Assistant Professor​/Instructor of Media Studies & Mass Communications

Assistant Professor / Instructor of Media Studies & Mass Communications

Salary Range:$40,000 - $68,000

Reports To:Chairperson of School of Humanities, Social Sciences, Education, & Media Studies

Terms of Employment:Full-Time Faculty

Opening Date:09/11/2026

Paine College invites applications for a full-time faculty position in Media Studies/Mass Communications. The College seeks an innovative, student-centered educator with academic and/or professional experience in media, mass communication, television and video production, film, digital media, journalism, or a closely related field. The successful candidate will contribute to the continued growth of the Media Studies program and help prepare students for careers in a rapidly evolving media and communication environment.

• Teach undergraduate courses in Media Studies and Mass Communications in accordance with assigned faculty workload.
• Develop engaging, current, and academically rigorous course content that integrates theory with practical application.
• Provide academic advising, mentoring, and career guidance to students.
• Support experiential learning through media productions, student projects, internships, portfolio development, and related activities.
• Contribute to curriculum development, program assessment, recruitment, retention, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Participate in faculty governance, committee service, professional development, and other institutional service responsibilities.
• Support the responsible use, development, and growth of the College's media production resources and instructional facilities.

• Introduction to Electronic Media
• Media & Society
• Television Production
• Media Law & Ethics
• Screenwriting
• Video and Digital Media Production
• Journalism and News Writing
• Media Production and Storytelling
• Other Media Studies/Mass Communications courses consistent with the candidate's expertise and program needs

• Master's degree in Mass Communication, Media Studies, Communication, Film/Television Production, Journalism, Digital Media, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary media, communication, and/or production practices.
• Ability to teach, mentor, and support undergraduate students effectively.
• Strong written, oral, interpersonal, and organizational communication skills.
• Commitment to student success and to the mission and educational environment of a historically Black college.

• Terminal degree in Communication, Media Studies, Mass Communication, Film/Television, Journalism, or a related discipline.
• Professional experience in television, film, video production, journalism, broadcasting, digital media, or related media industries.
• Experience with professional production equipment, editing/post-production technologies, and contemporary digital workflows.
• Ability to teach across both theoretical and applied areas of the Media Studies curriculum.

Candidates possessing substantial professional media experience in combination with appropriate graduate credentials are strongly encouraged to apply. Appointment at the Instructor or Assistant Professor level will be based on the candidate's academic credentials, professional background, and applicable institutional requirements.

The anticipated salary range is $40,000 - $68,000 annually. Final compensation will be based on academic credentials, professional experience, teaching experience, faculty rank, institutional needs, and other applicable qualifications.

• Letter of interest / cover letter
• Current curriculum vitae or resume
• Contact information for professional references
• Examples of professional media work, demo reel, portfolio, or other creative work, when applicable

Application submission instructions and any additional Human Resources requirements should be included in the final posting issued by Paine College.

The mission of the School of Humanities, Social Sciences, Education, & Media Studies is to prepare, empower, and transform students through rigorous, interdisciplinary, culturally responsive, and experiential education. The School develops critical thinking, ethical reasoning, communication, creativity, research, and professional skills, equipping graduates to lead, serve, and contribute meaningfully to diverse communities and an evolving global society.

Founded in 1882, Paine College is a private historically Black college located in Augusta,…