Assistant or Associate Professor - Journalism and Communications

Western University

Western University is located on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Chonnonton Nations, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) whom we recognize as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors to our society.

The Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS) at Western is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about media, communication and information. We study technologies, systems, histories and practices to understand the role of media and information in democratic process and the social and cultural determinants of power and agency. Across our programs, we foster two key capacities in our students: the ability to think critically about the world in which we live, and the skill and confidence to intervene.

FIMS seeks to appoint a new colleague to teach in and lead our Master of Media in Journalism and Communication (MMJC) program.

The MMJC is a successful program taught by scholars and by trained and accomplished working professionals. Program graduates have regularly gone on to careers in the increasingly overlapping worlds of communication and journalism in Canada and beyond. Those worlds are changing. Some long-established news outlets are declining, new platforms and freelance sectors are growing, new technologies and social movements are undoing past institutional patterns, and concerns about trust and reliability in journalism, public relations and marketing communications are widespread.

Since 2015, MMJC has played an educational leadership role in helping students adapt to the changing worlds of communication and journalism, where factual, accountable forms of storytelling across multiple media (print, broadcast, podcast, social media, etc.) have become valuable and transferable professional skills. Students leave the program able to pursue their own visions and creative trajectories across a wide variety of career paths.

The MMJC program now seeks a new faculty colleague who will lead the program as Graduate Program Chair, continuing to adapt to changes in the fields of communication and journalism in Canada. We seek a colleague who can guide creative solutions within an institutional setting and cultivate vision, enthusiasm, and excitement within and beyond the program.

The candidate should have significant experience (5-10 years, pending other credentials) working in journalism, professional communication (including but not limited to digital marketing, content creation, public relations, marketing communications) and/or advocacy and activism.

The position requires a minimum of a Master’s degree or equivalent in journalism, communication or an allied field. Teaching, mentorship, or training experience is expected. A PhD is not required but welcome.

Possible areas of scholarly, pedagogic and/or professional interest include but are not limited to social and political aspects of AI, data journalism, the limits of “objectivity,” Indigenous media, decolonization, questions of race, ethnicity, and intersectional identity in communication and/or journalism, communication policy and governance, political activism, media history and its relevance to contemporary issues, platform politics, alternative platforms, or literary journalism. Most importantly, we are looking for a leader who can contribute to rethinking communication and journalism for a changing world.

Depending on credentials and experience, we may appoint our new colleague to a probationary position at the academic rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, a probationary Teaching Scholar position at Assistant or Associate rank, to an Associate Professor position with tenure, to an Associate Teaching Professor position with continuing status, or to a renewable Limited Term (3 years) position as Lecturer. Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The anticipated start date is 1 July 2024. To apply, please complete the form available at http://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/faculty/Application-FullTime-Faculty-Position-Form.pdf and submit the following:

1. Cover letter which describes your experience, credentials and relevance to the description above; a statement of research and/or professional practice; and a statement of teaching philosophy https://teaching.uwo.ca/awardsdossiers/teachingphilosophy.html
2. Detailed curriculum vitae
3. Research or professional writing sample(s) not longer than 25 published pages and/or a selective portfolio of journalism, professional communications or related creative work (attach electronic files or links to files stored on-line, with passwords if needed)
4. Names, titles and email addresses of three academic and/or professional referees

Electronic applications are preferred and should be submitted in one PDF file (in the sequence above) YOURLASTNAME_UWO_MMJC2023 to Dean Lisa Henderson

Lisa Henderson, Professor and Dean
Faculty of Information and Media Studies
FIMS and Nursing Building
Western University
London, ON, Canada N6A 5B9
fimsdeanapps@uwo.ca

Review of applications will begin on 1 November 2023 and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communication skills in English. The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Lilianne Dang, Faculty Affairs Coordinator, at ldang4@uwo.ca or 519 661-2111 ext 86548.