Adjunct Instructor, Business and Economic Foundations of Public Relations and Advertising

The Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California seeks a highly qualified adjunct instructor to teach an undergraduate course PR 429: Business and Economics of Public Relations and Advertising. This course explores how economic principles, business operations, and financial systems shape the practice of modern public relations and advertising in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

The course introduces students to the fundamental relationship between communication strategy and business performance. It prepares students to operate effectively as communication professionals across corporate, agency, nonprofit, and government settings by equipping them with fluency in the language of business, economics, and executive decision-making. Special attention is given to how macroeconomic trends, media business models, and entrepreneurship are transforming the communications industry.

Applicants should be able to teach students core economic concepts as they relate to public relations and advertising, including the impact of macroeconomic developments on organizational strategy and messaging. The course also covers "Business 101" topics such as accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, and operations, with an emphasis on how these functions intersect with communication roles. In addition, applicants should be prepared to guide students through financial communications and investor relations, including earnings announcements, shareholder communications, SEC filings, and the lifecycle of a company from startup funding to initial public offering.

The instructor will also introduce key entrepreneurial concepts such as innovation theory, startup strategy, and business model development, reflecting the growing importance of independent and agency-based communication work. Students will produce professional-quality writing materials, including media pitches, Q&A documents, and corporate narratives for inclusion in their portfolios.

Applicants should be comfortable helping students develop the ability to analyze and critique public statements issued by corporations and government institutions on economic topics, apply investor relations fundamentals, and communicate effectively about macro- and microeconomic issues. The course emphasizes both analytical thinking and practical communication skills relevant to today's professional environment.

Requirements for consideration include a B.A., B.S., M.S., or an M.A. degree in a related field. Previous teaching experience is desirable. For some courses, outstanding professional experience may be substituted for academic credentials.

Applicants should send a letter describing their background, interests, and areas of expertise, along with an up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae, through USC's job site.

The hourly range for this position is $37.88 - $46.96. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC reserves the "Adjunct" appointment for faculty teaching less than full-time at USC who are employed full-time in a primary profession or career elsewhere. Adjunct faculty typically teach only one course per year, but in exceptional cases, may teach one course per semester, if approved by the dean.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law.

The USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism is among the nation's leading institutions devoted to the study of communication, journalism, and public relations. With an enrollment of 2,400 undergraduate and graduate students, USC Annenberg scholars, both students and faculty, are defining these fields for the 21st century and beyond.