| Position Title: Assistant/Associate Professor - Media Storytelling/Journalism Position Tracking Number: F507 School/College: College of the Arts Department: Communication Studies Location: Azusa Campus About APU: Azusa Pacific University is a comprehensive, evangelical, Christian university located 26 miles northeast of Los Angeles, California. As a leading Christian university in California, Azusa Pacific University grounds rigorous academics on a solid spiritual foundation. With an intentional focus on scholarship, faith integration, diversity, and internationalization, APU provides high-quality academic programs within a tight-knit community of disciples and scholars. APU is honored to have earned the status as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) for another year. This is a federal designation, granted to universities based on the percentage of Latino students enrolled and the quality of services provided. APU is 1 of only 7 Coalition of Christian Colleges & Universities institutions and 291 schools nationwide to earn this designation. APU is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as an R2 Doctoral University, recognizing APU’s high level of research activity. A leader in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, APU is committed to excellence in higher education. Offering more than 100 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs on campus, online, and at seven regional locations across Southern California, APU continues to be recognized annually as one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report.
Description: The Department of Communication Studies at Azusa Pacific University invites applications for a media storytelling/journalism faculty member who will teach a mix of introductory and advanced media and journalism classes. Additional responsibilities will include student advising and coordination of the media student internships with the departmental internship coordinator. Position begins Fall 2020.
The department houses four programs – convergent media/journalism, public relations, design and communication studies - 10 full-time faculty, nearly 20 part-time/adjunct faculty, and approximately 400 major and minor undergraduates. The Media Storytelling/Journalism major offers two emphases for a Bachelor of Arts degree: News and Storytelling, and Sports and Entertainment Communication. As part of the media program, the department supports a convergent/integrated media environment, known on campus as ZuMedia. ZuMedia includes a digital and traditional student newspaper (ZuNews), digital and traditional magazine (ZuMagazine), a television/online studio (ZuTV), and an online radio station (ZuRadio). ZuMedia is housed in a state of the art Convergent Media Center opened in 2018 that includes a fully equipped newsroom, TV studio, audio/podcast studio, and dedicated and integrated computer creative stations/ workspaces. Additionally, the department engages a nationally competitive forensics team, and is a member of two national honor societies (Kappa Tau Alpha & Lambda Pi Eta). The department also offers an M.A. in Strategic Communication Studies.
Specialization: Writing, Reporting, and Storytelling across multimedia platforms. Responsibilities: This full-time faculty member will teach a mix of introductory and upper-division courses in journalism, such as News Writing and Reporting, Editing, and Public Affairs Reporting. The candidate will anchor the development of students’ digital and print media abilities, as well as their understanding of the nature and process of journalism. This faculty member may also provide guidance and mentoring to adjunct faculty teaching journalism courses.
Depending on experience and expertise, s/he may also assist in advising the department’s student publications and teach additional courses across the department’s curriculum, including in public relations and communication. Other duties include advising students, participating on committee assignments at the department and university levels, carrying out a program of scholarly research, and participating in all faculty meetings. Commitment to the university’s faith statement is required of all candidates. May be needed to work at alternative Regional Campuses or Sites. Level: Assistant/Associate (depending on qualifications) Qualifications: Ph.D in Media, Journalism, Communication Studies, or Rhetoric and Writing, a commitment to teaching excellence in liberal arts, and an active scholarship agenda. Candidates must also adhere to Azusa Pacific University’s Evangelical Christian tradition. Faculty members are required to sign a “Statement of Faith” (available at http://www.apu.edu/about/believe) and adhere to the policies outlined in the Faculty Handbook. Experience: Prior experience teaching at the collegiate or university level, as well as professional media strongly preferred. Workload: Full-time Hire Date: Open until filled. Mental Demands: -
Ability to integrate Christian values in all aspects. -
Ability to engage in critical thinking and exercise independent judgment. -
Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage confidential information. -
Ability to collaborate with other faculty and staff and maintain collegial relations. -
Self starter, ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form. Additional Information: Candidates must align with Azusa Pacific University’s Christian identity. Faculty members are expected to sign a Statement of Faith (available at http://www.apu.edu/about/believe), to adhere to the policies outlined in the Faculty Handbook, and to integrate the Christian faith in teaching and scholarship. Azusa Pacific University is a Christ-centered, multicultural community that values and seeks faculty and staff who are committed to diversity, work effectively with diverse populations, and engage others in ways that honor our rich cultural mosaic and biblical foundation. Azusa Pacific University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. Women and minorities
are encouraged to apply. Azusa Pacific University conducts background checks on all final candidates. Application Procedure: To apply, visit http://www.apu.edu/cp/employment/. Review of applications will begin January 1, 2020, and the position will remain open until filled. | 
