If you’ve come here to apply for the PR faculty position at Kent State, click on the “How to Apply” tab above.
by Bill Sledzik, Associate Professor and Search Committee Chair
Some of you think I have the best job in the world. And you’re right. If you like what you see here, maybe you’ll decide to join me here at Kent State. If not, I hope you’ll help me pass the word other PR professionals.
We’re searching for a new professor of public relations here at PRKent.
According to my Facebook profile (an impeccable source, to be sure), my job involves “molding young minds into focused, mature professionals.” In a nutshell, I spend my days gathering information about public relations and devising ways to impart that knowledge to bright, energetic young people. It’s a blast.
Outside the classroom I maintain close relationships with PR professionals who do the hiring — and they do lots of it.
Kent State PR grads leave our school prepared to do polished, professional work. Some 92% land jobs in public relations and closely related fields like marcom within six months of graduation. That’s our “bottom line,” and it ranks us among the top PR programs in the nation. (Thank you, Diz.)
Just like you, I work way more than 40 hours a week. But I have three things most of you don’t: June, July, and August. The job involves a 9-month contract, plus a 4-week break at Christmastime. Time off, as we all know, enables quality of life.
Sound good so far? Then read the job description and consider applying. If you have questions, click the email widget (on the right). I’m listening.
Our $21-million home in Franklin Hall.
We’re looking for a seasoned PR professional interested in working primarily with graduate students in our professional master’s program. In addition to teaching and advising grad students, you’ll teach at least one undergraduate class per semester while also attending your fair share of mind-numbing meetings, just like in the real world. (I said it was fun. I didn’t say it was perfect!)
The minimum requirements of the job
At least 7 years of professional experience in public relations practice. We seek someone with excellent PR skills (writing, research, planning and presentation), but also someone who’s counseled clients or employers at the senior level.
Digital savvy. We don’t need an expert in HTML or data mining, but you should have knowledge and experience with digital public relations, both the Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 variety. It’s a core element in all of our classes.
Research acumen. You needn’t be a statistician, but grad students will count on your leadership as they develop projects and theses. You’ll need to understand social science research methods and how to apply them in both practical and academic research. We don’t need a data geek, just a PR professional who isn’t afraid of numbers.
A writing coach. We emphasize writing in every class at Kent State, so we need a great writer who can coach others on the craft. To do this, you’ll have to learn the fine arts of grammar, punctuation and usage. With a little study, the rules come back to you.
Knowledge of PR literature. Sadly, a lot of PR practitioners never study the literature of our field or the theories behind PR practice. You’ll need this knowledge if you want to teach.
A master’s degree. You don’t need a PhD to compete for this job. If you have one, so much the better, and if you’d like to earn one someday, you can do it here at Kent State. But we’re more interested in hiring an experienced PR professional who “gets it” than a newbie who happens to have a doctorate. Sorry, but a master’s is the minimum credential to get through the gate.
Benefits
Let me come back to the primary benefits: June, July and August. In addition, we offer health and disability insurance at little cost to you and a pension that’s actually funded and solvent — unlike many in the corporate world. You don’t have to work summers, but you can if you’d like. Summer classes seldom have more than 10 students and run just 5 weeks. Summer classes pay pretty well, too.
The tenure thing. While tenure isn’t absolute protection, it’s as close to job security as you’ll find in this world. It doesn’t come easily, but if you’ve been a successful PR practitioner at the senior level, you should have no problem meeting the challenges of “publish or perish.”
Free tuition. You and members of your immediate family may attend Kent State tuition free.
Salary. There’s a reason I put this at the end. We don’t do this for money, OK? You’ll earn a starting salary between $50 and $60K for 9 months work, and another $4-5K for each summer class you teach. We encourage consulting and freelancing to pad the bank account and to keep your skills sharp, so long as students and classes remain your first priority.
About the program. “PRKent” is a professional program that prepares students for jobs in the business. Our classes include a blend of theory and practice and a lot of learning by doing. Between 30 and 40% of our students don’t survive the early “knock out” classes. (FYI: The primary reason students leave the major is their inability to write clearly, concisely and correctly.) If you’re afraid to assign failing grades, this isn’t the job for you. We’re big on tough love at Kent State.
Talk to me. If you’re interested in learning more about this job, click the email widget in the right-hand column. I promise that all communication will be strictly confidential. For the “official” job description, click the tab at the top of this page.
YOU MUST APPLY FOR THIS JOB AT OUR H.R. WEB SITE. You’ll find it here.
This opening is for August 15, 2009. Official job description is posted here.
