Assistant Professor, Public Relations

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 Department of Public Relations is located in the Faculty of Business and Communication Studies at Mount Royal University. Mount Royal University’s Faculty of Business and Communication Studies is formed by two schools.  The Bissett School of Business offers a four year Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree and hosts four departments: General Management & Human Resources, Accounting & Finance, International Business & Supply Chain Management, and Entrepreneurship, Marketing & Social Innovation. The School of Communication Studies offers an undergraduate Bachelor of Communication (BCMM). It is home to approximately 25 full-time faculty and 37 contract faculty.

The successful candidate’s academic home will be in the School of Communication Studies, where students receive a Bachelor of Communication, majoring in one of four areas:

• Journalism & Digital Media

• Broadcast Media Studies

• Information Design

• Public Relations

We invite applications for a tenure-track position in Public Relations at the rank of Assistant Professor, which will commence July 01, 2024, subject to final budgetary approval. We seek an individual with practical experience as a public relations professional, plus teaching experience at the post-secondary level. The successful candidate will join the Department of Public Relations. Our department is dedicated to scholarly teaching excellence and research-informed practice. We are collaborative and committed to ensuring your interests, expertise, and lived experience have a meaningful place in the Mount Royal University environment. Many on the team are engaged in research in areas such as environmental sustainability, intercultural communication, political communication, professionalism in communication, and social media practices for public relations.

Experience in teaching, mentoring, and advising diverse learners is a valuable asset. While a PhD is strongly preferred, a Master’s degree is required. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. 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.

The new faculty member will be hired into the teaching/scholarship/service pattern (TSS) which has a focus on teaching with the requirement that the faculty member is involved in a research program as well as service to the Mount Royal community. The successful candidate will be expected to teach six 3-credit hour courses per academic year. There is an option to change work patterns after tenure. 

We encourage applicants to review the elements below holistically, knowing that no individual can possibly “tick” all the boxes. We are committed to listening carefully as candidates will be invited to share their perspectives.

• Minimum of a master’s degree in public relations, or relevant field (e.g., organizational communication, strategic communication), PhD preferred

• Experiences as a practicing public relations professional

• Demonstrated experience and commitment to undergraduate teaching with specific emphasis on the public relations or strategic/organizational communications domain.

• Ability to create strong relationships with students. This is a big part of the job as Mount Royal University is a student-focused institution.

• A clear vision of where and how equity, diversity and inclusion should live in the Canadian professional landscape, in our university, in our curriculum, and our classrooms.

• Ability to collaborate with colleagues, students and community stakeholders on significant public-facing projects.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• An understanding of the significance and impact of scholarly teaching in academia.

• A current, active research program in public relations or related field

• Preference for communications/public relations accreditation (e.g., CPRS, IABC) 

Examples of Experience We Value

• Practice-based public relations skills

• Post-secondary teaching experience

• Inclusive curriculum design and pedagogy

• Community service learning

• Championship of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and society

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. 

Closing Date: We will begin interviewing candidates in January 2024. The search will continue until a suitable candidate is hired.

A complete dossier should be submitted including:

• Cover letter describing your interest in the position and fit with the department, explicitly stating which courses you are qualified to teach.

• Curriculum vitae

• Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., previous student teaching evaluation)

• 1 page statement of teaching philosophy

• 1 page statement of research interests 

• Please include in your cover letter and CV any professional associations that you are associated with, or earned accreditations, from a communications or public relations focus (e.g., CPRS, IABC, etc.), as professional experience is considered as an asset for this position.

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

If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request.