The Zimmerman School of Advertising & Mass Communications at the University of South Florida invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor, a nine-month, full-time and non-tenure earning position with a start date of August 7, 2026. Salary is negotiable. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.
The Zimmerman School's location in Tampa, Florida - the 11th largest media market in the United States - offers tremendous opportunities for internships and career advancement in a diverse and thriving community near a booming business and technology corridor. Zimmerman School students participate annually in more than 100 internships in the Tampa Bay area and beyond. On campus, student clubs and associations, including the Walter E. Griscti Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, the Ad Club, and student chapters of the Florida Public Relations Association and the Radio Television Digital News Association provide opportunities to network with professionals in business, non-profit, and government organizations.
We seek an outstanding scholar and instructor with teaching experience in one or more of the following areas: advertising research and planning, audience analysis, social media strategy, media literacy, and strategic communication. The successful candidate will possess a history of engagement in many aspects of mass communications and/or advertising. This individual will teach undergraduate and graduate courses and will be expected to serve on graduate student committees for thesis and applied projects.
Minimum Qualifications: A relevant Ph.D. from an accredited institution is required. ABD will be considered, but the degree must be completed prior to the appointment start date of August 7, 2026. Prior teaching experience is required. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Assistant Professor.
Preferred Qualifications: Relevant professional experience. Advising graduate students for thesis and applied projects.
Application Process -
When applying, please attach the following materials:
Application Deadline: Position is open until filled with initial review of applications beginning on June 15, 2026.
Questions may be directed to Search Committee Chair: Travis Bell at trbell@usf.edu.
Conclusion of this search is subject to final budget approval. According to Florida Law, applications and meetings regarding them are open to the public. For ADA accommodations, please contact Gina Lombardo at glombardo@usf.edu at least five working days prior to need. USF is an AA/EA/EO institution.
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
