Assistant/Associate Professor of Communication

Concordia University Chicago (CUC) is seeking applications for a full-time Assistant or Associate Professor of Communication with an anticipated start of January 2026. We are particularly interested in individuals with expertise in media and strategic communication who can contribute to instruction in areas such as organizational and team communication, public relations, business communication, event planning, media production, and intercultural communication. Experience in and/or interest to develop courses in video production and podcasting particularly desirable.

At Concordia University Chicago, we uphold the values of Christian faith, excellence, integrity, and service. Our department is committed to preparing students with the critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and practical skills necessary for careers in media, corporate communication, and public relations.

Responsibilities/Duties

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Teach courses in communication, mainly at the undergraduate level, with a particular focus on media and strategic communication.
• Demonstrate expertise and readiness to teach a variety of courses from the department's curriculum, which may include Introduction to Film Studies, Media Production, and/or Broadcast News Production, Organizational & Team Communication, Public Relations, Media Literacy, Business Communication, Nonverbal Communication, Event Planning and involvement in CUC's radio and television station, WCGR, primarily a student led program.
• Engage in curriculum development and contribute to program assessment and student learning evaluation.
• Advise and mentor students in their academic and professional development.
• Engage in scholarship and professional development in communication, media, or related fields.
• Participate in service activities within the university and broader professional communities.
• Support and be committed to the mission and identity of Concordia University Chicago, a university of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS).

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate Degree in Communication or closely related field (ABD candidates nearing completion may also be considered).
• At least one year of teaching experience at the undergraduate level in communication or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to teach courses in media and strategic communication with expertise in two or more of the following:
• Organizational & Team Communication
• Advanced Speech Communication
• Public Relations
• Business Communication
• Event Planning & Management
• Intercultural Communication
• Nonverbal Communication
• Media Production or Broadcast News Production
• Media Literacy
• Introduction to Film Studies
• Evidence of scholarly or professional engagement in communication, media, or public relations.
• Commitment to student success, innovative pedagogy, and faith-integrated education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching in both face-to-face and online instructional formats.
• Industry experience in media, journalism, public relations, or corporate communication.
• Familiarity with Christian higher education and mission-driven teaching.

Compensation and Benefits

Faculty rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications and experience. Concordia University Chicago offers a competitive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible spending account (FSA) and/or health savings account (HSA)
• Basic and supplemental life, accidental death and dismemberment, and critical illness insurance
• Retirement pension and savings plans
• Tuition benefits for employees and their dependents
• Professional development opportunities

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit the following materials:

• Cover letter addressing qualifications and fit for the position
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Copies of academic transcripts (official transcripts required upon hire)
• Contact information for three professional references

Concordia University Chicago does not discriminate in the employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex or age. As an institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, however, and to the extent allowed by law, Concordia University reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religious affiliation.

Concordia University Chicago does not generally sponsor for employment visas except for positions that oversee, teach or support our international programs.

About Concordia University Chicago:

Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts-based Christian university founded in the Lutheran tradition. Through its four colleges (College of Business, College of Education, and College of Health, Science & Technology, and College of Theology, Arts & Humanities), Concordia-Chicago offers more than 160 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success. All undergraduate and graduate degrees are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Concordia University Chicago has been recognized as a College of Distinction since 2010 and is consistently ranked among the Best Regional Universities–Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. For more than a decade, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment has exceeded 5,000 students. Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more about our commitment to higher education, rooted in the Gospel, at CUChicago.edu.

Steadfast in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, Concordia University Chicago promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and professional programs; grounds students in objective truth, integrity, and excellence; and practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, as it forms students for vocations in church, family, and the world.

Salary : $65,000 - $80,000