Job Description
Assistant Professor, Communication Studies
Job Type: Faculty
Job Number: 00530
Location: 1 S Grove St, Westerville, OH
Division: Academic Affairs
DESCRIPTION
Otterbein University invites applications for the position of a full-time, tenure track Assistant Professor of Communication Studies. We seek candidates who will contribute to the department's efforts to enhance diversity and provide an inclusive learning environment for all.
RESPONSIBILITIES
RESPONSIBILITIES: The Assistant Professor will teach seven courses each year in Communication, advise students, and maintain a program of scholarship and service. The Assistant Professor will also play a key role in maintaining and supporting Otterbein's award-winning speech and debate team, which comprises part of the teaching load. Courses will be selected from Argumentation, Public Speaking, Communicating with Audiences and Professional and Persuasive Writing. Additional opportunities exist to teach in specific areas of interest, as well as in the Freshman Year Seminar, Integrative Studies and Senior Year Experience programs. Faculty members are also expected to be involved in professional and community activities for the purposes of scholarship, professional development, student advising and mentorship, and service.
WHEN: This appointment will begin August 2027.
QUALIFICATIONS
QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. in Speech Communication, Communication Studies, Rhetoric OR a J.D. with a background in speech and debate required for tenure-track appointment; experience in competitive speech and debate required; desire to work with and mentor students; teaching experience required.
The ideal candidate will have experience with and enthusiasm for the student speech and debate team, prior teaching experience in a liberal arts setting, an established program of scholarship, and a commitment to excellence in teaching. The candidate must also possess superior communication, leadership, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff from diverse communities and cultures. This tenure-track position carries commensurate expectations for teaching, scholarship, and service.
APPLICATION: To apply: submit a letter of application, a curriculum vitae, a teaching philosophy statement, contact information for three references, research statement, and a statement consisting of no more than one single-spaced page addressing the following two questions: How has a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion informed your teaching, scholarship, and/or professional experience to date? How do you see yourself contributing to Otterbein's belonging plan? Preference given to applicants who submit materials by November 25.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
COMPENSATION: For the rank of Assistant Professor (terminal degree) - $62,226 (plus full University benefits).
DEPARTMENT: The Department of Communication houses programs in communication studies, journalism and media communication, health communication and public relations. The department supports robust student co-curricular activities, which have resulted in speech and debate championships, PRSSA recognition and awards for journalism and audio/video production.
OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY: Historically progressive. That is the hallmark of Otterbein University and those connected to this private university nestled in the picturesque, historic Uptown Westerville district in central Ohio and minutes away from Columbus, Ohio's largest city. Otterbein has set the pace by providing an educational experience that is progressive, innovative, and inclusive. Students come from towns throughout Ohio, as well as many states and multiple countries, enriching the campus through their individual and collective diversity. As a university that educates students of various racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, we strive for and value a diverse faculty and staff that reflects our student population and Franklin County. Otterbein has been selected as one of 23 universities across the US and the first in Ohio to host a Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Campus Center. Otterbein will work with its own campus community as well as the Columbus City and Westerville City school districts to create positive narrative change about race; promote racial healing activities; and erase structural barriers to equity and opportunity.
Otterbein University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more than a decade, Otterbein has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its academic quality. In the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, Otterbein ranked #12 among 160 Regional Universities in the Midwest. To learn more about Otterbein, visit www.otterbein.edu.
WHERE: Otterbein University is located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus, and has received notable national designations, including two appearances on Money Magazine's Top 100 list of Americas' "Best Places to Live" and recognized as one of Forbes "America's Friendliest Towns." Westerville has a population of approximately 38,000 people and combines the beauty and convenience of a medium-sized community with the cultural, educational, and economic benefits of Columbus, the state capital; a thriving and diverse metropolitan area of 2.2 million people. Central Ohio is the fastest growing area in the state with stability provided by a diversified economy.
Otterbein University's achievement of academic excellence depends on its commitment to inclusion and belonging. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Otterbein University is an EEO Employer.
To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/9912213"">https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/otterbein/jobs/5524139/assistant-professor-communication-studies
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Otterbein is a regionally-accredited liberal arts university. Since its founding in 1847, Otterbein has been recognized for its pace-setting ideals, its ground-breaking integrative studies curriculum, its standing among the country’s first co-education institutions, and its commitment to serve the public good. Located in picturesque Westerville, Ohio — just minutes away from downtown Columbus — we are a perfect location for undergraduate and graduate students to find internships and worldwide networking opportunities.
Location: Westerville is a residential community of 36,000 residents on the northeast side of Columbus, Ohio, offering a small-town atmosphere with all the conveniences and opportunities of a big city. Otterbein’s 140-acre campus is accented by the historic Towers Hall, which was constructed in 1872 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Enrollment: Approximately 3,000 men and women from throughout the United States and several foreign countries.
Curriculum: Otterbein offers a choice of more than 70 majors and 44 minors, as well as individualized courses of study. We also offer five graduate programs in business administration, education and nursing, including our doctor of nursing practice degree.
Student/Faculty Ratio: The student to faculty ratio at Otterbein is 12:1.
To see additional information about our job opening(s) or to apply, please click on the “Apply Now” button at the bottom of our job posting.
Jobs at Otterbein University. When inquiring or applying for jobs at Otterbein University, please also reference AcademicCareers.com
Applicants with dual-career considerations can find university jobs such as professor jobs, dean jobs, chair / department head jobs, and other faculty jobs and professional and administrative staff employment opportunities with Otterbein University and at other institutions of higher education in the region on AcademicCareers.com
To receive email alerts when new jobs at Otterbein University are posted, please sign up for new job openings at Otterbein University.
