Chair/Associate Professor for School of Communication & Public Affairs - Oral Roberts University

ABOUT US

Oral Roberts University is a non-profit organization whose staff and faculty actually make a difference in the lives of its students. We pride ourselves on our culture and the values we uphold. Our team is passionate about what we do, and we want you to make us even better!

As a globally recognized, Holy Spirit-empowered university, we develop whole leaders for the whole world through a unique Whole Person education. Students come to ORU not to "stay" in their faith but to GROW in faith and to become the Spirit-empowered leaders they are called to be.

JOB DESCRIPTION
- FULL TIME

The School of Communication and Public Affairs (COPA) is entering an exciting season of program growth and development at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The School serves more than 160 students majoring in Communication, International Affairs, Leadership Development, Political Science, and Strategic Media. The School also offers 11 minors and has a significant footprint in general education, serving ORU's entire student body. Students in this School will have a strong foundation for graduate work, foundational preparation for a variety of careers, and ancillary preparation for communication, leadership, strategic media, and public affairs-related careers, including (but not limited to) ministry, digital marketing, social media, law, politics, civil service, nonprofit leadership, public relations, sales management, leadership development, human resources, and project management. The School also offers the Master of Organizational Leadership and the Doctor of Strategic Leadership programs online. The School is launching an online MA in Communication in January of 2025 with plans to launch a residential MA in Communication in the Fall of 2025.

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Arts and Cultural Studies, the Chair leads ongoing strategic visioning for COPA within the framework of a shared governance system. The Chair is responsible for all academic programs and services provided by COPA and serves as the leader of the School faculty in matters related to curriculum, research, and faculty development. Candidates must have a track record of successful teaching, academic service/leadership, and scholarship to be appointed at the rank of associate or full professor.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains faculty status as appointed by the Board of Trustees.
• Teaches three courses per semester or maintains appropriate course load as negotiated with the Dean.
• Maintains active engagement with the appropriate discipline.
• Seeks and maintains mutually beneficial relationships among students, faculty, staff, administration, and external stakeholders.
• Collaborates with School faculty to plan course schedules, make course assignments, recruit faculty members, and recommend faculty members for appointment and promotion.
• Facilitates the evaluation, maintenance, and assessment of the School's academic programs.
• Encourages interdisciplinary activities.
• Communicates the priorities of the School of Communication & Public Affairs to the Dean.
• Manages faculty load and the School's budget.
• Reviews and approves student petitions.
• Meets with students to address personal academic issues.

• Approves purchase requisitions, work orders, and other requisitions submitted by the School.
• Promotes faculty research activities.
• Oversees faculty annual performance evaluations.
• Collaborates with faculty to oversee and facilitate co-curricular activities hosted within the School, including by not limited to the student newspaper (The Oracle Online), Model United Nations, Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature, Debate and Forensics, and the student advertising team.
• Serves as a member of the Chairs Council.
• Other duties as assigned by the Dean of the College of Arts and Cultural Studies.

REQUIREMENTS

• Earned doctorate degree from a regionally and/or professionally accredited institution in Communication, Leadership, Political Science, or another closely related field.
• Record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.
• Record of advancing leadership and management responsibilities.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
• Spiritual fit for Oral Roberts University.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Complete the ORU faculty application

2. Please provide a cover letter detailing why you and your experience are a good fit for the position and institution, updated curriculum vitae, and transcripts from all colleges and universities listed on your C.V. and application

3. Please provide names and e-mail addresses for three references

Review of applications begins immediately. Please contact Dr. William Curtis Ellis, Dean of the College of Arts & Cultural Studies and Chair of the Search Committee, with any questions or inquiries: wellis@oru.edu.