Description

SMU #53123 Professor and Chair of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs

Southern Methodist University: Meadows School of the Arts

Location: Dallas

Open Date: November 7, 2025

Description 

The Department of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs at Southern Methodist University invites applications for the position of Department Chair beginning Fall 2026. We seek a visionary, entrepreneurial leader with a distinguished record of scholarship and teaching excellence in an area of Communication Studies including Political, Non-Profit, or Organizational Communication. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership to help chart the department's future, including the development of advanced study and graduate programs and (innovative graduate programs) as well as establishing and maintaining the interdisciplinary, experiential, curriculum.

Supported by an Advisory Board comprised of the field’s top industry leaders, we seek a leader who can cultivate and maintain industry relationships. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (“DFW”) is the fourth largest, fifth-most diverse, and among the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the U.S. The region has been identified by Forbes as one of five cities poised to be “the next Silicon Valley” tech hub. With the second largest airport in the U.S., DFW has attracted several major companies over the past decade, with 140 headquarter relocations to the region from across the U.S. and abroad, including more than 45 companies which have moved from California to the “Silicon Prairie.” Twenty-four Fortune 500 companies now make their home in the DFW area.

Responsibilities 

Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the department's academic programs, research initiatives, and community partnerships. 

Assist in the strategic development of the foundation of a doctoral program.

Foster a collaborative and inclusive departmental culture that embraces innovation and academic excellence. 

Collaboratively manage departmental resources, including budget, personnel, and facilities.

Represent the department within the school and university and to external stakeholders.

Maintain an active research agenda and contribute to the department's teaching mission.

Mentor faculty in their professional development and research endeavors. 

Build and strengthen relationships with alumni, industry partners, and community organizations.

Qualifications

Required

PhD in Applied Communication, Organizational Communication, Political Communication or closely related field.

Distinguished record of scholarship commensurate with the earned rank of Professor at the time of appointment. 

Demonstrated excellence in teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels. 

Demonstrated administrative, budget, and strategic planning experience within higher education.

Experience with curriculum development and program assessment. 

Demonstrated collaborative leadership style, grounded in emotional and cultural intelligence.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills. 

Commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment that values all faculty regardless of rank.

Preferred

Experience developing or leading graduate research programs. 

Record of successful grant acquisition and management.

Experience building partnerships with other departmental, industry, and community organizations. 

Background in strategic planning and implementation. 

Experience with faculty mentoring and professional development. 

Active member of a disciplinary association including but not limited to: The National Communication Association, The International Communication Association, The Religious Communication Association, or the Association of Education for Journalism and Mass Communication.

Understanding of emerging trends in communication and higher education, research, and administration.

Application Instructions

Application Process

Candidates should submit the following materials:

1.      Cover letter addressing qualifications and vision for the department

2.      Curriculum vitae

3.      Statement of research interests

4.      Statement of teaching philosophy

5.      Statement on leadership approach and administrative experience

6.      Three professional references

All materials will be submitted electronically via Interfolio https://apply.interfolio.com/170790. Review of applications will begin December 2025, and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2026. For full consideration, all materials should be submitted by December 10, 2025. Hiring is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background check.

Candidates will only be considered if they are currently tenured at the rank of full professor.

About the Department 

The Department of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs at SMU is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service in the field of communication. Our programs prepare students for leadership in diverse professional contexts through rigorous coursework, experiential learning opportunities, and engagement with industry professionals. The department values innovative approaches to communication education and research that address contemporary challenges and opportunities. Comprised of dedicated scholars and teachers, the department prides itself on providing its students with knowledge, skills, and experiences for their entry into professional life but propels them upward into senior management or market success.

About Southern Methodist University

SMU is a nationally ranked private university located near the heart of Dallas, SMU is a distinguished center for global research and teaching. SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high- achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

In 2020 the Moody Foundation made a $100 million commitment to SMU to establish the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. This landmark gift helped to shape an ambitious strategic plan and the launch of the comprehensive capital campaign SMU Ignited: Boldly Shaping Tomorrow. In 2025, SMU was able to exceed its campaign goal of $1.5 billion three years early. Raising a total of $1.656 billion in five years, this notable achievement demonstrates SMU’s investment in attracting and supporting outstanding students and faculty, to explore new fields with innovative research empowered by future-facing technologies, and to positively impact Dallas and the world beyond.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (“DFW”) is the fourth largest, fifth-most diverse, and among the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the U. S. The region has been identified by Forbes as one of five cities poised to be “the next Silicon Valley” tech hub. With the second largest airport in the U.S., DFW has attracted several major companies over the past decade, with 140 headquarter relocations to the region from across the U.S. and abroad, including more than 45 companies which have moved from California to the “Silicon Prairie.” Twenty-four Fortune 500 companies now make their home in the DFW area. In 2026, the Texas Stock Exchange will begin challenging the dominance of other global listings by serving the explosive growth in new business along the Southeast corridor.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement              

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.