Ralph Klein Chair in Communication Studies

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. Mount Royal has carved out a distinct niche by offering smaller class sizes, a robust liberal education and unique undergraduate programs. Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 13 bachelor degrees and 38 majors.

Mount Royal University is located in the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut'ina and the Iyarhe Nakoda. We are situated on land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. The traditional Blackfoot name of this place is "Mohkinstsis," which we now call the city of Calgary. The City of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation.

Mount Royal University is committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged in our society. In support of our belief that diversity in our faculty and staff enriches the work, learning and research experiences for the entire campus community, we strongly encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply and self-identify.

The School of Communication Studies is located in the Faculty of Business and Communication Studies at Mount Royal University, which is formed by two schools, the Bissett School of Business and the School of Communication Studies. The School of Communication Studies is home to approximately 25 full-time faculty and 37 contract faculty and offers an undergraduate Bachelor of Communication (BCMM), majoring in one of four areas:

• Broadcast Media Studies

• Information Design

• Journalism & Digital Media

• Public Relations

Dedicated to achieving excellence in scholarly teaching and research-informed practice, our School fosters a collaborative environment. Many of the faculty within the School are engaged in scholarship-informed teaching and research in areas including but not limited to sustainability, intercultural communication, Feminist design, inclusive visual design, social media practices, and communication ethics. Mount Royal also strongly supports emerging and well-developed scholars engaged in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL).

Mount Royal University is strongly committed to fostering diversity as a source of excellence, intellectual and cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome applications from those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff and faculty including but not limited to Indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual or gender identity, ethnic, national, or socio-economic background, religion or age. We actively seek applications from scholars from equity-deserving groups. 

We invite applications for a three-year, term-certain position with the rank determined based on the successful candidate's experience and qualification (either Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor), which will commence on  August 15, 2024, subject to final budgetary approvals. This is an endowed chair position serving the School of Communication Studies.

We seek candidates with the ability to enhance the diversity of our School and actively engage with community partners. They must have demonstrated experience as a scholar-practitioner or community-engaged scholar. Ideal individuals possess a strong connection to our majors and a strong awareness of contemporary issues in communications. Applicants who can showcase a commitment to valuing differences, creating positive social impact, and a willingness to disrupt conventional norms are encouraged to apply. 

Applicants must also show evidence of the capacity to foster student success which includes but is not limited to effective teaching, mentoring, advising diverse learners, and supporting emerging scholars. Additionally, applicants will need to demonstrate their commitment to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in both the workplace and broader societal contexts.

As a higher education institution, Mount Royal places great importance on the advantages of advanced learning.  Mount Royal is committed to proactively enhancing the diversity of our workforce by selecting the most qualified candidates for every available career opportunity. While a Ph.D. is strongly preferred, a Master’s degree is required in communications or a communications-adjacent field. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. 

We encourage applicants to review the elements below holistically, recognizing that it may not be possible for any individual to fulfill every criterion. We are committed to listening carefully as candidates share their perspectives during the interview process and are committed to ensuring that the successful candidate’s interests, expertise, and lived experiences find a meaningful place within the Mount Royal University community. 

Teaching: The successful candidate will have a reduced teaching load but will be expected to teach, mentor, and support undergraduate students. Specific teaching responsibilities will be determined once a successful candidate has been identified but may include any of the core communications courses required by all four areas, research methods courses within the School, specific courses in any of the four programs where their disciplinary excellence is best suited, and/or new courses that address specific curricular gaps.

Scholarship: The successful candidate will be expected to engage in scholarship/research that offers meaningful opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and skill development to Communication students across majors.

Service: The successful candidate will be expected to contribute service to the School. Additionally, they may engage in service that benefits their discipline and/or professional association.

In addition to a base salary, this position comes with an annual research stipend of $10,000. 

• Ph.D. is strongly preferred, a Master’s degree is required in communications or a communications-adjacent field

• Experience fostering student success including but not limited to effective teaching, mentoring, advising diverse learners, and supporting emerging scholars

• Experience as a scholar-practitioner or community-engaged scholar

• Professional experience in information design, broadcast media, public relations, or journalism and digital media

• Leadership in community-based practice, community-engaged scholarship, or community service learning

• Proven experience in amplifying the voices of underrepresented populations

• Experiences and/or credentials in understanding and implementing decolonized pedagogical practices

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions. 

At Mount Royal University, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. Mount Royal University offers a competitive total compensation package including health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days, and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation center. 

Our campus offers the convenience of a full medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, climbing, aquatics, sports and certifications for students, employees, and the public. 

Please contact the hiring committee chair, Dr. Milena Radzikowska ([email protected] ) if you have any questions or require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process. We will work together on the accommodation request.

Closing Date:  We will begin reviewing applicants starting March 2024. The search will continue until a suitable candidate is hired.

Please submit a complete dossier that includes:

• Cover letter describing your interest in the position and fit with the School of Communication Studies

• Curriculum vitae

• A one-page statement that demonstrates the capacity to foster student success including but not limited to effective teaching, mentoring, advising diverse learners, and supporting emerging scholars. 

• A one-page statement that describes your experience as a scholar-practitioner or community-engaged scholar

• A one-page EDI-A statement

Please title your .pdf documents as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number (998307)], [Document].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf).