Professor of Strategy

Professor of Strategy – VCU Brandcenter | Business Faculty Opportunity

Institution Overview:
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Business invites applications for a Professor of Strategy (Instructional Practitioner, Term Professor) at the Brandcenter. This 9-month contract-based teaching role begins in August 2025 and reports to the Brandcenter Executive Director. We seek an experienced professional eager to mentor the next generation of brand and business strategists within one of the nation's leading graduate programs in brand and advertising.

About the Brandcenter:
The VCU Brandcenter is a full-time, two-year master’s program preparing students for leadership roles in creative business disciplines, including strategy, art direction, copywriting, brand management, and experience design. Students engage in real-world business challenges, branding campaigns, and communications innovation to become top-tier creative problem-solvers for today’s global marketplace.

Position Summary:
We’re hiring a strategic leader to teach, mentor, and help develop the next generation of business and brand thinkers. You’ll join a team committed to business school faculty excellence and play a pivotal role in shaping a curriculum that aligns with today’s dynamic advertising, branding, and strategy landscapes.

Key Responsibilities:
Teaching & Curriculum Development:

• Teach 3–4 Strategy courses per semester at graduate and undergraduate levels
• Design engaging, research-driven courses in brand positioning, strategic thinking, and consumer insights
• Guide students through real-world strategy projects that encourage critical and creative thinking
• Collaborate with cross-functional faculty (Art Direction, Copywriting, Brand Management, Experience Design)

Mentorship & Industry Engagement:

• Mentor students on career pathways, portfolio development, and internship strategies
• Facilitate relationships with industry professionals and bring agency, brand, and client projects into the classroom
• Participate in campus events, workshops, and student groups to foster community

Admissions & Program Support:

• Support the Admissions team in recruitment and student selection
• Represent the Brandcenter at conferences and outreach events
• Serve on faculty committees and contribute to internal governance

Preferred Skills & Profile:
We are seeking an instructional practitioner with:

• 7+ years of advertising/creative agency experience across strategy, concept development, and execution
• A track record of award-winning work and thought leadership in brand strategy
• Deep understanding of evolving media platforms, consumer psychology, and cross-channel branding
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and mentorship skills
• Prior teaching experience preferred

Required Qualifications:

• Terminal degree or equivalent experience in communications, public relations, journalism, or related fields
• In-person teaching availability and commitment to faculty and student engagement
• Demonstrated ability to work with and support diverse populations in a professional academic setting

Salary & Benefits:

• Salary range: $125,000 – $135,000
• Eligible for VCU’s comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage, paid leave, retirement plans, tuition benefits, wellness resources, and professional development opportunities. Details available here.

Application Process:
Submit your application via VCU’s hiring portal, including:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Teaching statement
• Link to or attachment of your professional portfolio
• Names and emails of four professional references (letters requested only for shortlisted candidates)

Application Review:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For inquiries, contact Ashley Sommardahl at asommardahl@vcu.edu.

Equal Opportunity Statement:
Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

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