Assistant or Associate Professor: Sports Media & Society at InsideHigherEd

Position OverviewThe William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Kansas seeks an engaged, dynamic, and experienced scholar in sports media to join our faculty, primarily serving in our Sports Media & Society concentration. We are looking for scholars who can teach experiential sports classes while also providing a better understanding of the complex world of sports media and its role in society.

Appointment at a particular level will be based on an applicant's research/creative portfolio and teaching record. This full-time, tenure-track position will start in August 2026.

The William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications fosters a collegial atmosphere that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and mutual respect among faculty, staff and students. Applicants who demonstrate teaching, research, or creativity expertise in one or more of the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply: sports media, broadcast/visual communication, sports marketing, sports management, data analytics, and/or emergent media practices. Individuals with live production experience will be preferred.

Sports Media & Society is the School's fastest-growing concentration, allowing students to pursue all aspects of sports media, including broadcast, digital, public relations and marketing communications.

Successful applicants will have a terminal degree in journalism, mass communication, sports management, or related fields. Applicants are encouraged to outline areas of interest in their application materials. The successful candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the time of appointment.

Applications will be reviewed starting on October 17, 2025, and evaluations will proceed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.Job Description40% Teaching:

• Teach a 2-2 course load while developing curriculum in undergraduate and graduate programs, in-person and virtually, based upon needs of the School
• Mentor undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. students
• Hold regular office hours

40% Research:

• Demonstrate sustained productivity through publications, sponsored projects/grants, papers and presentations for national and international academic and professional audiences, or sustained creative work recognized at the national or international level

20% Service:

• Participate in the regular academic activities of the School, including committee assignments and major School functions
• Provide general service to the School and University
• Serve on and chair master’s and Ph.D. committees
• Professional service in academic, professional, and/or media organizations

Required QualificationsFor appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor:

1. Terminal degree in journalism, communication, sports management, or a related field by start date of appointment.
2. Demonstrated (or high potential for) teaching excellence in a university setting including the ability to develop and teach online courses.
3. Demonstrated (or high potential for) research success as shown through publications, portfolio, awards, research grants, or working papers.
4. Equivalent of at least three years full-time professional experience in media, communication, or a related field.

For appointment at the rank of Associate Professor:

1. Terminal degree in journalism, communication, sports management, or a related field.
2. Record of teaching excellence in a university setting, including the ability to develop and teach online courses.
3. Equivalent of at least three years full-time professional experience in media, communication, or a related field.
4. Demonstrated excellence in research as shown through publications, portfolio, awards, research grants, or working papers that have enabled the candidate to be successfully promoted to Associate Professor at a research-oriented university of a similar or higher research profile as the University of Kansas. Alternatively, demonstrated success in professional experience to meet the qualifications for Associate Professor.

Contact Information to ApplicantsPlease provide the following items with your application:

1. Cover letter that includes descriptions of research/creative work and teaching.
2. CV that contains record of accomplishments and productivity.
3. Names and contact information for three professional references.

Applications will be reviewed starting on October 20, 2025, and evaluations will proceed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.Application Review BeginsThursday October 23, 2025Anticipated Start DateTuesday August 18, 2026Apply to Job