Note: All positions at Fresno State are subject to funding availability.

Apply online at:  https://careers.fresnostate.edu/

Attach the following:

1. Letter of interest or cover letter specifically addressing all areas of required experience and preferred qualifications, your interests in teaching Fresno State students and a description of your research/creative activities.
2. Current curriculum vitae
3. List of four professional/academic references with their contact information.
4. A representative example of your scholarship/creative/professional work through an online link. If the work is from a collaboration, state your specific role in its creation.
5. Samples of student work through an online link.
6. A statement of teaching philosophy.

Additional information may be requested.

It is anticipated that the first level of interviews will be conducted by Zoom. Candidates invited for an on-campus visit must submit by mail/e-mail within the designated deadline. The Search Chair will send information and requests for these items:

1. Three current letters of recommendation (dated within 12 months of full consideration date.)
2. Official transcripts

Committee Information:
Search Chair:       Professor Faith Sidlow
                            Department of Media, Communications and Journalism
                            College of Arts and Humanities
                            Email: fmsidlow@csufresno.edu
                            Phone: 559-278-4868

About the Department:
The Department of Media, Communications and Journalism serves more than 350 undergraduate students and offers a B.A. degree in Mass Communication and Journalism with three options: Advertising and Public Relations, Broadcast and Digital Journalism (BDJ) and Film and Media Arts (FMA). Students and faculty are involved in a variety of media operations, clubs and activities including: a student-run ­public relations firm (TALK), the Paul D. Adams Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), the American Advertising Federation's National Student Advertising Competition, Fresno State Focus TV newscast, Focus on Sports TV sportscast, The Collegian student-run newspaper and digital news site, KFSR Public Radio, FSR Underground student webcast, multimedia and television production services, and the Fresno State chapter of the Radio and Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). In addition to the campus newspaper and radio station, media facilities include an HD television studio.

About Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is an engaged University. We focus on broadening students' intellectual horizons, fostering lifelong learning skills, developing the leaders of tomorrow, promoting community involvement, and instilling an appreciation of world cultures. We nurture cultural competence by celebrating the rich diversity of the campus community and welcoming the participation of all. Members of the University community are expected to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. For more information on the University's commitment and dedication to creating a campus known for its integrity, civility, equity, respect, and ethical behavior.

The campus is ranked 2nd in the nation by Washington Monthly for tuition (and tax) dollars; ranked No. 30 for social mobility in U.S. News and World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges rankings; and received a 4.5-star rating on a 5-star scale in Money’s 2025 Best Colleges list.

Tenure-Track Faculty members gain a clear path to tenure through the University's Probationary Plan Process.  For additional information, please visit:   www.fresnostate.edu/academics/facultyaffairs/procedures/facultyrtp/.  We value our commitment to the success of our faculty by providing services from the Center for Faculty Excellence to Research and Sponsored Programs.

Commensurate with qualifications and experience.  The anticipated hiring range is $6,500-$6,800 per month for an Assistant Professor (12 monthly payments per academic year).  As a member of the 23-campus CSU System, we offer an extremely competitive benefits package.

Territorial Acknowledgement:

The Fresno State campus sits in the midst of the San Joaquin Valley, a valley rich in the traditions and representation of Native American peoples and cultures. We are grateful to be in the traditional homelands of the Yokuts and Mono peoples, whose diverse tribal communities share stewardship over this land. 

Other Campus Information:

In compliance with the Annual Security Report & Fire Safety Report of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, California State University, Fresno has made crime-reporting statistics available to applicants, students, and employees online at www.fresnostate.edu/police/clery/index.shtml.  Print copies are available by request from the Campus Police Department.

Any offer of employment may be withdrawn, or employment may be terminated based upon the results of the background investigation.

The person holding this position is considered a "limited reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment. You can obtain a copy of this Executive order by accessing the following website: http://www.calstate.edu/eo/EO-1083.html.

California State University, Fresno is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click http://fresnostate.edu/adminserv/smokefree/index.html

California State University, Fresno is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer consistent with CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy, as well as state and federal law. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status.   Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

Out of State Employment
Per CSU-wide policy (HR2021-04), all faculty who will begin initial employment (or return from a 12-month break in service) on or after January 1, 2022, are required to perform their work from within the State of California. Faculty hired prior to January 1, 2022, must be available to perform work in the State of California if their assignment is in-person.

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow the COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The systemwide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ 

Fresno State’s ability to sponsor employment-based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations. Employment is contingent upon US residence and proof of eligibility to work in the United States.