Professor of Practice - Center for the Creator Economy

The Whitman School of Management and Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University invite applications for a full-time Professor of Practice position beginning as early as Fall 2026, with joint affiliation in both schools. This is a non-tenure-track position that is renewable, with an initial term of three years. This is a unique opportunity to join an interdisciplinary team in support of the Center for the Creator Economy (CCE). The CCE is the first center of its kind in higher education, advancing research, partnerships, programs, and cross-disciplinary collaboration in the rapidly expanding creator economy.

The Professor of Practice will mentor and support student learning, draw upon their industry connectivity to enrich the learning experience, and teach undergraduate and graduate courses related to the CCE, including but not limited to content creation, digital strategy, social media, influencer marketing, campaigns, or creator entrepreneurship. As the CCE is the first higher-education center of its kind, and this is its first faculty hire, the role offers a rare opportunity to shape an emerging academic field and help define what creator-economy education and research look like at a national level. The successful candidate will also serve as Deputy Director of the Center for the Creator Economy, helping to advance its academic vision, curriculum, programming, partnerships, and continued growth in collaboration with faculty and staff at Newhouse, Whitman, and across Syracuse University.

A passion for staying connected to the profession and a proven record of excellence in the creator economy are essential for this full-time, on-campus position in Syracuse. The successful candidate will bring meaningful industry experience, the ability to work well with others, and innovative ideas. Teaching and student success remain central to the role, with the expectation that the candidate will be available to support and mentor students, actively participate in Center and school activities, and contribute to an emphasis on experiential, career-ready education.

Given the cross-disciplinary nature of this role and the CCE, the Professor of Practice will have joint reporting lines to both the Whitman and Newhouse schools.

This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by the union SEIU, Local 200United.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher is required for this rank.

Job Specific Qualifications

• Professional experience and industry contacts
• Potential to contribute to the success of the CCE, through industry connections, executive education, and student placement
• Ability and willingness to contribute to service-related initiatives and organizational leadership.
• Collegial, with strong verbal and communication skills, interpersonal skills to work well with students, faculty and alumni, and with a proclivity for problem-solving and innovation
• Demonstrate the capacity for servicing the non-teaching, non-industry related duties that contribute to the functioning and governance of the academic institution and the broader professional community. The school expects a variety of service duties, including academic and career advising of undergraduate and graduate students; school and university committee service; and community engagement.
• Must be comfortable working with students of various backgrounds and levels of experience, including international students

Responsibilities

At Syracuse University, Professors of Practice are distinguished professional practitioners whose presence on campus and in the classroom connects the University community to valuable expertise and professional networks. To be a successful professor of practice candidate, the applicant must:

• Serve as Deputy Director, Center for the Creator Economy
• Typically teach six courses per year at both undergraduate and graduate levels, normally three courses in both the fall and spring semester
• Maintain active connections with industry to support student learning and engagement with industry partners
• Collaborate with others on the development of innovative courses and/or programming connected to the creator economy and related areas
• Foster a welcoming and engaging environment that is supportive of the development of the Center for the Creator Economy and positive cross-campus collaborations
• Participate in center, school, and university service activities such as committees and groups

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit the following documents for consideration:

1. Curriculum Vitae/Resume

2. Cover Letter that addresses the following:

a. teaching/mentorship philosophy and experience, whether in classroom or professional settings;

b. how you will create a classroom environment that is welcoming to all;

c. how you will stay connected to industry for the benefit of students, as is expected for Professors of Practice

3. List of at least three references with knowledge of your work