Position Summary:
The Department of Communication at Rollins College invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Communication beginning August 2027. We seek a scholar-teacher who uses high-impact educational practices to prepare students for responsible leadership and global citizenship, including service learning, community engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student-faculty research.
The successful candidate will teach foundational courses in the Communication major, including COM 100: Introduction to Communication, COM 285: Research Methods, and/or COM 480: Senior Seminar (capstone course), and will have the opportunity to develop electives in their area of expertise. Areas of interest may include persuasion, communication theory, civic engagement, crisis communication, digital media, artificial intelligence and emerging communication technologies, or other areas where communication intersects with global challenges. The successful candidate will also contribute to the College’s general education program.
We seek a colleague committed to excellence in undergraduate teaching who connects theory with practice. Preference will be given to candidates whose research complements their teaching or who have experience mentoring and collaborating with students on scholarly projects.
Service to the Department and College is expected of all faculty. The department is actively involved in a range of co-curricular and professional opportunities, including Lambda Pi Eta, the Florida Communication Association, and the intercollegiate speech and debate (forensics) program. The successful candidate may have opportunities to participate in these or other initiatives aligned with their interests.
The Department offers a major and minor in Communication Studies and serves students across the College through general education, interdisciplinary teaching, community-engaged learning, undergraduate research, and leadership development.
Rollins College is a comprehensive liberal arts college located just north of Orlando, FL, a diverse metropolitan community with a thriving economic and cultural scene. Nearby Orlando International Airport provides easy access to U.S. and international destinations. The college emphasizes innovative and quality teaching in small classes and ranks number one among 121 Southern master’s-level universities in the annual rankings of “America’s Best Colleges,” released by U.S. News & World Report. Please visit the college website at www.rollins.edu.
Minimum Qualifications and Education:
- Ph.D. in Communication or a closely related field by August 2027.
- Demonstrated excellence in undergraduate teaching, including foundational courses such as Introduction to Communication and Research Methods, or the potential to teach them.
- Active scholarly agenda with potential for sustained publication and professional engagement.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Expertise in one or more of the areas of interest listed above.
- Experience integrating emerging communication technologies, including AI literacy, into teaching.
- Experience mentoring undergraduate research
- Commitment to inclusive excellence and the ability to engage diverse perspectives in teaching, scholarship, and service.
Instructions to Applicants:
Interested applicants must apply online via the College's employment website and upload the following materials as follows:
- Letter of interest addressing qualifications, teaching philosophy and interests, research agenda, and commitment to inclusive excellence
- Evidence of teaching excellence (including, when able, teaching/course evaluations)
Provide three reference names and email addresses on the application
Please direct any questions to David Painter, Associate Professor and Chair at [email protected].
**Review of applications will begin October 15, 2026 and continue until position is closed.**
Benefits & Perks:
- Paid Holidays and College Closure Days
- Eligible for Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Insurances (within 30 days of hire)
- 100% Employer-Funded Health Reimbursement Account ($125+/month)
- 100% Employer-Paid Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
- Domestic Partner Benefits
- 11.5% Employer Retirement Contributions
- Discounted On-Campus Dining Meal Plans
- Free On-Campus Parking
- Free Access to Campus Amenities (gyms, pools, library, sporting events and more)
- Free Full Tuition for Employees and their Families
- Pet Insurance
- 100% Employer-Funded Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Award-Winning Wellbeing Programs
- Plus More!
Additional Perks:
- Rollins College is conveniently located on multiple Lynx Bus Routes (Winter Park/Rosemont-9 & Winter Park/Springs Village-23) and within walking distance from the Winter Park SunRail Station
- Local & National Discount Programs, including Winter Park Locations (i.e. shops, restaurants, gift cards, and more)
- Free E-Training Courses & Professional Development Opportunities
- IT Software & Laptop Discounts (Apple, Lenovo, and more)
- College Bookstore Discounts
- Annual Service Awards & Recognition Programs
- Discover what it's like to live in Orlando: Live, Work, Play and Learn
- Plus More!
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Rollins College is an equal opportunity institution. Rollins does not discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race, age, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical characteristics, or any other category protected by College policy or federal, state, or local law for employment and in our educational programs and activities. Any applicant who requires reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or hiring process may contact us by phone or in writing to [email protected] | 407.646.2102.
Employment Eligibility:
All new employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at Rollins College, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). Rollins College will require proof of authorization to work in the United States. Further, based on the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation and accompanying guidance from the USCIS and Department of State, the College may not be able to offer H-1B sponsorship. Particularly the College is not able to pay the required fee accompanying new H-1B visa petitions.
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Service Months:
9
