Chair and Professor of the Practice, College of Communication, Department of Journalism

Boston University invites applications for a faculty position at the rank of chair and Professor of the Practice in the College of Communication’s Department of Journalism. 

We seek a colleague with a record of sustained excellence, a commitment to the highest standards of journalism and innovation in the digital age, and a record of managerial or administrative experience in the industry or in academia.  The chair works with other members of the College of Communication’s leadership team to build on the already excellent reputation of the unit and move the department to the forefront of journalism education.  The chair will be appointed at the rank of professor of the practice and responsibilities include providing leadership for the program, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in journalism, and service to the institution and the profession.   

This is a 12-month non-tenure-track appointment. We seek candidates with the qualifications necessary for appointment at the rank of professor of the practice; see link here. 

A master’s degree is preferred; a doctorate is desirable but not required. Applicants with bachelor’s degrees and significant professional experience are encouraged to apply. Salary Range: $180,000 to $215,532.

Application Instructions:

Applications should include a letter of interest, including a statement of teaching philosophy, a vision of journalism’s future, and how our program can best prepare journalists. A CV and the names of three references are also required.  

Applications may be sent by mail or – preferably -- by email, with attachments (Word or PDF) to: 

Lena Sheehan 
Department Administrator 
Boston University  
College of Communication,  
640 Commonwealth Ave.,  
Boston, MA 02215 
Email: sheehanl@bu.edu  
617-353-3484 

All inquiries will be confidential. Review of materials will begin Nov. 15, 2026, and continue until the positions are filled.   

Established in 1947, the College of Communication (COM) at Boston University is a large college with departments specializing in Film and Television, Journalism, Mass Communication, Advertising and Public Relations. COM’s student population exceeds 2,000 students annually, including undergraduate and master’s level students. The college integrates a strong liberal arts core with a heavy focus on experiential learning to prepare students for careers as communication professionals. Our faculty is a blend of traditional academicians and widely experienced professionals. Located in the “hub of education” and a major media market, Boston University’s College of Communication offers prospective faculty members a wealth of opportunities for collaborative efforts in academic and professional spheres.  

Since its founding in 1839, Boston University has embraced a mission of openness and access, becoming one of the first universities in the nation to welcome all students of ability regardless of race, gender, or creed. That tradition shapes our enduring commitment to academic freedom, free inquiry, and the robust exchange of ideas. 

We seek scholars who will contribute to our community of teachers and researchers through excellence in innovative scholarship, engaged teaching, and participation in the intellectual life of the University. Boston University provides an environment where faculty and students work together across disciplines, perspectives, and experiences to advance knowledge and address society’s most pressing challenges. 

Boston University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, age, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Retaliation is also prohibited. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Under Massachusetts law, we may not require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Boston University, consistent with the AAU’s Principles on Preventing Sexual Harassment, conducts background checks for final candidates for certain faculty and staff positions. As part of this process, we ask current and past employers of the last seven years whether there has been a substantiated finding of sexual misconduct under their policies. To move forward, final candidates must complete and sign an “Authorization to Release Information” form after receiving an offer to enable this background check.