Lecturer of Strategic Communication/Director for the Social Brand Lab

The Department of Communication at Southern Utah University invites applications for a full-time, nine-month, nontenure-track Lecturer of Strategic Communication who will also serve as Director of the Social Brand Lab.

The position begins August 16, 2026.

This faculty member will teach 15 credit hours per semester, including COMM 2030 Social Media Branding and COMM 4930 Social Media Lab, and help deliver other courses across the Strategic Communication emphasis. In addition to teaching responsibilities, the successful candidate will direct SUU’s Social Brand Lab. Operated as a student-run branding agency, the Lab serves as a collaborative, professional learning environment that engages students in realistic integrated marketing communication projects for students studying strategic communication. The Director will be expected to bring a clear vision for the Lab, cultivate revenue-generating partnerships that provide students with direct experience working with real clients, and mentor students as they prepare for professional roles in branding, advertising, public relations, and related disciplines.

• This position carries a 5-5 teaching load, with one course per semester reassigned to directing the Social Brand Lab.

• Courses in the strategic communication emphasis that you could be assigned include:
  COMM 2030 Social Media Branding.
  COMM 4930 Social Media Lab.

• Potential additional courses:

  • COMM 1030 Introduction to Social Media,

  • COMM 1450 Introduction to Advertising and PR, and other communication classes depending on department needs and candidate expertise.

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for the Social Brand Lab, including:

  • Creating an agency-style, experiential learning environment for students.

  • Offering opportunities for real-world application of branding, advertising, PR, and social media skills.

  • Cultivate revenue-generating clients in accordance with the business plan.

  • Facilitating collaboration between students, faculty, and campus/community partners

• Participate in department, college, and university service.

• Mentor and advise students within the Strategic Communication emphasis.

• Contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented academic environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Strategic Communication, Public Relations, Advertising, Communication, or a closely related field.

• University-level teaching experience in strategic communication or related areas.

• Professional experience in strategic communication (e.g., branding, advertising, public relations, social media management).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in a relevant field (as noted above).

• Experience directing or helping lead a professional center, agency, or lab similar to the SUU Social Brand Lab.

• Experience with experiential or project-based learning.

• Evidence of strong student mentorship and engagement.

Position is contingent on funding.

Due to recent changes in H1B visa fees, Southern Utah University is no longer able to sponsor international faculty and staff that require an H1B visa and are currently living outside of the United States.

Southern Utah University does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services. For more information or contact information, please visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination/.

In accordance with Utah State Code 53A-3-410, appointment to this position is contingent upon the successful passing of a background check.