The Communication Division of the Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences at Pepperdine University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor of Public Relations to begin August 1, 2027. The successful candidate must have a commitment to excellence as a teacher-scholar, a clear research agenda, and will be able to teach several courses within the Public Relations and relevant programs, including Introduction to Public Relations, Public Relations Writing, Public Relations Strategies and Techniques, and other relevant/current topics in Public Relations. The ability to teach general media courses, such as Media Writing & Storytelling, Communication Theories and Media Research, is preferred. In addition, candidates must have meaningful professional experience in the Public Relations industry to inform their teaching and scholarship.
The successful candidate will mentor and advise majors, co-advise the Public Relations Society of America chapter, oversee the curriculum component of student internships, and participate in the governance and committee work of the Communication Division and Seaver College. Documented research, teaching experience of relevant courses, and industry experience in the Public Relations field are required. To be considered for this position, candidates must have an earned doctorate in Public Relations or a related field by no later than August 1, 2027.
Pepperdine’s undergraduate Seaver College is a residential liberal arts college of approximately 3,500 students situated in Malibu, California. Successful applicants must have an active commitment to the Christian mission of the University and reflect on their willingness to support the mission of Seaver College in their application materials.
Applicants should provide the following materials: 1) a cover letter, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) a response to the University’s Christian mission, 4) transcripts of all graduate work (copies are acceptable during the application process; official transcripts will be required for selected applicants), and 5) names and contact information for three references (the same individuals who will provide a Confidential Letter of Recommendation or Evaluation if the candidate proceeds with interviews).
Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds. Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.
Review of applicants will begin on September 14, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.
The salary for this appointment will range from $91,527 to $112,659 and reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this faculty appointment. Actual salary may vary based on the qualifications and experience of the applicant, as well as market conditions. In addition to salary, Pepperdine offers a robust suite of employee benefits
Please direct any questions to the search committee chair:
Dr. Klive Oh (klive.oh@pepperdine.edu)
Communication Division
Seaver College, Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263
The search committee will only require standard application documents as listed on this form:
[Cover Letter] A letter of application/intent
[C.V.] A curriculum vitae
[Contact References] Names and contact information for three references. These should be the same individuals who will provide a Confidential Letter of Recommendation or Evaluation if you proceed with the interview process.
[Transcripts] Transcripts of all graduate work. (Unofficial copies are acceptable for the application; however, official transcripts may be required for selected applicants.)
[Personal Statement] Reflect on Pepperdine’s Christian mission and address your pattern of support for generally accepted Christian values and the University’s mission, your active participation in a faith community, and your practice or vision for integrating faith and learning in the classroom.
Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Pepperdine is committed to providing a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University.
Pepperdine is religiously affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It is the purpose of Pepperdine to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context that celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. While students, faculty, and staff represent many religious backgrounds, Pepperdine is permitted under applicable law and reserves the right to seek, hire and promote persons who support the goals and mission of the institution, including the right to prefer co-religionists who support Pepperdine's Christian mission.
