The Department of Public Relations in the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida is seeking applicants for the Frank Karel Endowed Chair in Public Interest Communications to begin August 2010. The College seeks a distinguished professional communicator with a demonstrated record of accomplishment in the public interest sector and policy making issues, preferably at the federal level, as well as experience in managing advocacy communication strategy and a variety of communication techniques and efforts.  Candidates should possess a minimum of 10-15 years of professional experience at 501(c)(3) or similarly designated international organizations, which may include foundations,  not-for-profits, and NGOs.  Experience also may include up to three years as a journalist.  Also required is a minimum of a master's degree in communications or a relevant discipline such as political science, public administration, law, public policy, or public health.

The successful applicant will teach and advise undergraduate and graduate students, engage in governance and other service activities, and demonstrate interest in contributing to diversity and the internationalization efforts of the college and university.  The chair position will be expected to lead curriculum and facilitate research endeavors related to public interest communications and actively engage in professional outreach, service, and leadership activities at the national and international levels.     

Salary and benefits are commensurate with the experience and qualifications necessary to earn designation as an Endowed Chair, one of the highest levels of faculty distinction in the university.  The appointment is a nine-month, non-tenure accruing position as a full professor for a five-year term.  One renewal of the five-year term is negotiable at the successful completion of the first term.

The University of Florida seeks applications and nominations from a broad spectrum of individuals including women, members of diverse ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities. The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution. The "Government in the Sunshine" laws of the State of Florida require that all documents related to the search process be available for public inspection.

The Department of Public Relations is one of the largest public relations programs in the United States, with nine tenured or tenure-track faculty and one full-time lecturer.  It serves approximately 650 undergraduate majors and 55 graduate students, including 18 Ph.D. students.  The department is ranked consistently among the top-three public relations programs in the United States and aspires to be the very best.

The College of Journalism and Communications has over 65 full-time faculty, more than 90 full-time staff, approximately 3,500 undergraduate majors and over 200 graduate students including 75 doctoral students.  The College offers the doctoral degree and AEJMC-accredited baccalaureate and master's degrees through four academic departments: Advertising, Journalism, Public Relations, and Telecommunication. Additional interdisciplinary graduate programs exist in the following communication specializations: Science/Health; International & Intercultural; Political; Mass Communication Law; and Documentary Film.

The University of Florida, one of the most comprehensive universities in the nation, is a member of the Association of American Universities and is included in the Carnegie Commission's list of leading research universities. UF's students come from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The University of Florida seeks applications and nominations from a broad spectrum of individuals including women, members of diverse ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities. The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution. The "Government in the Sunshine" laws of the State of Florida require that all documents related to the search process be available for public inspection.

Application Procedure: To view application instructions and complete an online resume, visit www.hr.ufl.edu/job.  The reference number for this vacancy is 0803165.  Applications must include an electronic copy of the following: (1) a letter of interest; (2) complete curriculum vitae; (3) names, addresses, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of at least three professional/academic references.  The Search Committee may request additional materials at a later time.  If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call (352) 392- 4621 or the Florida Relay System at (800) 955-8771 (TDD).  Questions can be directed to the Chair of the Search Committee: Dr. Linda Hon, Executive Associate Dean, P.O. Box 118400, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-8400 (telephone: (352) 392-0466) or lhon@jou.ufl.edu.  Review of applications will begin January 11, 2010, and continue until the position is filled.