The Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma invites applications for a full-time strategic communication student agency advisor to provide hands-on instruction, mentorship, and senior leadership for Lindsey + Asp - a student-managed, professionally led agency. The appointment will begin in January 2027.
Founded in 2009, Lindsey + Asp has provided hundreds of students with hands-on, real-world agency experience helping clients solve their strategic communication needs. Over the years, the student agency has developed creative work for national clients including American Airlines, the U.S. Navy, Carnival Corporation, Spotify, Dress for Success. The agency is a nationally recognized part of Gaylord’s top-ranked strategic communication program and is helping students translate their portfolio of Lindsey + Asp work and experience into jobs throughout the U.S.
The successful candidate will have a track record of building and leading teams with demonstrated oversight responsibility and/or experience in these areas on the agency and/or client side: strategic communication, marketing, research and insights, digital and social marketing, branding, advertising, public relations, video content creation, new business acquisition and client management. The student agency advisor will serve as the overall leader of the agency and will be responsible for business development, mentoring, coaching, and supervising student leaders and student members. The successful candidate should have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience. The agency faculty advisor will be responsible for building an agency strategic plan, including a comprehensive new business plan, and for working with the students to develop and maintain a strong, differentiated agency brand.
Two of the most critical responsibilities of the agency faculty advisor will be building and sustaining a strong client roster and developing the students who serve those clients. The advisor will formulate and execute an ongoing business development strategy to identify, pursue, and secure new client engagements while cultivating relationships with existing clients. Equally important will be the recruitment, onboarding, training, mentorship, and professional development of agency members, utilizing college, alumni, and external industry resources. The advisor will be expected to build a robust network of Gaylord alumni and other industry professionals to support student development and create internship and post-graduation employment opportunities. The advisor will also facilitate connections between students and external resources in the development and activation of ongoing research and insights initiatives.
The agency faculty advisor will be expected to forge alliances with other colleges and programs on campus and throughout the U.S., build strong relationships with relevant industry trade organizations like the AAF, PRSA, AMA, and the strategic communication community at-large to further advance relations between academia and industry.
Service may also include activities such as student recruitment, student introduction to industry contacts and career placement, student co-curricular activities (Ad Club, PRSSA, NSAC), college and university committees, and service to the profession and public.
The agency advisor will also be expected to teach a minimum of two classes per semester beyond agency faculty advisor responsibilities.
Key performance indicators (KPIs) may include but not be limited to:
· Creating a well differentiated brand and unique selling proposition for the agency.
A master’s degree and a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience are required. While not required, candidates with a Ph.D. or other terminal degree are encouraged to apply.
The position requires scheduling flexibility, including evening and other non-traditional hours, to provide effective oversight, mentorship, and support for student agency operations.
Applications for the search will be reviewed beginning October 15, 2026, and will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants should provide 1) a letter describing their qualifications and their vision and plans for this position, 2) a complete curriculum vitae, 3) access to an online portfolio of work if applicable, and 4) names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three references. Applications should be uploaded to Interfolio (apply.interfolio.com/193903). Applicants with questions can reach out to the search committee chair, Debbie Yount (debbie.yount@ou.edu).
The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.
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