About this role
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.
The Zimmerman School of Advertising & Mass Communications at the University of South Florida invites applications for two (2) tenure-track Assistant Professors in Advertising, nine-month, full-time positions with a start date of August 7, 2027. Salary is negotiable. We seek an outstanding scholar and instructor with a distinctive and innovative research agenda in advertising and teaching specialization in one or more of the following areas: advertising analytics, interactive advertising, advertising planning and management, or data-driven content creation. Experience with quantitative research methods, emerging technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, social media targeting, and social listening tools such as Brandwatch), or relevant professional or industry experience is a plus. The ideal candidate will have an established record of, or strong potential for, securing external research funding, and will help build the research culture of The Zimmerman School, whether through their own research activity or by drawing on industry experience to strengthen the School’s professional connections. The Zimmerman School, located in Florida’s #1 media market, offers students transformational learning experiences in media and communication through distinctive curricula and hands-on training with award-winning scholars and professionals. Located in the dynamic Tampa Bay region, the Zimmerman School benefits from strong connections across a range of industries, including sports and entertainment, health care, tourism and hospitality, technology, and nonprofit and community organizations. These connections provide opportunities not only for student internships, client-based projects, and professional networking, but also for faculty to develop industry partnerships, pursue applied research and creative projects, engage community partners, and bring current professional perspectives into the classroom. Students train in a state-of-the-art virtual production studio, produce award-winning broadcast news shows that air on the local PBS affiliate, direct a student-run advertising and public relations agency that represents local and global clients, partner with local and national organizations to advance community initiatives, travel abroad to gain international experience through classes and internships and train to become certified drone pilots. Our graduate students conduct research and develop professional projects to enhance expertise in their fields and prepare for continued graduate study and success in professional practice.
Minimum qualifications: A Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution is required. ABD candidates will be considered if the degree is completed before the August 7, 2027 start date. Candidates must have a record of research in advertising (and/or a closely related discipline). Candidates must have prior teaching experience in advertising (and/or a closely related field). Candidates should be qualified to teach in the undergraduate Integrated Public Relations and Advertising (IPRA) program and in the graduate program in Advertising (M.S.). Candidates must also meet university criteria for appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor. Preferred Qualifications: Relevant professional experience and work with advertising analytics, social media, data-driven content creation, or emerging technologies (e.g., social listening tools such as Brandwatch, artificial intelligence, etc.). Relevant advertising industry experience (e.g., agency, in-house, consulting, or freelance work in areas such as advertising strategy, creative development, branding, campaign development, media, or client services). When applying, please submit the following:
• Cover letter • CV • Research Statement • Teaching Philosophy • Provide names and contact information for three (3) professional references The positions are open until filled, and a review of applications begins on October 16, 2026. Questions may be directed to Search Committee Chair Christine McCarty at [email protected]. Conclusion of this search is subject to final budget approval. According to Florida Law, applications and meetings regarding them are open to the public. USF is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access institution. For disability accommodations, contact Gina Lombardo at [email protected], a minimum of five working days in advance. 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 and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. 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 $750 million in research funding in 2025 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 nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.