Ralph Klein Chair in Communication Studies

About the Role

We invite applications for a three-year, term-certain position with the rank determined based on the successful candidate's experience and qualification (either Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor), which will commence on August 15, 2024, subject to final budgetary approvals.

This is an endowed chair position serving the School of Communication Studies.

We seek candidates with the ability to enhance the diversity of our School and actively engage with community partners. They must have demonstrated experience as a scholar-practitioner or community-engaged scholar.

Ideal individuals possess a strong connection to our majors and a strong awareness of contemporary issues in communications.

Applicants who can showcase a commitment to valuing differences, creating positive social impact, and a willingness to disrupt conventional norms are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must also show evidence of the capacity to foster student success which includes but is not limited to effective teaching, mentoring, advising diverse learners, and supporting emerging scholars.

Additionally, applicants will need to demonstrate their commitment to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in both the workplace and broader societal contexts.

As a higher education institution, Mount Royal places great importance on the advantages of advanced learning. Mount Royal is committed to proactively enhancing the diversity of our workforce by selecting the most qualified candidates for every available career opportunity.

While a Ph.D. is strongly preferred, a Master’s degree is required in communications or a communications-adjacent field.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

We encourage applicants to review the elements below holistically, recognizing that it may not be possible for any individual to fulfill every criterion.

We are committed to listening carefully as candidates share their perspectives during the interview process and are committed to ensuring that the successful candidate’s interests, expertise, and lived experiences find a meaningful place within the Mount Royal University community.

Responsibilities

Teaching : The successful candidate will have a reduced teaching load but will be expected to teach, mentor, and support undergraduate students.

Specific teaching responsibilities will be determined once a successful candidate has been identified but may include any of the core communications courses required by all four areas, research methods courses within the School, specific courses in any of the four programs where their disciplinary excellence is best suited, and / or new courses that address specific curricular gaps.

Scholarship : The successful candidate will be expected to engage in scholarship / research that offers meaningful opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and skill development to Communication students across majors.

Service : The successful candidate will be expected to contribute service to the School. Additionally, they may engage in service that benefits their discipline and / or professional association.

In addition to a base salary, this position comes with an annual research stipend of $10,000.

Required Qualification :

Ph.D. is strongly preferred, a Master’s degree is required in communications or a communications-adjacent field

Experience fostering student success including but not limited to effective teaching, mentoring, advising diverse learners, and supporting emerging scholars

Experience as a scholar-practitioner or community-engaged scholar

Professional experience in information design, broadcast media, public relations, or journalism and digital media

Preferred Qualifications :

Leadership in community-based practice, community-engaged scholarship, or community service learning

Proven experience in amplifying the voices of underrepresented populations

Experiences and / or credentials in understanding and implementing decolonized pedagogical practices

What We Offer

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions.

At Mount Royal University, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace.

Mount Royal University offers a competitive total compensation package including health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days, and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation center.

Our campus offers the convenience of a full medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists.

Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, climbing, aquatics, sports and certifications for students, employees, and the public.

Please contact the hiring committee chair, Dr. Milena Radzikowska ([email protected]) if you have any questions or require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process.

We will work together on the accommodation request.