Clinical Assistant Professor Media Production and Journalism

Overview

The Department of Communication at the University of Utah invites applications for a career‑line (non tenure‑track) faculty position focused on studio‑based media production and journalism. This role will support the department’s expanding ESPN/ESPN+/Utes Productions partnership, which launches in Fall 2026 and will grow as the studio begins operations and new curriculum is developed in production, broadcasting, and related areas. The position aims to connect students to internships and job opportunities through hands‑on, experience‑based learning, and to strengthen the department’s journalism emphasis.

The faculty member will serve as a studio‑centered leader, teaching skills‑based courses and coordinating applied learning opportunities. Expected teaching load is a 3/3 schedule (three courses in the Fall and three in the Spring). Administrative duties will include curricular expansion, technology coordination, and internship advancement. The role emphasizes hands‑on instruction, curricular coordination, and partnership development rather than traditional research expectations. A background in sports media may be helpful but is not required.

• Taught skills‑based courses in journalism, media production, and/or strategic communication (e.g., video, audio, streaming production, broadcast journalism, podcasting, digital photography, web design, content strategy, community reporting, campaigns, branded content, applied storytelling).
• Supported and helped coordinate the department’s studio and production infrastructure, including equipment, workflows, and space planning.
• Developed and maintained industry‑connected experiential learning pathways, including internships and project‑based courses tied to the ESPN/ESPN+/Utes Production partnership.
• Collaborated with campus partners, athletics, and community organizations.
• Contributed to curriculum development across journalism and strategic communication, especially where the two areas intersect.

• Master’s degree in media production, journalism, communication, strategic communication, media studies, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated professional experience in journalism, media and video production, strategic communication, or related applied media fields.
• Evidence of strong teaching or training experience in skills‑based or production‑oriented courses.
• Ability to work across media production, journalistic, and/or strategic communication contexts.

• Industry experience in digital media, broadcasting, streaming, strategic communication, social media, podcasting, or multimedia storytelling.
• Experience coordinating studios, production teams, or applied learning programs.
• Familiarity with internships, partnerships, or experiential learning models.
• Interest in AI, sports, media law, platform governance, or digital strategy as they relate to journalism and communication.

The Department of Communication is experiencing significant enrollment growth across journalism and strategic communication, investing heavily in applied, studio‑based education. Both programs have seen substantial increases in recent years, reflecting strong student interest in hands‑on, professionally oriented education. Through the ESPN/ESPN+/Utes Production partnership, the department provides expanded industry‑aligned learning opportunities.

Applicants should submit a cover letter describing professional background, teaching interests, and industry interests or connections; a curriculum vitae or resume; a writing sample; evidence of teaching effectiveness or professional work (e.g., portfolio links, syllabi, or work samples); and three references (names and emails). The deadline for submitting application materials is March 12th, 2026. For questions, please email the search committee chair, Marcie Young Cancio ng.

Cancio.

Position:
Non Tenure‑Track

Requisition Number: PRN
01478CF

The University of Utah is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion,…