Director, Hugh Downs School of Human Communication

Arizona State University:
Office of the University Provost, Tempe campus:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Location:

Tempe Campus

Start Date:

July 1, 2026.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences on the Tempe campus of Arizona State University (ASU) invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Director of the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication (HDSHC) with a concurrent appointment as a tenured Full Professor. Reporting to the dean of social sciences within The College, the Director will provide leadership that aligns with the university's culture of invention and innovation, create meaningful and enduring results, and encourage a passion for the social sciences as interconnected, inclusive, and impactful fields.

The HDSHC is home to a dynamic group of faculty working to create innovative research and excellence in teaching, addressing the complexity of human communication in the 21st century. With 28 core faculty, the school offers BA, BS, MA, and PhD degrees in Communication and soon an online master's in Health Communication.

• Provide intellectual leadership for a unit addressing the complexity of human communication in the 21st century.
• Oversee management of HDSHC’s academic programs to improve student experiences and expand access.
• Collaborate with stakeholders inside and outside of the HDSHC to advance the unit’s goals.
• Recruit, retain, and mentor excellent faculty and staff.
• Manage unit resources responsibly.

• Ph.D. in Communication Studies or a closely related field.
• Current appointment as a tenured Professor at ASU.
• A record of effective mentoring.
• Demonstrated experience in academic leadership.

• Internationally recognized program of research, strong record of external funding, and experience supporting colleagues in funding.
• Experience with financial oversight and personnel management.
• Excellent interpersonal and persuasive communication skills.
• Ability to articulate vision, mission, and future aims of the HDSHC in relation to The College and the University.
• Entrepreneurial approach to forming alliances and partnerships with other units, programs, and external stakeholders.
• Broad outlook and approach to new trends in Human Communication, capturing a new learning paradigm post-pandemic.
• Interest and commitment to fundraising and ability to present a compelling story to potential donors.

Applications will be reviewed beginning February 7, 2026; if not filled, reviews will occur every two weeks thereafter until the search is closed.

For nominations and inquiries, please contact the Chair of the Search Committee via email at tezcur.