Professional-Practice Assistant Professor in Journalism - Columbus, OH (43210)

Professional-Practice Assistant Professor in Journalism

Organization: The Ohio State University Department: Arts and Sciences | School of Communication

Position Overview

The School of Communication at The Ohio State University Columbus campus invites applications for a 9-month full-time professional-practice faculty position in journalism at the rank of Professional-Practice Assistant Professor, to begin August 2027. We seek an experienced journalism professional who is a committed, experienced educator to play a central role in the School's undergraduate journalism program.

This position will strengthen instruction in core journalism courses, particularly in core courses such as COMM 2221: Media Writing & Editing, COMM 3405: Lantern TV, and/or COMM 3403: Sports Writing. We anticipate growing demand in these and related areas as our new Sports Communication certificate and Sport, Society and Communication minor continue to expand. Depending on the successful candidate's expertise, the position may also support more regular offerings of advanced journalism skills courses, such as COMM 4202: Feature Writing.

Experience with news writing, editing, data journalism, investigative reporting, podcasting, public records, visual journalism, media law or other areas of contemporary journalism would further expand the courses the faculty member could support. Experience in multimedia journalism and/or sports journalism is desirable but not required. A candidate who can move comfortably among writing, editing, sports reporting and digital production would provide the greatest flexibility for the program.

We are especially interested in candidates who can bring current professional knowledge, practical newsroom experience, and a student-centered approach to teaching and mentoring. The successful candidate will contribute to a journalism program recognized for integrating writing, reporting, editing and multimedia production, helping students develop the versatile skills needed to succeed across today's media platforms.

Performance Objectives

• Teach and mentor undergraduate students in journalism and related areas

• Provide high-quality instruction in foundational and advanced journalism skills courses

• Support experiential learning opportunities connected to student media and related production-based courses

• Contribute to curriculum development and student preparation for a changing media landscape

• Maintain current knowledge in journalism practice and bring that knowledge into the classroom

• Embody the highest ethical and professional standards of journalism

• Contribute service to the School, College, University, and/or profession as appropriate for a professional-practice faculty appointment

Education and Experience Requirements

Required: Candidates must have either a doctorate in communication, journalism, or a related field, or a master's degree along with equivalent and substantial industry/professional experience in journalism. Candidates should demonstrate substantial professional expertise relevant to the area of appointment and the ability to teach multiple undergraduate journalism courses effectively.

Desired: Evidence of teaching excellence is highly desirable. Preference will be given to candidates whose professional experience expands the School's teaching capacity in media writing and editing, multimedia and digital journalism, sports journalism, feature writing, student media, or other areas of applied journalism practice. Experience mentoring students, supervising student media production, or developing strong curriculum and experiential learning opportunities is also desirable.

Additional Information

Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package.

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit your application electronically via this Workday link. Applications received by October 19, 2026, will receive full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.

Application materials must include:

• Cover Letter: 1-2 page letter, which should include a brief summary of your academic background and why you are interested in this opportunity

• CV (Curriculum Vitae): Detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including your research experience, teaching and mentoring experience, service, funding, and publications

• Research Statement: Summary of your past research accomplishments, current work/research, and proposal for your future research plan as a faculty member

• Teaching Statement: A statement of your approaches, experience and philosophy regarding your teaching, learning, and mentoring

• A writing sample

• Letters of Reference: Candidates selected to move forward in the process will be asked to provide three letters of reference

For questions, please contact Dr. Hillary Shulman at View email address on columbusjobsite.com.

The College

With more than 80 majors and 100 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The Arts and Sciences provides extraordinary opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, blending creativity and analysis to truly be at the forefront of thought. The breadth and depth of knowledge in the college gives students and researchers the critical thinking and adaptability essential for a lifetime of success.

Department Information

The School of Communication ( is home to a nationally recognized journalism program that prepares students to produce impactful reporting. Through award-winning student media organizations, including The Lantern, students develop the skills, judgment, and professional experience needed to serve diverse audiences and communities. We seek colleagues who will help us strengthen our culture of experiential learning, mentor aspiring journalists, and expand opportunities for students to succeed in a rapidly changing media landscape.

The University

Ohio State is a top 20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America's leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

Grounded in Ohio State University's Shared Values, our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression. Ohio State promotes a culture of work-life balance through institutionalized policies, programs, and resources that help faculty, staff, and their families thrive both professionally and personally.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.

Located in Ohio's capital city, Ohio State's Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and vibrant metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here.

Beyond its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and differently abled.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. Additionally, there may be further requirements specific to the college or unit, which could include drug and health screenings, as well as faculty misconduct checks depending on the rank of the position.

Position Details

• Location: Derby Hall (0025)

• Position Type: Regular

• Scheduled Hours: 40

• Shift: First Shift

Commitment to a Safe Environment

The Ohio State University believes in diversity in people and ideas. What Ohio State does matters. And how we do it matters. When we are at our best, we make a real difference to people. Our size, breadth, geography, history and standard of excellence position us to drive the future of higher education. We believe that the university should be a place where people can work and learn together in a safe environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation.

As such, finalists for any faculty position that carries tenure must sign an authorization and disclosure form, which will allow current or prior employer(s) to share information to the University regarding any findings of employment-related misconduct or disciplinary proceedings against a candidate and/or any pending investigations related to alleged misconduct. Such information shall include findings and pending investigations with respect to sexual harassment, violence, or harassment; research misconduct; financial fraud or misconduct; foreign influence violations, grant misuse or misconduct; and/or any other type of finding or pending investigation relating to a candidate's employer's policies and rules governing faculty conduct that may reasonably be expected to affect a candidate's appointment.

If the University becomes aware of any past finding of misconduct or pending investigations that were not disclosed, Ohio State will treat that as a serious omission and reserves the right to rescind an offer or terminate employment.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.