Interested in helping to prepare the next generation of advertising professionals? The School of Communication and Journalism (COJO) at South Dakota State University (SDSU) invites applications for an Assistant or Associate Professor of Practice in Advertising to begin August 2026. As we experience rapid enrollment growth in our advertising program, we seek a distinguished creative practitioner in advertising and strategic communication with the ability to provide dynamic, engaging instruction to undergraduate students in our ACEJMC-accredited advertising program. On-campus teaching responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, advertising copy/design, advertising principles, digital promotions, and courses in the candidate’s area of specialization. The successful candidate will contribute to curriculum development, foster and further develop industry relationships locally and nationally, and advise student clubs or organizations. The position focuses on teaching and preparing students for professional practice. This position is located in Brookings, SD. This is a nine-month, non-tenure-track, full-time, on-campus, benefit-eligible position and reports to the Director of the School of Communication and Journalism.
SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.
The School of Communication and Journalism offers undergraduate majors in advertising, agricultural communication (in collaboration with the College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences), communication studies, journalism, and public relations, and minors in advertising, communication studies, digital and social media, health communication, journalism, marketing (in collaboration with the Ness School of Management and Economics), professional communication (in collaboration with the School of English and Interdisciplinary Studies) and public relations. In addition, COJO offers two master’s programs: the on-campus M.A. in communication & media studies and the completely online, ACEJMC-accredited master’s in mass communication (M.M.C.).
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Teach on-campus and online undergraduate courses (i.e., advertising copy/design, advertising principles, digital promotions, and courses in the candidate’s area of specialization).
- Provide discipline-related service to the School, College, and University as well as local, regional, and national-level service, given the land-grant mission of SDSU.
- Foster and further develop industry relationships locally and nationally.
SALARY: The salary and rank for this position are commensurate with qualifications, starting at $67,000 for Assistant Professor of Practice rank.
BENEFITS:
SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in advertising, strategic communication, or a closely related field, completed by the first day of employment, or bachelor’s degree in advertising, strategic communication, or a closely related field, and a minimum of ten years of industry-specific work.
- Potential for success in teaching at a college or university.
- Distinguished record of accomplishment as a practitioner in the field of advertising.
- Excellent written communication skills.
- Excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience teaching at a college or university.
- Evidence of experience in mentoring undergraduate students.
- Knowledge of advertising and strategic communication concepts representative of global and domestic identities, experiences and viewpoints.
- Proficiency in applications germane to the advertising industry (i.e., Adobe Create Cloud).
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Position closes on March 9, 2026.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
South Dakota State University accepts applications through an online employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, Curriculum Vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact South Dakota State University Human Resources at 605-688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.
South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is university policy to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.
For questions on the position, contact Joshua Westwick, Ed.D., Director, School of Communication and Journalism, [email protected], (605)688-4171.
South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status that may become protected under law against discrimination in the offering of all educational programs and employment opportunities. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing
[email protected]. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007, 605-688-4128.
