Description
The Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication in the College of Liberal Arts and the Law School invite applications for a full-time, tenured faculty position to begin fall semester 2026 (08/31/2026) to lead its Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and the Law and serve as its academic director.
This joint appointment in the College of Liberal Arts and Law School will be 100% time over the nine-month academic year (late-August to late-May) and will be a tenured associate or full professor, depending on qualifications and experience. The incumbent will be jointly appointed in the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication (75% effort) and the Law School (25% effort), with a tenure home in the Hubbard School.
We are seeking an outstanding scholar with research and teaching interests that address current issues in media law and ethics. Applications are particularly welcome from scholars with expertise in the First Amendment and press freedom issues. This also includes issues of libel and privacy. Scholars with expertise in social media/polarization/and ownership of content and platforms, regulation of new business models for journalism, and other issues in media law and ethics will also be considered. We seek applications from individuals who bring diverse perspectives on media law, regulation, and technology.
A successful candidate will be expected to teach the required undergraduate course in media law, as well as other courses in their area of specialization in the Law School and Hubbard School.
This faculty hire is expected to lead and establish a multiyear strategic plan for the Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law that enhances the Silha Center’s national reputation for excellence. The Silha Center director serves as a trusted resource within the university to students including strengthening the University of Minnesota as a destination for graduate and undergraduate students to engage with and understand the legal, ethical, and societal implications of digital technologies.
This hire would ideally strengthen the Hubbard School and Law School’s ties to other units on campus, including existing collaborations through a practical orientation to media law, ethics and technology issues in society. The Silha director is also an important resource to the professional media community through their public engagement and consultation. The faculty and staff at the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication and Law School are committed to building a culturally and intellectually inclusive community. We believe it is a vital component of the distinction and excellence of our research and academic programs. We are eager to welcome a colleague who supports and enhances the unit efforts toward inclusion and the creation of a university where all constituents can thrive.
The Standards for Promotion and Tenure in the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication are available at: https://faculty.umn.edu/sites/faculty.umn.edu/files/2023-04/HSJMC_7.12_standards_for_promotion_and_tenure_2020.pdf
Requirements
Required: J.D. with expertise in media ethics and law and contemporary legal issues related to First Amendment freedoms of expression and freedom of the press. Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate courses in the areas of media law and ethics.
Preferred: In addition to an earned J.D., it is preferred that the candidate hold a Ph.D. or MA in journalism and mass communication or related field with an emphasis on topics related to First Amendment freedoms of speech and freedom of the press. Scholars with expertise in social media/polarization/and ownership of content and platforms, regulation of new business models for journalism, and other issues in media law and ethics will also be considered. Relevant professional legal experience and the capacity to contribute to the ongoing development and delivery of a rapidly evolving emerging-media focused professional journalism and law curriculum, including use of technology and its challenges for media companies and professions, are also preferred qualifications.
Candidates will be evaluated according to a) required and preferred education qualifications, b) overall quality of their legal and scholarly work, c) relevance of their scholarly research and legal experience to the school’s academic priorities and fields of inquiry, d) evidence of commitment to teaching and/or training journalism and law students, and e) service leadership experience relevant to managing an academic engagement center.
