Job Title

Journalism and Strategic Media (Journalism and Newspaper Adviser), Full-Time Lecturer, Faculty

School

Journalism and Strategic Media

University Expectation

MTSU seeks candidates committed to innovative teaching and meaningful service. We also seek to attract culturally and academically diverse faculty who value working with diverse students.

Salary

The salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Job Summary/Basic Function

The ACEJMC-accredited School of Journalism and Strategic Media at Middle Tennessee State University invites applicants for a full-time, temporary (non-tenurable) faculty position (#143260) at the rank of lecturer. This is a one-year temporary appointment. The contract may be renewed annually, subject to available funding, demonstrated need, and satisfactory performance as assessed through annual evaluations. The appointment start date is August 1, 2026.

This lecturer will teach three courses each semester in the School of Journalism & Strategic Media, oversee practicum students, and serve as the faculty adviser for Sidelines, MTSU’s student-run, award-winning, independent digital news agency/newspaper. Sidelines is a multiplatform digital news agency that produces content for its website, social media, and weekly newsletter. Sidelines is housed within the Center for Innovation in Media in the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment. The role requires the ability to work effectively with students at varying levels of experience, fostering a professional, respectful, ethical, and supportive newsroom culture. The candidate should be prepared to guide students through editorial decision-making and stand behind student-produced work in alignment with professional standards. The Sidelines adviser will periodically lead groups of Sidelines' students on trips to conventions and competitions. For more information, please visit  https://mtsusidelines.com/. 

Required Education

A master's degree in journalism, mass communication, digital communication, or another communication/mass communication-related/media/writing-related field is required by the appointment date.

A bachelor's degree with two (2) years of demonstrated full-time professional experience in journalism, news, broadcasting, mass communication, communication, or other media-related fields will be considered in lieu of a terminal degree. Applicants should include very detailed CVs listing all relevant work experience, indicating whether it was full-time or part-time, and providing the dates of employment.

Other Desirables

Applicants with the following will receive special consideration:

• News experience
• Multiplatform experience
• Leadership experience in a news agency or newsroom
• Previous teaching experience
• Ability to teach an array of journalism courses
• A commitment to maintaining a positive and collaborative environment within the School and the Center for Innovation Media
• Knowledge of AP style
• Experience working with student media
• Experience mentoring emerging journalists across platforms

Documents Needed to Apply

To successfully apply, applicants must include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and a statement of teaching philosophy.
NOTE: Applicants should include very detailed CVs listing all relevant work experience, indicating whether it was full-time or part-time, and providing the dates of employment.

Special Instruction to Applicants 

For more information about serving as a faculty member at Middle Tennessee State University, please visit our faculty recruitment webpage at https://mtsu.edu/facultyrecruitment/.

If you need help with the application process, please contact Mitzi Dunkley, Faculty Recruitment Specialist, at (615) 898-5128. If you have position-specific questions, please contact Jennifer Woodard at Jennifer.Woodard@mtsu.edu.

MTSU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:  

• Sick Leave
• Vacation Leave for Administrative/Classified Staff/12-month Faculty
• 13 paid University holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Retirement plans
• Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
• Educational benefits for the employee, their spouse, and dependents

MTSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligibility for U.S. employment is required before employment (Immigration Control Act of 1986). Clery Act crime statistics for MTSU are available at https://police.mtsu.edu/annual-security-report/ or by contacting MTSU Public Safety at (615) 898-2424.

MTSU is a Tobacco & Drug-Free campus.

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you will be required to provide information about your criminal history to be considered.

For individuals requiring reasonable accommodation to apply: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with MTSU, please call 615-898-2929 or email emp@mtsu.edu.

Application Review Date: 06/01/2026