The Department of Media, Film and Journalism Studies (MFJS) in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Denver offers students a robust understanding of the role of the media in contemporary society. With its emphasis on developing strong communication skills across various platforms and its grounding in the critical evaluation of media practices, the department's offerings prepare students for the pursuit of excellence in the constantly evolving media, film, strategic communication, and journalism professions. The Department offers undergraduates degrees in film studies and production, journalism studies, media studies, and strategic communication (public relations). At the graduate level, the Department offers a Master of Arts in media and public communication (strategic communication or media and globalization emphasis) and a Master of Arts in international and intercultural communication

Position Summary

The Department of Media, Film and Journalism Studies invites applications for a six-month appointment as the Wolzien Visiting Professor of the Practice in Research Informed Communication. The person hired in this position will teach three courses over two quarters (January to June 2025) at the University of Denver. The department seeks an accomplished journalist, strategic communication professional, or a distinguished faculty member from a nationally known university program in media, strategic communication, or journalism who has broad professional experience in research-based communication. Also critical is a commitment to championing inclusion, diversity, access, innovation, research, and public engagement. Professionals from a range of backgrounds with practical knowledge of researched-based public communication are encouraged to apply. Typically, the Visiting Professor would be expected to take a leave from their daily work duties and devote themselves to teaching, ment oring, and being involved in the DU community. However, applicants who have ongoing "projects" involving journalism or other professional work that would inform their teaching and who would be willing to involve students in their projects are strongly encouraged to apply. Prior teaching experience at the college level is not required.

The expectation is that the successful candidate will keep travel to a minimum, spending the bulk of their time in residence at DU. Visiting Professors are considered full-time faculty who are on campus most of the time, attend faculty gatherings, attend University events, and participate in intellectual and social life at DU.

The Visiting Professor fund will cover the costs of a graduate assistant with the necessary experience to help with teaching and/or research.

Essential Functions

The successful candidate will teach three face-to-face in person courses over two quarters during the 2024-2025 academic year. The Visiting Professor will interact with MFJS undergraduate and graduate students through critiques of student work, guest visits to classes, and by serving as a career mentor to students.

The Visiting Professor will supervise student experiential learning projects involving research informed communication in their courses.

The Visiting Professor will give two public lectures, one per quarter, either focusing on their work, the state of their industry, or another important topic related to their area of expertise.

The Visiting Professor will interact with University faculty from other disciplines and may guest lecture in other units, as determined by their areas of expertise.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience as an accomplished journalist, strategic communication professional, or a distinguished faculty member from a nationally-known university program in media, strategic communication, or journalism who has broad professional experience in research-based communication.

• Ability to teach wo in person, face-to-face courses in one of the following specialties:

• Multimedia Journalism

• Data Journalism
• Strategic Communication Seminar
• Strategic Messaging

• Advanced Multimedia Story Telling, etc.

• Ability to teach one in person, face-to-face general course, open to all DU undergraduates. Preferred candidates will be able to teach a class in areas including, but not limited to:

• Data analytics

• Statistical analysis
• Audience research methods
• Historical research
• Archival research
• Public records research
• Financial records reporting
• Health information communication
• In-depth investigative techniques/focus groups

• Or other areas dedicated to communicating information gathered via in-depth research

• Demonstrated commitment to working with diverse student and community populations.

• Ability to teach two public lectures.
• Willingness to interact with students and faculty as an in-person professor