Instructor, Public Relations

Thank you for your interest in working at William Paterson University.

William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community—designated as both a public Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution—committed to creating transformative academic, professional, and personal experiences as a powerhouse of progress. We foster a workplace that values growth, flexibility, and community, and we are recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Forbes’ Best Employers by State, 2025 Great College to Work For, and honored with the NJBIZ Empowering Women Award. 

Our 1,000 dedicated staff members enjoy competitive benefits, a four-day summer workweek, tuition support, and strong opportunities for internal promotion. Situated on a scenic suburban campus just 20 miles from New York City, WP offers a diverse, inclusive environment where your contributions fuel student success, economic and social mobility, and community engagement. Together, we empower our students through intentional, holistic support within flexible, innovative, and inclusive settings—preparing graduates to thrive professionally and personally, and to lead with a commitment to progress in New Jersey and beyond. 

JOB SUMMARY

William Paterson University invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track position Public Relations Instructor in the Department of Communication, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, beginning August 15, 2026. The position is a 10-month position. The position is renewable annually based on satisfactory job performance, with opportunities for promotion, as well as multi-year contracts after the first five years.

William Paterson University is a minority and Hispanic serving institution. The Department of Communication seeks someone with a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for students. Reporting to the Department of Communication Chairperson, this position includes teaching a variety of courses at undergraduate and graduate levels as well as appropriate activities to support student success.

The Department of Communication is located in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, which is one of four comprehensive and diverse colleges at William Paterson University. The Department of Communication offers undergraduate degrees in Public Relations, Journalism, Communication and Film, Television, and Audio production. The Department of Communication also offers a Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC).

For more information on the department visit https://www.wpunj.edu/coac/departments/communication/index.html 

POSITION OVERVIEW

This position plays an important role in supporting one of the Communication department’s most professionally oriented areas. The successful candidate will contribute to maintaining consistent, high-quality instruction in a program experiencing both growth and increased visibility. The position will have administrative responsibilities that may offset teaching responsibilities.

PROGRAM CONTEXT

The Public Relations and IMC areas represent a significant portion of the department’s instructional activity, spanning undergraduate PR courses on the main campus, graduate IMC courses delivered through WPOnline in 7-week sessions year-round, and additional online undergraduate offerings depending on enrollment. The IMC program alone delivers approximately 18 graduate course sections annually, with additional PR sections offered across modalities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree required; doctorate preferred in Communication, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field
• Professional experience in public relations, integrated marketing, or strategic communication
• Ability to teach across modalities, in-class and online, and engage diverse student populations
• Commitment to applied, career-oriented teaching

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience teaching in online or accelerated formats (e.g., 7-week courses)
• Familiarity with digital media, social platforms, and emerging communication tools
• Interest in contributing to a professionally oriented curriculum aligned with industry needs
• Teaching experience at the college level, including online instruction

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Public Relations and Integrated Marketing Communication across main campus and WPOnline formats.
• Deliver courses in a variety of modalities, including in-person, online synchronous, and online asynchronous formats.
• Courses may include but not limited to Public Relations Principles, Public Relations Writing, Strategic Communication, Social Media Strategy, Integrated Marketing Communication, Branding and Advertising, Crisis Communication, and Digital Content Strategy.
• Maintain consistency and quality across multiple course sections, particularly in high-demand areas.
• Support curricular alignment with current industry practices and career pathways.
• Engage with faculty to ensure efficient organization of courses and coursework consistent with professional standards; develop courses and curriculum.
• Support students in their academic endeavors.
• Participate in a variety of opportunities within the department, college, and university community including, where required, mentoring students.
• Engage in formal and informal processes of departmental assessment of student learning and programming.
• Attend department and college meetings as required and engage in activities of the department.
• Engage in professional development to stay current and academically prepared in the field.
• Perform other teaching or administrative duties as appropriate depending on departmental needs.

Personal attributes and traits

• Demonstrated dedication to supporting student success.
• Ability to commit to the creative development of others and help them recognize and expand upon their talents.
• Ability to collaborate with peers in a diverse environment.
• Ability to adapt to a constantly changing higher education environment.

Interested candidates will be prompted to:

• Complete an application.
• Submit a Cover Letter and CV
• Provide names/contacts of three professional references.

Starting Salary - AFT Range 22 - $69,373.45 - $79,781.83

This position may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and dental insurance and retirement plans. To learn more, please visit: BENEFITS FOR PROFESSIONAL STAFF (AFT)

Invitation to apply
Interested candidates will be prompted to complete an application and submit a cover letter and resume/CV.

Submission of all documents listed is required for consideration and all documents should be uploaded where prompted to upload your resume/cv.

General questions related to this application process, please contact humanresources@wpunj.edu.

Please include with your inquiry the Job Requisition number beginning with R as well as the job title and department.

Salary Range:

Please see posting.

Total Rewards and Benefits:

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William Paterson University is committed to protecting your privacy and will not sell your personal information.

EEO Statement

William Paterson University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, sex/gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, civil union status, familial status, religion, national origin or citizenship, military service status, or any other category protected by law. William Paterson University does not discriminate on the basis of any category stated above or as prohibited by applicable law. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit University Facts